Creamy Basil and Herb Sauce (Dip, Spread, and Dressing)

Lately, I have been really leaning into getting a bigger nutritional punch from my foods. Trying to up the protein and fiber without sacrificing flavor. I am also focusing on recipes that have multiple uses, so I can make a big batch and then use it in different ways throughout the week. This one really fits the bill. This rich, savory sauce is great in pasta (hot or cold), as a dip, on a grain bowl, a spread for wraps and sandwiches, and as a salad dressing. And each tablespoon has 2+ grams of protein...and y'all know I won't stop at 1 tablespoon. Ha!

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. 

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.

Smoked Pumpkin Bisque with Cashew Cream

Smoked Pumpkin Bisque with Cashew Cream

This was a game changer for me and fresh pumpkin. See, I'm not so much into baking, but I absolutely love cooking, and I had my hands on some heirloom pumpkins I wanted to play around with. So...into the smoker they went! I simply cut 3 medium size pumpkins in half, skin, seeds, and all, and chucked them in a smoker with Applewood Chips for 5 hours. The result? A slightly smoky, slightly sweet, easy to puree pumpkin that is perfect for soups, curries, stews, chili and more!

Makin' Bakin! (New and Improved Easy Vegan Bacon Bits!)

Makin' Bakin! (New and Improved Easy Vegan Bacon Bits!)

Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Quick & Easy

Many moons ago I was challenged to make imitation bacon bits that don't have so many weird ingredients (you can read about it HERE) and that popular recipe ended up in my Veggie Burger book! Now, I have a new and improved version that I want to share with you here!

Seven Cheese Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese

Seven Cheese Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese

Oh, that's rich! It's been a minute since I've made a proper baked mac and cheese! I've been having fun trying out all the different vegan cheeses available these days and I had quite the collection building up in the fridge. So I threw together this Seven Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese!

This is a little different than most of the recipes I post, because it really depends on a lot of store-bought cheeses. I listed the brands thst I used below, but feel free to sub any of them with your favorites! (...and you don't need seven. Lol.) 

Korean BBQ Tacos with Roasted Corn Pico

Korean BBQ Tacos 

The key to a great taco is making sure you have the right combination of flavors and textures. Something Crunchy, something soft. Something hot and something cool. 

Cauliflower Ceviche

Cauliflower Ceviche 

This plant-based spin on ceviche is perfect for get-togethers and potlucks, or as a unique addition to your Taco Tuesday menus! 

Roasted Heirloom Tomato Sauce

 

Roasted Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Fresh and bursting with summer flavor, you can make this super simple Roasted Heirloom Tomato Sauce in the oven, air-fryer, or in a foil packet on the grill!

Cauliflower Tacos with Quick Pickled Radish Relish, Strawberry Salsa Fresca, and Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce Plus Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice

Forget about farm-to-table, I say straight from the fields to your face! Ha! Yesterday I did a cooking demo at Tanaka Farms! I made Cauliflower Tacos with Quick Pickled Radish Relish, Strawberry Salsa Fresca, Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce, and Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice on the side. 

It was nice to teach about plant-based/vegan cooking to a non-vegan crowd and then chat with them

Spicy Vegan “Tuna” Roll

This one is fun! It uses the same method as the Watermelon Poke Bowls to prepare transform the watermelon into fish...but it uses "normal" ingredients you should be able to find at just about any supermarket!

Vegan Tuna Salad with Seaweed and Chickpeas

I love tuna salad. Before I was vegan I would eat tuna straight from the can. Since going vegan, I have made many different versions of "tuna" salad. With nuts, with seeds, with tempeh, and all are tasty. This one, though, is a bit healthier than previous mayo-laden versions. Enjoy!

Soup and a Sandwich! Slow and Low Onion Soup & Oil-Free Egg Salad Sandwich

Everybody knows soup and sandwiches go together like peanut butter and jelly! Both of the recipes below definitely stand on their own without depending on one another, but because they both are great make ahead recipes, it makes it a snap to plan a few combo meals throughout your busy week.

Southwest Peanut Butternut Squash OR Sweet Potato Tacos

There are so many ways to fill a taco, without using "meat substitutes." Beans, grilled vegetables, bbq pecans, tofu, corn, or in this case...butternut squash or sweet potatoes.

Foods that Nourish: Sweet Potato, Kale, and Brown Rice Bowls with Creamy Savory Cashew Sauce

If you hate reading long, drawn out stories before getting to the actual recipes, well...start scrolling now, because this one? This one's gonna be a doozy.

Vegan Yaka Mein

Yaka Mein (aka "Old Sober") from my cookbook Fusion Food in the Vegan Kitchen.

UPDATE: This recipe was originally posted in February 2, 2013. I wanted to start a new tradition for New Year's Day and this is one of my favorite recipes from the book so I spent a little time retaking the photos when I made it today to celebrate the new decade. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Since I won't be traveling to New Orleans this Carnival, I am bringing Mardi Gras to me with a traditional Louisiana favorite known as Yaka Mein.

The Better Mac (Vegan Version of a Big Mac!)

The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet (just got better!) has been out for a few months now, and I have been doing veggie burger cooking demos out and about. I am not doing a full blown book tour this round, and since most of you aren't gonna be able to make it out to one of my demos in Southern California, I figured I would share it here!

This is the Better Mac...aka a vegan version of McDonald's Big Mac. You know...two all vegan patties, Better Sauce, lettuce, cheeze, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun? With that excessive third bun in the middle? Follow below and you can have your fast-food fix at home whenever your heart desires.

Easy Vegan Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup

Cold outside? Warm up your insides with this easy to throw together Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup!