Vegan Original Tommy's Dupe! (aka Chili Sauce)

Growing up in Southern California, just outside of LA in Long Beach, the Original Tommy's Chili Fries, Hot Dogs, and Burgers have always been a late-night favorite. The almost pasty chili always hit the spot after a night of shenanigans. 

I have tried to make a vegan dupe of this iconic chili for over a decade, and I finally think I nailed it! I made this one inspired by a bunch of different copycat recipes found online, and obviously made it vegan, and simplified it as much as possible to utilize ingredients most folks can find at any grocery store. 

Tofu Deviled Eggs

Tofu Deviled Eggs

Nothing like a funky little square egg made out of tofu to make everyone look at you and say, "OMG, you are vegan AF." Yeah, well, you can use molds and waste spend your time boiling up agar in soy milk to make a realistic-looking "egg," but I'm not trying to fool anyone. These taste great, and really do itch that scratch for deviled eggs. And they also show folks that chicken eggs aren't even necessary to make awesome snacks. Also, the filling works great as a base for "egg" salad sandwiches. Just add all your favorite mix-ins, and you're good to go!

Roasted Broccoli Garlic Dip - Perfect for Gameday!

Roasted Broccoli Garlic Dip

Creamy, rich, and full of umami, this easy broccoli dip is a great snack that sneaks in extra veggies without anyone being the wiser!

Winter Kale Salad with Satsuma & Pomegranate in a Creamy Garlic Dressing

Winter Kale Salad with Satsuma & Pomegranate in a Creamy Garlic Dressing 

Created for Tanaka Farms to show off the seasonal bounty! All ingredients, except a few spices and pantry staples, are available at the Farm's Produce Market Stand during the winter season. Show off the seasonal produce in this easy-to-make salad that is definitely pretty enough to show off on your holiday table. You can also substitute any dried fruit for the pomegranates, and other mixed greens are great mixed in as well. Spinach, bok choy, arugula... 

A Fully Vegan ThanksLIVING Feast

A Fully Vegan ThanksLIVING Feast

Maybe it's your first holiday season eating plant-based. Or, maybe, it's your thirtieth! Or, maybe, it's your first-time cooking for a vegan family member. Or, maybe, you just love cooking and as long as it tastes good, it doesn't matter that it's vegan! Whatever your reason, these recipes are perfect for the season. Scroll on down for an entire feast of recipes from soup and salad to start, to sides, a show-stopping stellar main dish, and even a no-fuss dessert.

Vegan Jamaica (Hibiscus) Tacos

 

Vegan Jamaica (Hibiscus) Tacos 

We were having a Dia de los Muertos celebration at work, so I made jamaica tacos as the vegan option for guests. 

Farmers' Market Chili with Chipotle Cashew Cream

Let's make a big pot of veggie chili with all this fresh produce from the Tanaka Farms Produce Market Stand! As you know, I started working for Tanaka Farms in Irvine, California, way back in 2014. One of my jobs on the farm is to develop recipes* and teach cooking classes featuring the produce grown on the farm.

Budget Recipe: Vegan Corn & Potato Chowder (made with canned corn and potatoes!)

Vegan Corn and Potato Chowder

Sometimes you just want a cozy, hearty bowl of soup that won't break the bank, without going to the store, or spending all day in the kitchen. That was me this morning. I just returned home from a road trip. I am still unpacking, and have to head back to work today...but I really wanted a warm, creamy soup to pack up and take with me. I didn't have time to go buy groceries, and I didn't have a lot of time, so I looked through my cupboards and fridge to see what I could come up with...and this chowder was born.

Orange Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary

Orange Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary 

Adding a sprig of rosemary gives this tangy Thanks-Living stape a bit more depth. (Tastes great on a leftover sandwich, or on top of icecream, or even better on top of a vegan cheesecake!) 

Nutty Fruitcake

Nutty Fruitcake

You might just be able to win over even the biggest fruitcake haters with this one, as it contains no fluorescent green or red unidentifiable gelled fruit bits. Rather, it is chock full of dried fruits and nuts and then topped with candied fruits and nuts. This is a sophisticated fruitcake, if you can believe it! This recipe makes 6 mini cakes which makes it perfect for gift giving.