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!

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!

Holiday Helpers! Sweet and Sour Bean Balls

One of my favorite things about the holidays is the food. From appetizers to the main event to dessert to cocktails, I love celebrating with vegan food!

These sweet and sour bean balls are a great appetizer during the cold holiday months. Poke in a toothpick and your ready to go!

Monday Mash Up: Tomatoes and Chocolate

I know, so obvious, but I really love a good mole.  A tad sweet, and a twitch of heat.  This one is pretty easy too.  It tastes great in all sorts of dishes, and also as a simmering sauce, or even simply as a dipping sauce for tamales and empanadas.

Monday Night Mole
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced white onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 whole star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
3 whole allspice
1 tablespoon (or less to taste) dried red chilies
1 teaspoon chipotle powder, or cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup semi sweet non dairy chocolate chips
2 shots brewed espresso (or 1 heaping teaspoon instant espresso powder)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (dark is best, but light works too)
sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

In a pot with a tight fitting lid, heat oil over medium high heat.  Add onions and saute until translucent.  Add garlic and cook additional 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant.  Add tomato sauce, and remaining ingredients.  Stir until chocolate is melted.  Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes on low heat.  Fish out whole spices before serving.  For an extra smooth sauce, use a stic blender or carefully transfer to a tabletop blender and blend until smooth.  Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Yield: About 3 cups

Orange Chipotle Barbecue Sauce (from 500 Vegan Recipes)

Orange Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

Soy Free & Gluten Free

Oh, so sweet! But wait, what's that kick? Ohhh, the smoky chipotle has emerged from the sweetness to leave your tongue warm...not burning. This recipe calls for a strange ingredient…grape jelly! Please, don't use jam, but jelly. This is my Gramma Jo's secret ingredient. She uses it in all of her barbecue sauces, even store-bought ones.

2 tablespoons (30 g) extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion (about 6 ounces, 170 g), roughly chopped

1 tablespoon (15 g) minced garlic

24 ounces (680 g) tomato sauce

6 ounces (170 g) tomato paste

1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice

1/2 cup (110 g) packed brown sugar

1/4 cup (80 g) grape jelly

2 tablespoons (12 g) ground chipotle powder

In a stock pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil on medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant, and just beginning to brown. Add in remaining ingredients and stir. Bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and serve as you would any barbecue sauce. If not using right away, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge. Will last about a week in the fridge, or freeze for later use.

Yield: About 4 cups (940 ml)

My new FAVORITE condiment!

Spicy Sushi Sauce! I swear this is Japan's answer to McDonald's special sauce. From this day forward I will eat it on everything.

Here's a shot of it topping some home made Inari (yep, I said home made Inari...)

Home Made Inari (recipe found HERE)  topped with Spicy Sushi Sauce

Oh, did I mention that it couldn't be simpler to make!

Spicy Sushi Sauce
1/2 cup vegan mayo
2 tbsp Sri Racha
1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil

Whisk together until smooth and then coat everything you can think of with it!