Author: Lenora

Best Vegetable Curry Ever

Best Vegetable Curry Ever

This vegetable curry is bursting with Indian-inspired spices and seasonings simmered together with veggies in an aromatic sauce– easy to make and incredibly healthful! Spices are well known for their antioxidant power and this recipe scores high on the healing index.

One of my cooking students said this was the best curry she’d ever eaten– it’s definitely earned its title! You can switch up the veggies and use your favorites, and adjust the heat level of the spices to your preference. Serve it over Basmati rice with a dollop of cooling Raita or plant-based yogurt on top. Enjoy!

Thai Drunken Noodle Soup

Thai Drunken Noodle Soup

Sauteed mushrooms, fragrant herbs, brown rice noodles and rice wine vinegar– this soup packs plenty of flavor and nutrition! The addition of tofu and bok choy adds even more texture and flavor, along with the benefit of protein and greens. If you love healthy, Asian-inspired food, this soup is rich, flavorful and very warming!

Maryland Roasted Redskin Potatoes

Maryland Roasted Redskin Potatoes

My husband asks for these on a weekly basis!  They are crispy and perfectly seasoned, with the special ingredient lending itself to the name of the recipe. Nothing fancy here, just good ole comfort food and so easy to make!  Perfect as a side dish, in a salad, or with my Spicy Black Bean Burger!  

Maryland Roasted Redskins
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Maryland Roasted Redskin Potatoes

These are crispy and perfectly seasoned, with the special ingredient lending itself to the name of the recipe. Nothing fancy here, just good ole comfort food! Perfect as a side dish, in a salad, or with a veggie or bean burger.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: Maryland Roasted Redskins, Perfectly Roasted Potatoes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 medium redskin potatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt, sea or Kosher
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cumin, ground
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Old Bay or seafood seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Wash and cut potatoes into eighths. Place in medium-sized bowl, add oil and stir to coat.
  • Add all spices and seasonings. Stir to coat.
  • Spread out on a silicone-lined baking tray (or foil). Roast for about 25 minutes until golden and crispy. You can stir once after 15 minutes but not absolutely necessary.
  • Serve hot, enjoy!
Almond Butter Granola Cups

Almond Butter Granola Cups

These scrumptious little cups serve as either a portable breakfast, a filling snack or a healthy dessert. Crunchy, fiber-rich granola is combined with even more nuts and almond butter, filled with creamy almond butter and topped with a chocolate/almond butter glaze. Delicious, gluten-free and packed with protein and healthy fats– and no baking involved!

Creamy Pasta with Mushrooms and Peas

Creamy Pasta with Mushrooms and Peas

Creamy pasta, mushrooms and peas come together with all the stroganoff flavors you love in this easy skillet dinner! Ready in just 30 minutes!

Mocha Truffle Cookies

Mocha Truffle Cookies

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! This is an old favorite of mine that I veganized and it’s just as scrumptious as the original. Thick, chewy and loaded with chocolatey goodness, these morsels have a tender, truffle-like center and a slightly crispy outside, with just a hint of coffee. They’re gluten-free, too! Enjoy them with a glass of plant milk or coffee. They would be a grand finish to a hearty dinner, like my Pumpkin Black Bean Chili, or Roasted Tomato Pasta with Lentils!

Mocha Truffle Cookies

This is an old favorite of mine that I veganized and it's just as scrumptious as the original. Thick, chewy and loaded with chocolatey goodness, these morsels have a tender, truffle-like center and a slightly crispy outside, with just a hint of coffee. They're gluten-free, too!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Vegan Mocha Truffle Cookies, Dairy-Free Chocolate Cookies, Gluten-Free Mocha Cookies
Servings: 30 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plant butter (I like Country Crock Plant Butter)
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels-
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
  • 1 cup coconut or brown sugar
  • 6 tbsp aquafaba or 2 pastured/cage-free eggs (See note below)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour- brown rice or gluten-free
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder- unsweetened
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels Mini would work well!

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
  • In a large saucepan, melt plant butter and the 1/2 cup chocolate pieces over low heat. Stir to combine. Remove from heat. Stir in instant coffee granules to dissolve, cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Add in sugar, aquafaba (or eggs) and vanilla., whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt (sifting adds to the truffle-like consistency). Pour in chocolate/coffee mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Stir in the 1 cup chocolate pieces. The dough will almost come together in a ball.
  • Drop dough by tablespoons onto silicone or parchment-lined cookie sheets. Flatten slightly. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Do not overcook! Let cool 1 minute before transferring onto cooking rack. Enjoy!

Notes

Aquafaba- the liquid from a can of chickpeas.  Great sub for eggs!  3 tbsp substitutes for one egg.  
Indian Butter Chickpeas

Indian Butter Chickpeas

A plant-based version of the popular Indian classic, made healthier and even more delicious with chickpeas in a spiced, aromatic sauce!

Roasted Tomato Pasta with Lentils

Roasted Tomato Pasta with Lentils

This one-pot pasta dish is incredibly flavorful, thanks to roasting the tomatoes which adds a slightly smoky sweetness. The addition of capers and sundried tomatoes creates even more layers of flavor, and the lentils provide some bite and plenty of fiber and protein. Easy to make, healthy and delicious!

Breaking News – November

Breaking News – November

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Breaking News- December

The latest plant-based news for December

Boozy Chocolate Cake

Boozy Chocolate Cake

Not a speck of butter or eggs goes into this classic creation, yet it tastes buttery rich and incredibly moist. Serve it at your next party or event and watch everybody go back for seconds!

Dark Mystery Truffles

Dark Mystery Truffles

Creamy chocolate/coffee truffles drenched in a dark chocolate/coffee shell– there’s no mystery as to why these Dark Mystery Truffles are so incredible!  Not only do they taste decadent, they’re made with whole ingredients that are loaded with antioxidants!   Read about the wonderful health benefits of coffee here and chocolate here.   

Dark Mystery Truffles

Dark chocolate and coffee create a beautiful union in these decadent bite-sized treats! Creamy coffee/chocolate centers are enrobed in a glossy, coffee-infused chocolate glaze --the perfect after-dinner treat with a cup of coffee. Try not to eat too many, they're addictive!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Chilling/Freezing2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Coffee Chocolate Truffles, Vegan Mocha Truffles, Dark Mystery Truffles
Servings: 14

Ingredients

  • Mocha Center
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp almond butter, natural (unsalted)
  • 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cocao powder (can use cocoa)
  • 1 tsp instant coffee powder (can omit)
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • Chocolate Coffee Glaze
  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee

Instructions

  • First make mocha center: Combine all ingredients to a small bowl and heat in microwave for 1 -2 minutes on medium, stirring/whisking until smooth and combined.
  • Place mixture in fridge and let set up for at least two hours, or until very firm.
  • When mixture is very firm, scoop out a teaspoon at a time, roll into a 1" ball with the palms of your hands (it helps a little to run your hands under cold water first). Place balls on a parchment-lined sheet and place in freezer for 15 minutes to harden up.
  • Meanwhile, melt together all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes on medium. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  • Remove chilled mocha balls from freezer. With a spoon, dip each one into the melted chocolate and place on a parchment or wax paper-lined sheet.
  • Place in fridge to firm up for about 15 minutes. Optional: You can make extra chocolate glaze and dip in glaze a second time for an even richer truffle. Let chill, serve and enjoy!
Saucy Onion Mushroom Squares

Saucy Onion Mushroom Squares

A tangy onion mushroom mixture tops flaky puff pastry for an easy and delectable vegan appetizer!

Creamy Dreamy Mushroom Soup

Creamy Dreamy Mushroom Soup

This is another easy soup to prepare, but tastes like you spent hours slaving over it! So delectably rich and velvety– who would ever guess there’s not a speck of dairy in it?

Silken Chocolate Pie

Silken Chocolate Pie

This pie is luxuriously rich, thick and creamy, without a drop of dairy in it.  The secret ingredient is silken tofu, which creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture without any additional fat– just protein!  Nobody will ever know the tofu is in there (nor will they care).  This was a big hit at my last holiday dinner– even my tofu-phobic brother enjoyed a huge piece!  

Read about the health benefits of tofu here.  

Silken Chocolate Pie
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Silken Chocolate Pie

Only six ingredients create a rich, dreamy pie that will melt in your mouth. The magic is created with silken tofu, along with nut butter, almond milk and semi-sweet chocolate. So easy to make, too-- it all comes together in a blender and sets up in the fridge.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Chocolate Silk Pie, Silken Chocolate Pie, Dairy-Free Chocolate Silk Pie
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 12 oz silken firm tofu organic is best
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Almondmilk I prefer Almond Breeze
  • 1/2 cup nut butter, salted-- almond or peanut butter preferably
  • 12 oz chocolate chips, melted regular or vegan
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tbsp maple syrup, pure (optional, for a slightly sweeter pie)
  • 1 graham cracker crust *

Instructions

  • In a high-speed blender, blend the tofu, almond milk and nut butter until very smooth.
  • Add the melted chocolate chips, vanilla and maple syrup and blend until very smooth. The mixture will be very thick.
  • Pour filling into crust.
  • Chill pie for at least 8 hours or overnight. Top with dollops of whipped coconut cream or non-dairy whipped topping and shaved chocolate or chocolate chips. Enjoy!

Notes

Silken Tofu:  Be sure to buy organic, non-GMO tofu.
Crust:  I used this classic graham cracker crust recipe, below.  I've also included a healthier, gluten-free option here:  
Healthier Graham Cracker Crust:  1 cup ground nuts (walnuts or pecans)
8-10 soaked pitted dates (soak in water for a minimum of 15 minutes to soften).  Blend nuts and soaked dates until finely chopped and crumbly yet will stick together.  Press into a deep dish pie pan and bake at 350 for 10 minutes.   Cool and fill.  
Classic Graham Cracker Crust:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a food processor, combine 12 sheets of graham crackers, 1/3 cup sugar, and 6 tbsp melted plant butter.  Process until combined.  Press firmly into a 8-9" pie pan.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Cool before filling. 
Orzo with Roasted Veggies

Orzo with Roasted Veggies

This Mediterranean-inspired side dish with a lemony sauce, roasted vegetables and rice-like orzo creates a wonderful medley of flavors and textures! You can add cubed firm tofu for a main-dish meal. Whenever I serve this to guests, they always ask for seconds!

Curried Almond Butter Noodles and Veggies

Curried Almond Butter Noodles and Veggies

A creamy, curry-spiced nut butter sauce joins stir-fried veggies and rice noodles for an easy one-pot meal. Healthy and delicious!

Chocolate Chunk Tahini Bars

Chocolate Chunk Tahini Bars

The tahini or sesame seed butter in these delicious  Chocolate Chunk Tahini Bars creates a chewy, not-too-sweet dessert.  The tahini add a great deal of healthy fats, protein and other health benefits and the whole flours made from oats and nuts make this gluten-free.  The chocolate on top doesn’t hurt, either!  This would be a great finish to my Spicy Black Bean Burgers.  Read more here about the health benefits of tahini.  

Chocolate Chunk Tahini Bars

Who knew tahini could create such dessert yumminess? Slightly chewy with a nutty flavor,, these bars are gluten-free and come together quickly in one bowl. The drizzle of dark chocolate on top is the perfect sweet touch!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Gluten-Free Tahini Bars, Chocolate Chunk Tahini Bars, Tahini Dessert Bars
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp vegan butter (Plant Butter, Earth Balance), melted
  • 3/4 cup coconut or brown sugar
  • 1 egg (pasteured), whisked or flax egg (see below)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup tahini, stirred
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3 oz dark chocolate, chopped
  • GLAZE:
  • 1/2 3.5 oz bar dark chocolate, chopped or 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8"x8" baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Grease the paper or foil with a dab of oil.
  • Whisk together the melted vegan butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the egg, vanilla extract and tahni. Whisk together until combined.
  • Add the flours, salt and baking powder and stir until combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate. The batter will be soft and slightly sticky.
  • Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and smoothing the surface.
  • Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the top is light golden brown and firm, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Remove paper or foil when completely cooled .
  • While cooling, prepare glaze: Combine chocolate and coconut oil in a small bowl and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes on med-high, stirring, until smooth. Drizzle over bars. Let cool or refrigerate, then slice into 12 bars. Enjoy!

Notes

Chicken Eggs:  Please use only pastured or Certified Humane Free Range eggs-- I like Pete & Jerry's.  While it claims to be "cage free", the brand Nellies is not truly cage-free nor certified humane.  Look for "Pasture Raised" or "Certified Humane Free Range" on the package.  
Flax Egg:  1 Tbsp flax meal mixed with 3 tbsp water.  Combine and let thicken for about 10-15 minutes.