Author: Lenora

The Best Pasta/Pizza Sauce

The Best Pasta/Pizza Sauce

This is the best pasta/pizza sauce you’ll ever make! It’s rich, thick, hearty and comes together in less than a minute in the food processor. The only cooking involved is roasting the tomatoes, which enhances the flavor greatly. Use it on everything from pizza to pasta to casseroles!

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 delightful salad offers all the fresh produce you’ll find in a Summer garden– from the juicy berries to the spicy arugula and cherry tomatoes– all enhanced with salty vegan feta and topped with a sweet syrupy balsamic glaze for the perfect finishing touch.  

It’s not only healthy, but incredibly delicious.  In fact, my 33-year old son, who has never in his life asked for a recipe, asked me for this one– that tells you something!  

Enjoy it as a light dinner or main course lunch.  Either way, it’s the perfect way to enjoy all the goodness that Summer has to offer!  

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!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Keyword: Summer Salad, Vegan Couscous Salad, Fruit & Arugula Couscous Salad, Main Dish Salad, Couscous Salad
Servings: 5

Ingredients

  • VINAIGRETTE
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or any wine vinegar)
  • 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • SALAD
  • 2 1/2 cups veggie stock Recommend Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Stock-- see Notes to order
  • 2 cups dried Israeli (pearled) couscous See Notes to order
  • olive oil (optional)
  • 3 cups baby arugula
  • 3 cups mixed berries- raspberries, blackberries, blueberries
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced cucumber-- remove seeds cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with spoon
  • 1 cup crumbled vegan feta Recommend Violife- see Notes to order
  • BALSAMIC GLAZE
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar You will have leftovers of the glaze. See notes to order.
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

  • Prepare the vinaigrette: Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a small/med bowl. Set aside.
  • Prepare the balsamic glaze: Heat the vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat, add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Continue to cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by almost half. Will form a thick and syrupy glaze. Cool to room temperature.
  • Prepare the salad: Bring the stock to boil in a medium pot over med-high heat. Stir in pearled couscous, then reduce to low, cover and cook for about 8 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and bring to room temperature. If it clumps while it cools, sti in a bit of olive oil to keep the pieces from sticking together.
  • To finish: Transfer cooled couscous to a large serving bowl. Add the arugula, berries, tomatoes, cucumber, feta and last the vinaigrette-- stir until everything is coated and all mixed together.
  • To serve: Drizzle the top with a few tablespoons of balsamic glaze. Enjoy!

Notes

ORDER MANY OF THE INGREDIENTS HERE:
VIOLIFE Feta - remarkably close to dairy feta cheese-- you won't miss the dairy at all!  Click here:  https://amzn.to/3PagYss
Pearled Couscous:  Buy here:  https://amzn.to/3yQqITm
Kitchen Basic Unsalted Veggie Stock:  Buy here:  https://amzn.to/3NTXS8M
Balsamic Vinegar:  Buy here;  https://amzn.to/3uAy4b1
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 […]

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”

What’s that on top of this hearty salad?  Could it be…?  No, it’s not meat.  It’s my delicious Tofu “Meat” with a similar texture, taste and appearance of crumbled sauteed meat, like pork or chicken!  It’s easy to make, tastes great and is so much healthier  (and of course more compassionate) than the animal product it mimics.   Just follow the directions as written and you’ll enjoy the same wonderful results!   

See Notes below for directions on how to make this scrumptious salad (that I eat almost every day for lunch)!  

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!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
1 day
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: TOFU Meat, Crumbled Tofu Meat, Crumbled Meat Substitute
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 block Extra firm Tofu, 14 oz
  • 1/8 cup Cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp each Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Oil: sesame, avocado and/or olive
  • 3 tbsp Vegan butter Recommend Country Crock Plant Butter
  • 1 tbsp Siracha (or more if you like spicy)
  • 2 tbsp Maple syrup, pure
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce, low sodium

Instructions

  • Freeze the tofu a day ahead - IMPORTANT-- do not skip this step! Freezing and thawing gives the tofu a meatier texture.
  • Thaw to room temperature. Drain and press out any residual liquid. You can do this by squeezing with your hands, and then wrapping it in a thin towel and pressing. It doesn't matter if the tofu crumbles while pressing it.
  • Place the corn starch in a bowl and mix with the salt and pepper.
  • Crumble the tofu in small chunks into the corn starch. Mix it with a large spoon into the cornstarch, breaking up larger chunks as you go. It should be somewhat crumbly but not too fine a crumble. Small chunky pieces.
  • Heat the oil in a non-stick fry pan over medium heat. Add the crumbled coated tofu, breaking up any larger chunks. Stir fry for about 2 minutes. It will not look like much at this point-- but it should have a very slight bit of color.
  • Add in the vegan butter and stir for 15 seconds. Add in the remaining ingredients. The mixture will sizzle and turn golden brown-- keep stirring. Continue stirring and frying for about 1-2 more minutes.
  • At this point, your tofu "meat" is done! It should look like the picture. For steps to make the salad in the picture, please see below. Enjoy!

Notes

SALAD:  Pile a bed of greens on a large plate, top with your favorite roasted veggies, the tofu meat, coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots), some chopped avocado and the creamy tahini dressing (or your favorite dressing of choice).  
ROASTED VEGGIES:  Chop and slice your favorite veggies, add a tbsp or two of extra virgin olive oil, a large pinch of salt and pepper, and roast on a lined sheet pan at 425 degrees for about 15-25 minutes.  Keep an eye on the veggies so they don't burn.  Some ideas are onions, eggplant, carrots, asparagus, and even potatoes.  
TAHINI DRESSING: 
1/2 cup tahini
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or more if you want more sweetness)
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or juice of half small lemon
1/4 tsp each:  black pepper, cumin, salt
1/8 -1/4 cup hot water
Mix all in small bowl until smooth and creamy.  Store in a glass jar.  
Fruit ‘n Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Fruit ‘n Oatmeal Cookie Bars

This is a throwback recipe that was easily veganized by swapping regular butter with plant butter. It’s also gluten-free, crunchy and with just enough sweetness to make it the perfect dessert or breakfast treat. Our favorite cookie bar!

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

This soup is smoky, sweet, thick and creamy– without using heavy cream-based ingredients.  It combines inexpensive pantry items and comes together fast for a delicious meal that will definitely fill you up– without weighing you down!    It goes perfectly with my fluffy Focaccia Bread!  

Smoky Corn Chowder

Sweet corn, potatoes and spices create a smoky, sweet and creamy soup that is filling and delicious! This soup cooks up fast using inexpensive pantry items and is deceivingly thick and hearty without using any heavy cream-based ingredients. ,
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: Fast and Easy Vegan Smoky Corn Chowder, Smoky Corn Chowder, Vegan Corn and Potato Chowder, Vegan Smoky Corn Chowder
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sweet canned corn, drained 15 oz can works-- use a firm, sweet corn like niblets
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 3 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 small/medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped about 3 tablespoons
  • 1.5 cups potato, diced into 1/2" pieces about 2-3 med potatoes
  • 2.5 cups vegetable stock- see Notes I use Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Stock
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • pinch chili flakes (optional: can omit for less heat)
  • 1/2 can coconut milk, full fat You can use light coconut milk to make it lighter in calories, but it will be less creamy.
  • GARNISHES: Chopped spring onion
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tsp oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add in drained corn and 1 tsp paprika. Stir until corn starts to turn golden, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the second 1 tsp oil to the pot and then the chopped onion and garlic, salt, pepper, last 2 tsp smoked paprika and optional chili flakes. Add potatoes. Stir until all is coated well with the seasonings, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the veggie stock, stir and bring to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, uncovered, until the potatoes are soft.
  • Using an immersion blender, partially puree the soup, leaving some chunky. If you don't have an immersion blender, use a ladle to remove about 1/2 the soup and puree in a blender. Return blended portion to the pot.
  • Stir in the half can of creamy coconut milk. Heat through and taste for seasonings. Add garnish if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

BUY VEGETABLE STOCK here: https://amzn.to/3njyJKc
Fluffy Rosemary Focaccia

Fluffy Rosemary Focaccia

This is the fluffiest, crunchiest and most delicious focaccia you’ll ever try– and it only requires about 5 minutes of hands-on time!

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

This is probably my husband’s first choice out of all my side dish recipes!   They are delicious and so incredibly easy to make.   Crispy yet fluffy, aromatic with herbs, this is sure to become one of your favorite potato recipes!  

Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Smashed Crispy Potatoes

These make a great side dish and only require a few simple ingredients. They're everything you want potatoes to be-- crispy on the outside, fluffy inside and perfectly seasoned!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Crispy, Potatoes, Smashed
Servings: 3

Ingredients

  • 6 Small gold potatoes (or other small round potato, but the golden are best)
  • 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil or more as needed
  • Kosher Salt to taste
  • Ground Black Pepper to taste
  • 1- 2 tbsp Herbs, fresh, chopped or 1-2 tsp dried mixed herbs Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Chives & Oregano

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add in the potatoes. Reduce to a slow boil/simmer and cook until fork-tender or about 15-20 minutes.
  • On a silicone or foil-lined sheet pan, drizzle olive oil to coat. Remove potatoes from water and place on the sheet pan, leaving a few inches between potatoes.
  • With a potato masher, press down on each potato until they are slightly smushed, rotating the masher once.
  • Drizzle the tops with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.
  • Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tops are crispy and golden brown. Enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh herbs if you can, but dried will work as well.  Toss on the herbs you like best!   
Herbed Roasted Tomato Pasta

Herbed Roasted Tomato Pasta

Bursting with freshness– juicy tomatoes and herbs roast together and combine with a high protein pasta for a complete meal!

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

SUMMER CORN SALAD
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Summer Corn Salad

All the fresh tastes of Summer! This delicious side dish comes together easily in one bowl and is always highly requested by friends and family!
Prep Time15 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Fresh Corn Salad, Summer Corn Salad, Summer in a Bowl
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Corn Kernels I use canned Niblets- extra crisp
  • 1/2 cup Cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup Scallions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Basil, chopped Fresh is best, or sub 1 tsp dried
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium/large bowl. Keep refrigerated. Best enjoyed on the first day but good on the second as well!
Best Banana Bread

Best Banana Bread

This banana bread is moist, delicious, not too sweet, gluten-free and totally vegan! I’ve gone thru a lot of banana bread recipes and tweaked them to create this great recipe!

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

If you love quick, easy sauces that are packed with flavor, this one if for you!  And, just look at the color!  This amazing, creamy sauce is so versatile and ready in just 10 minutes.  You only need seven ingredients that all go into a blender.   Gluten and dairy-free, it gets its rich, velvety texture from the soaked cashews, which add protein as well.   

Don’t stop at pasta– you can serve it with potatoes, pizzas, veggie burgers, salads, bowls, and more.  I served some alongside my Maryland Redskin Roasted Potatoes and my husband devoured it!  Enjoy!  

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!
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, Vegan Red Pepper Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (unroasted)
  • 1 15-oz jar roasted red peppers
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, smushed
  • 1/2 tsp salt, Kosher or sea
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • small bunch fresh parsley, divided
  • 4 cups Pasta, cooked (high protein gluten-free is best)

Instructions

  • Soak cashews overnight in water. Or, boil for five minutes in water and let sit in water for another hour. Drain water.
  • Add cashews and all remaining ingredients to a blender, set aside some parsley sprigs for garnish. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
  • Heat briefly in microwave to warm and mix with your favorite pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Notes

The soaked cashews add creaminess to this sauce.  They must be raw, and soaked enough to make them soft and blendable.  
Green peas would make a nice addition to this pasta dish, as well as adding more protein.  You can also sprinkle on some vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a more cheesy flavor.