Author: Lenora

Easy Peachy Cobbler

Easy Peachy Cobbler

What could be a more perfect summertime dessert than this scrumptious, vegan peach cobbler that comes together in only minutes? Fresh peaches and a cinnamon-laced, crisp gluten-free topping make it perfect for entertaining on a hot summer day!

Fruit & Arugula Couscous Salad

Fruit & Arugula Couscous Salad

This fabulous salad offers layers of flavor, from the juicy Summer fruits to the spicy arugula and salty vegan feta. The sweet balsamic glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s easy to prepare and super healthy– great for lunch or a light dinner!

Peanutty Pretzel Crust Ice Cream Bars

Peanutty Pretzel Crust Ice Cream Bars

This is the perfect warm-weather dessert– so indulgent but with very little added sugar and not a drop of dairy!  The no-bake pretzel crust is layered with store-bought non-dairy ice cream, topped with chopped peanuts and finished with a thick, creamy chocolate ganache.  

It is sure to satisfy all your salty, sweet, creamy and chocolate cravings!

Peanutty Pretzel Crust Ice Cream Bars

Who doesn't love a good ice cream bar in the Summer? This easy, old-fashioned recipe has been veganized and is just as scrumptious as ever! It features three layers of goodness-- a sweet and salty crust, creamy ice cream middle and a rich and fudgy ganache topping. The perfect warm-weather dessert!
Prep Time20 minutes
Freezing Time: 3 hours4 hours
Total Time4 hours 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Vegan Ice Cream Bars, Vegan Peanut-Pretzel Crust Ice Cream Bars,, Vegan Summer Treats, Vegan Peanut-Chocolate Ice Cream Bars
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • Crust & Filling:
  • 1/2 cup Plant Butter, melted, room temperature (plus more for greasing pan) Recommend Country Crock Plant Butter
  • 1 1/4 cups (4 oz) Salted ground pretzels (See Note) About 2 1/4 cups whole pretzels ground in a food processor-- not too fine-- should be crumbs not flour
  • 3 tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 pints non-dairy vanilla ice cream Recommend Oatly - see link in Notes below
  • Ganache Topping:
  • 6 oz chopped semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips, divided (half bag of chocolate chips)
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream Solid cream from top of can of coconut milk. Refrigerate can first for easier separation.
  • 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp each, finely chopped peanuts and chocolate

Instructions

  • Make the Crust: Grease the bottom of an 8x8 inch pan with softened plant butter. In a large bowl, combine the ground pretzels, melted butter and brown sugar with a spoon until combined and the texture of wet sand. Scrape into the prepared pan, pressing flat with a spoon or your hands to create a flat layer.
    Freeze for about 30 minutes.
  • Make the Ganache: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chocolate, peanut butter and coconut cream. Microwave in 30 second intervals on High, stirring in-between. Stir until a thick glossy sauce forms. Let cool completely.
  • About 20 minutes before you're ready to assemble, put the ice cream pints on the counter to soften. Spread the softened ice cream over the frozen pretzel crust. Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts, pressing lightly into the ice cream.
  • Transfer to the freezer for about 30 minutes, untl firm. Remove and pour the ganache over the top, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with the finely chopped peanuts and chocolate. Return to the freezer until firm, a minimum of 3 hours or overnight.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 bars. You can run the knife under hot water (and dry) between slices. Enjoy!
Lemony Mushroom Piccata

Lemony Mushroom Piccata

This Italian classic goes vegan and is just as delicious as ever! This easy dish features “meaty” slices of mushroom, coated in Dijon mustard, dredged in chickpea flour and sauteed until golden. The tangy, flavorful sauce takes only minutes to make. So simple and yet quite gourmet!

TOFU “Meat”

TOFU “Meat”

I’ve created a way to make tofu that closely resembles meat– like a crumbled pork or chicken– and it only takes a few steps and is super easy. It’s perfect over a big salad, or in your favorite stir-fry or even in a casserole dish. Versatile, tasty, healthy and no cruelty involved!

Fruit ‘n Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Fruit ‘n Oatmeal Cookie Bars

This throwback recipe is crunchy, not too sweet and makes the perfect dessert or breakfast treat!  I made this recipe quite often before I went plant-based, and when I discovered it again I realized how easy it was to veganize and make gluten-free as well!   The results were perfect- and it’s still one of our favorite cookie bars!  

Fruit 'n Oatmeal Cookie Bars

This is a throwback recipe that I used to make all the time. When I pulled it out of my old recipe binder, I realized how easily it could be veganized and made gluten-free. It's crunchy, not too sweet and can serve as a dessert or even as a breakfast item. You can use any store-bought fruit jam you like, or to be really healthy you can make your own chia jam. So simple yet so delicious-- one of our favorite cookie bars!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Fruit and Oatmeal Cookie Bars, Vegan Cookie Bars, Quick and Easy Vegan Cookie Bars
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, either light or dark coconut sugar works as well
  • 1 heaping cup flour non-gluten, rice flour, oat flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 heaping cup rolled oats organic is best
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened Recommend Country Crock Plant Butter
  • 1/2-3/4 cup fruit jam, seedless- strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, peach, apricot, blackberry any fruit jam you like, sugar-free jam or Chia Jam (recipe below)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degree. Line an 8" square pan with lightly greased parchment paper. You can use greased foil if you don't have parchment paper.
  • Combine all the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Mix in the softened butter until combined; it may be a bit crumbly which is fine. Press about 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. It may seem thin, but should spread enough to cover the bottom, Dampen your hands to press it out.
  • Spread the jam over the crust to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Dollop on the remaining batter and lightly press it into the jam.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned. If using parchment paper, lift sides to remove from pan. Cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

CHIA JAM:  
1 lb fresh fruit:  strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apricots
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp lemon juice
  1. Slice larger fruits (other than small berries) into small pieces. 
  2. In a pot over medium heat, combine the fruit, maple syrup and lemon juice.  Simmer for 5-7 minutes, using your spoon to break the fruit down. 
  3. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the fruit, then turn off the heat. 
  4. Stir in the chia seeds and transfer the jam to a storage container.  Place in the fridge to cool. 
Roasted Eggplant and Lentil Stew

Roasted Eggplant and Lentil Stew

Succulent roasted cubes of eggplant top a hearty stew of lentils and pasta, with tangy notes of lemon and salty vegan feta.

Smoky Corn Chowder

Smoky Corn Chowder

Creamy and smoky without using heavy cream-based ingredients or bacon! Easy to prepare and so delicious and filling!

Fluffy Rosemary Focaccia

Fluffy Rosemary Focaccia

If you’ve ever been intimidated by bread-making, you’ll love this wonderfully simplistic recipe!  It takes practically no effort at all and produces incredible results.  Crunchy and salty outside, pillowy and airy inside- you won’t believe you can make this so easily!

There are two methods here– one rising in a warm place, and the other in your fridge.   Either way, it’s absolutely addictive!  Pair it with one of my soups for a very filling and satisfying plant-based meal!

FLUFFY ROSEMARY FOCACCIA

This is the easiest, fluffiest most delicious focaccia you'll ever make! Crunchy, salty and aromatic on the outside, pillowy and airy on the inside, it's incredibly easy to make-- only requires about 5 minutes of hands-on time!
Prep Time5 minutes
Rising Time3 hours
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Fluffy Focaccia, Vegan Focaccia, Super Easy Focaccia Bread
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-purpose unbleached Flour
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp Active Dry Yeast about half a packet
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 cup Water- lukewarm Not hot or it will kill the yeast
  • 1 tsp Oil- for greasing pan Use canola or olive
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil- divided
  • Flaky Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Rosemary leaves- dried or fresh

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, sugar and dry yeast.
  • Add the warm water. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix together until it forms a sticky dough ball. Don't overmix.
  • Rub the surface of the dough with some olive oil to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap (tightly-- I use a rubber band) and place in a warm place for about 2 hours. I set my oven on warm for about 5 minutes, turn it OFF and place the covered bowl inside. It creates a nice warm place for the dough to rise.
  • Grease a 8 or 9" cake pan with oil or nonstick cooking spray.
  • After the 2 hours, use a wooden spoon or spatula to deflate the dough and release it from the sides of the bowl, pulling it slightly towards the center. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the center of the baking pan. Turn the dough into the greased and oiled pan, and roll the dough ball in the oil to coat it all over. It will be a very soft and fluid dough ball.
  • Let the dough ball rest and rise for 3-4 hours in your already warm oven. No need to cover it if it's oiled properly.
  • After 3-4 hours, take pan out-- the dough will have risen and spread out to fill the pan. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Sprinkle the rosemary all over the dough. Pour another tablespoon of olive oil over the dough. Dip your fingers in the oil, then using all of your fingers, press straight down all over the top to create deep dimples. This is the fun part! Sprinkle with flaky sea salt all over. Be generous with the salt.
  • Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it looks golden and crisp. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Remove from oven and slice a knife around the edges to loosen (you may need to slip a spatula under to make sure it doesn't stick). Transfer to a cooling rack and cool for 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Alternative Refrigerator Method:  For direction #3:  After mixing dough ball, slick the top surface with olive oil, INSTEAD of letting the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours, cover it with a towel or wrap (tightly) and place in the fridge for 12-36 hours.  That's right, you let it proof in the fridge.   Take it out and continue with directions above from #4 on.   
You can double this recipe and use a 9x13-inch pan.  
Warming Winter Soup

Warming Winter Soup

Sweet roasted squash, earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice create a nourishing and delicious soup that will warm you on a cold winter’s day!

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, topped with aromatic herbs — these are sure to become your favorite potato dish!

Herbed Roasted Tomato Pasta

Herbed Roasted Tomato Pasta

My garden is still overflowing with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs, so I created this recipe to use up my harvest!  I wanted to make it a complete meal so I used a high protein pasta (I used Lentil Pasta, see below) that has 15 grams of protein per serving!  

If you’re looking for a fast, fresh and super easy meal, this is the one!  

Herbed Roasted Tomato Pasta

Brimming with aromatic herbs and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is fast, fresh, healthy and delicious!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 medium red onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Bean or Legume (protein) pasta- cooked according to pkg directions Lentil or Black Bean

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Mix/stir together all ingredients and spread out on silicone or foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Roast in oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until tomatoes have burst and onions are golden brown.
  • Transfer to a bowl and smush with potato masher and stir until it combines to form a thick syrupy sauce.
  • At this point you can taste and add in some garlic powder or red pepper flakes if you want to add a little zing. If you want a sweeter sauce, add in a 1/2 tsp sugar.
  • Pour over pasta and mix together. Garnish with chopped basil or top with some nutritional yeast for a little cheesiness.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

You can throw in some baby spinach to add extra flavor and nutrition (add it while the pasta and sauce are hot so it will wilt in), or serve with a side salad for a tasty, complete and nutritious meal! 
If you don't have fresh herbs, substitute in 1 tbsp mixed dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil).  
Pre-Roasting- I added the onions in after I took the pic
I used this pasta but you can choose whatever protein pasta you like!
Festive Fruit Tart

Festive Fruit Tart

So easy to make yet so impressive! Fresh fruit tops a creamy filling over a buttery crust. Scrumptious and makes a beautiful presentation!

Summer Corn Salad

Summer Corn Salad

This has all the fresh tastes of Summer and comes together so easily in one bowl!

Best Banana Bread

Best Banana Bread

This delicious banana bread is my favorite and I’ve tried quite a few!   I’ve tweaked it to be a nice combination of moist, fluffy and not too sweet.  Best of all, it’s vegan and gluten-free!  

Try it as a snack, for breakfast or as a slightly sweet dessert. 

Slice it up and serve it plain or with vegan butter, almond butter or coconut butter– scrumptious!

BEST BANANA BREAD

Moist, delicious and completely vegan, this banana bread is my go-to every week for a healthy snack or a not-too-sweet dessert!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Vegan Banana Bread, Gluten -Free Banana Bread, Vegan Quickbreads, Gluten-Free Breakfast
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 3 med-large bananas
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1/3 cup plant-based milk I use unsweetened almond or oat
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup brown or coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • t tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups almond and oats flours
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • Optional stir-ins: chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans,

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9x5" loaf pan with oil.
  • In a large bowl, mash the banana until it's almost smooth.
  • Add all the ingredients in the order listed to the mashed banana, whisking together, and then adding the dry ingredients starting with the quick oats with a large spoon. Stir until combined.
  • Stir in optional add-ins if desired. Or, you can sprinkle the add-ins on top of the loaf before baking.
  • Bake the loaf for 45-55 minutes until golden and firm on top. The top of the loaf should lightly spring back when pressed.
  • Cool the loaf in the pan for 30 minutes. Then, slide a knife around the loaf to loosen and gently remove it from the pan. Place on a cooling rack until completely cool.
  • You can slice and spread the loaf with vegan butter or coconut butter, or it's wonderfully moist and delicious on its own. Wrap tightly and keep in the fridge. Enjoy!
May Highlights – 2020

May Highlights – 2020

10 Vegan Brain Foods to  Incorporate Into Your Diet Do most of your mornings start with a frantic search for the car keys or walking out the door without the lunch you spent so much time preparing the night before? It happens to the best of us. […]

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

This amazing, creamy sauce is versatile, full of flavor and ready in just 10 minutes. You can serve it over pasta, as shown here, or over potatoes, pizzas, veggie burgers, salads, bowls, and more!

Roasted Sweet Potato and Asparagus Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato and Asparagus Salad

It’s advised that we eat the colors of the rainbow– and this delicious, nutrient-packed salad certainly fills the bill!  Sassy roasted sweet potatoes, earthy asparagus, spicy arugula– all tossed with a tangy lemon dressing to create a savory treat for your tastebuds!  

All three of the main ingredients in this salad provide a myriad of health benefits.  Read more about why sweet potatoes, asparagus and arugula are nutrient powerhouses!  

Roasted Sweet Potato and Asparagus Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Sweet Potato and Asparagus Salad

The combination of textures and flavors in this hearty salad will make your tastebuds sing! Roasted veggies, spices, garlic and spicy arugula combine with a lemony dressing for an incredibly nutrient-packed and delicious meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad
Keyword: Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Veggie Salad, Roasted Sweet Potato, Arugula Salad
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed, chopped into 2" pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, + 1 tbsp, divided
  • 2 tsp salt, Kosher or sea, divided
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 3-4 cups arugula
  • 1/4 cup vegan feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • LEMON VINAIGRETTE
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (half large lemon, juiced)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
  • In a bowl, add the sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, minced garlic, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, cumin and cinnamon. Toss to combine. Place on a silicone or foil-lined baking and tray and roast for 20-25 minutes.
  • Make the vinaigrette: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Meanwhile, combine asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper. Place asparagus on a lined baking tray and roast for 8-10 minutes (last 10 minutes of while the sweet potatoes are roasting).
  • In a large bowl, toss the arugula with some of the vinaigrette. Add the roasted sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus and optional feta. Add more vinaigrette and toss again to combine. Enjoy!