Six Bean Salad

Someone always brings a bean salad to a potluck. It's just one of those dishes that always makes its way onto the community table. Admittedly, I always avoided the bean salad. It just didn't seem all that appealing. BUT! I have recently been trying to add more proein and fiber into my diet, and beans really do fill that prerequisite quite nicely. Add the fact that this recipe is as easy as a opening a can of beans, and well...

Sundried Tomato Dressing (Dip and Spread)

Been doing a lot of walking and hiking as of late. Sometimes for 10 miles or more. Walking around for over four hours, your mind starts to wander.  Some of the places my mind wanders to... 

...what a wild time we are living through right now 

...how scared some of my fellow angelenos must be 

...binaural beats and telepathy 

...Denny's new vegan pancakes 

...delicious blue cheese wedge salads and grilled cheese sandwiches 

Well, I was able to put that last one into reality. I whipped up a multi-use sun-dried tomato sauce and used it in this wedge along with the classic iceberg, chopped apples, chopped almonds,  Follow Your Heart blue cheese crumbles, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Then I used it on a grilled cheese on sourdough with sliced apples and more blue cheese. At least I solved one of the world's problems.  

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This one is a great dish for potlucks and make-ahead meals for the week as it seems to only get better in the fridge! And, hear me out, I think it tastes like pizza! 

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!

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... 

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.

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.) 

“That” Broccoli Salad!

“That” Broccoli Salad!

You know the one.  The one everyone's Aunt invented and brings to every potluck?  Well, now you can make it completely vegan and tell everyone you invented it!

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

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!

Easy Vegan Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup

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

Tanaka Bowl - Recipes from Plant Fest at Tanaka Farms

This past weekend marked the second Plant Fest at Tanaka Farms. The first one in September of 2017 was so successful, the fine folks over at Tanaka Farms were kind enough to host us again! And...guess what?! This one was even more successful than the first! So, we will definitely be back, in early June, to do it all again! Extra special thanks to the hard-working volunteers from SoCal VegFest for helping to make it all happen! Plant Fest is a project of SoCal VegFest which is a project of the Animal Protection and Rescue League - a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

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!

Holiday Helpers! Herb Crusted Coconut Chevre

Herb Crusted Coconut Chevre from Going Vegan (Front and Center: Smoky with Dill, Top: Smoky with Black Pepper, Right: Smoky with Paprika, Chipotle, Parsley and Smoked Salt) With this batch I made mini Chevres and wrapped them individually so that I could give them away to friends at work. I wrapped each chevre in waxed paper.

Every holiday get together deserves a yummy cheese plate! This one is nut-free and uses coconut flour. Get creative with your herbs and spices. I share a few of my favorite combos below, but there is no limit to what you can do here...

Holiday Helpers! Roasted Butternut Squash with Fennel

Check out this super easy, super tasty, super seasonal side dish to add to your holiday table!

Roasted Butternut Squash with Fennel
Such a simple list of ingredients! And when you have great ingredients, it's best

Fire Roasted Corn and Pepper Relish

You know what? Summer is my favorite season. Mostly, because I can do most of my cooking outdoors. Burgers, dogs, CORN, peppers, even watermelon tastes great on the grill. This relish is perfect to make alongside whatever else you happen to be grilling. It tastes great on its own with tortilla chips for dipping...but where it really shines is piled high up on top of your favorite veggie dog or burger!