Pancake Sunday!: Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes.

Happy Sunday, everyone!
If you're like me, Sundays mean a couple of things: 1. sleeping in. 2. rest day...aka extra time for yoga. 3. quality time with family and friends. 4. "catch up" and "prep for the week ahead" day. And 5. PANCAKES FOR BREAKFASTTTTTTT! It's pretty much the golden rule when it comes to Sunday breakfast or brunch: whatever you eat, your plate MUST include a short stack (or a tall stack...).
Now, what's special about this stack? Well, other than that it's INSANELY DELICIOUS, this stack of pancakes is completely loaded with nutrients...practically OVERFLOWING from all the health benefits (and maple syrup...)! So, what exactly is IN this stack that makes it so wonderful? Keep reading...
Turmeric. Turmeric is probably the most potent herb out there when it comes to health benefits. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties...it has been used as a natural alternative to prednisone in some case studies (with SUCCESS, I might add!). In addition, turmeric has powerful antioxidant properties, making it extremely effective at ridding the body of harmful free radicals. In other studies, turmeric has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease, treating depression, lessening the effects of alzheimer's, and even curing cancer!
Wild Blueberries. Wild blueberries are among nature's leading sources of antioxidant's. According to wildblueberries.com, "...a one-cup serving of Wild Blueberries has more total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than 20 other fruits and veggies, including cranberries, strawberries, plums, raspberries and even cultivated blueberries." Blueberries naturally contain the antioxidants pterostilbene and reservatrol, both of which are effective at neutralizing free radicals. They are one of the best sources of natural fiber, containing a whopping 6.2 grams in just 1 cup. Additionally, blueberries contain health amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, manganese, and copper. 
Coconut. Just one ounce of dried coconut contains 4 grams of fiber, making it a delicious way to help you "stay regular." Coconut also contains brain-boosting copper, which promotes the production of myelin, the protective coating around our brain's neurotransmitters. Studies also link coconut to improved memory.
As you can see, these pancakes are pretty darn healthy. But that's not all...they're pretty darn delicious, too! But don't take my word for it....try 'em yourself! And let me know watcha think in the comments! 
Have a great week, guys, and enjoy your pancakes! 

Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes.

 Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one (makes 5 medium-sized pancakes). 

Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (I used oat flour)
2. 1/2 tsp baking powder
3. One packet stevia powder
4. 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
5. 1/4 tsp ground ginger
6. 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
7. 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (refrigerated kind)
8. 2 T dried coconut chips
9. Peanut butter of choice and maple syrup, for topping

Method
1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk well. Add blueberries and coconut milk and stir. until a smooth batter forms.
2. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto heated nonstick pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. Arrange pancakes on a large plate and add toppings. Serve immediately. 

Holiday Post!: Resurrection Cookies (HIGH PROTEIN!).

When I was growing up, my mom would always make "resurrection cookies" every Easter. Not only were they delicious, but I have so many happy memories surrounding the whole process of making these. I remember it just like it was yesterday: standing in the kitchen with my mom and sister, with all 6 of our hands shaping these little cookies...and then eating them while watching movies!
So what exactly ARE resurrection cookies, you may be wondering? Besides the MOST DELICIOUS THING IN THE WORLD, of course...so easy you almost can't call it a recipe. When I used to make them as a kid, they were simply pre-made crescent roll dough with a marshmallow wrapped inside. When you bake them, THE MARSHMALLOW "DISAPPEARS!" Or at least, that's what it seems like to a 6 year old ;) The idea behind these cookies is that you're "placing Jesus in the tomb." And when you open the tomb (i.e. "bite the cookie" haha) HE IS NO LONGER THERE! I've always thought it was creative (and of course delicious!). And with my recipe, they're HEALTHY, too! Happy Easter guys! Go make some resurrection cookies :)

Resurrection Cookies!

So good.

Protein Resurrection Cookies. Vegan, Gluten Free. Makes three large cookies.

Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup flour of choice
2. One scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
3. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4. 1/2 tsp baking powder
5. One packet stevia powder
6. 4 T water
7. 3 vegan marshmallows (like Dandie's brand)

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix flour, protein powder, stevia, and baking powder. Add water and mix to form a dough.
3. Divide dough into 6 sections. Take one section in hands, roll into a ball, and flatten into a circle. Place on parchment and repeat with remaining 5 sections.
4. Place one marshmallow in the center of one circle of dough. Top with another dough circle and gently press outer edges together to seal. Repeat for 3 large cookies.
5. Cover cookies with a foil tent and bake for 25-30 minutes, until firm and set.
6. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before enjoying.

BBQ Lentils and 'Shrooms.

If you're anything like me, BBQ anything is good...but when it's hearty brown lentils and meaty mushrooms that are dredged in a sweet and tangy spicy BBQ sauce?! Well, "good" just turned into "glorious"!
This is a super quick protein dish that is perfect to throw on top of a toasted hamburger bun, rice cakes, mixed greens, steamed veggies, or even brown rice or quinoa. Takes about 5 minutes, start to finish (no joke!), and tastes as if you slaved in the kitchen for hours. Sounds to me like I just decided what you're having for lunch tomorrow (or midnight snack tonight, maybe?!). Enjoy, everyone!

BBQ Lentils and 'Shrooms.

BBQ Lentils and 'Shrooms. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one.

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup canned lentils, drained and rinsed

2. 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

3. 3 T BBQ sauce of choice (try my Spicy Chipotle BBQ recipe, on the blog!)

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a small soup pot over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through and bubbling slightly. Serve as desired! 

My Favorite Weeknight Dinner: Savory Oatmeal!

If you're one of those people who think oatmeal is strictly a breakfast food, prepare to have your world rocked....in a GOOD WAY! Savory oatmeal is the new thing, people. Seriously. If you've never tried it before, this is a great recipe to start with--quick and simple and loaded with flavor and nutrition. Add a simple side salad and some fresh fruit and BOOM--"Dinn in 10"! Enjoy, guys!

Roasted Garlic  Savory Oatmeal.

Roasted Garlic Savory Oatmeal. Vegan, Gluten-Free. Serves one.

Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
2. 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk
3. 1/4 tsp garlic powder
4. Onion powder, salt, and black pepper, to taste
5. Toppings of choice (I used a tossed medley of grape tomatoes, lentils, corn, green peas, and chopped carrots, with a drizzle of dijon mustard...delicious!)

Method
1. Place milk in a small soup pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and whisk in oats and spices OFF OF HEAT.
2. Return pot to heat and whisk well. Cook, stirring regularly, until thickened.
3. Pour into bowl and let sit 5 minutes. Top as desired and serve!

Protein Pasta Salad!

What's up with the weather this year? It's crazy! Last week we had 2 feet of snow on the ground...and today it was 59 degrees. But this girl ain't complaining--I HATE winter! Anyway, this warm burst has got me craving Spring...and springtime FOODS! And one of my all-time FAVORITE spring and summer dishes? PASTA SALAD. MMMMMMMMHHHMMMMM. And my Protein Pasta Salad is even better than regular pasta salad (shocking, I know)...because it has an impressive 25 GRAMS OF PLANT PROTEIN PER SERVING/RECIPE! My secret? BEAN PASTA NOODLES. I used a lentil macaroni noodle from the brand "Pasta Legume" which I am OBSESSED with, but I love all the bean pasta brands out there! Explore Asian is another great brand...love their mung bean fettuccine! I know. I just turned pasta salad fit. You love me, I know. Enjoy :)

Protein Pasta Salad!

Protein Pasta Salad! Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves One.


Ingredients
1. 3/4 cup bean-based small pasta noodles (I used lentil macaroni noodles from "Pasta Legume")
2. 1/4 cup chopped red onion
3. 1 cup raw cauliflower florets
4. 1/2 cup sliced grape tomatoes
5. 1/2 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
6. one stick celery, sliced
7. 1/8 tsp each onion and garlic powder
8. 2 T white vinegar
9. black pepper and dried parsley, to taste
10. salt, to taste

Method
1. Bring a small soup pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add pasta noodles and cook until al dente--NOTE--bean-based pastas cook MUCH faster than grain-based. When the pot begins to overflow, the goods are done!
2. Drain noodles and rinse briefly under cold water.
3. Combine noodles with remaining ingredients and toss well.
4. Spoon pasta salad into a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate 30 minutes for flavors to mingle (or until ready to eat). Serve chilled and enjoy!

Roasted Tofu Tacos with Sliced Beets and Pumpkin-Herb Sauce.

Happy Taco Tuesday, my lovers! Taco Tuesday dinners are always one of my favorites of the week...as if traditional Mexican tacos (or Tex-Mex...) aren't amazing enough, when you start branching out with what to fill in your tortillas, well, let's just say the possibilities are endless!
These Roasted Tofu Tacos with Sliced Beets and Pumpkin-Herb Sauce are so yummy, and super quick to prepare! Less than 8 ingredients, minimal prep time, and only about 20 minutes cooking time. BOOM! #TacoTuesYAY.

Roasted Tofu Tacos with Sliced Beets and Pumpkin-Herb Sauce.

Roasted Tofu Tacos with Sliced Beets and Pumpkin-Herb Sauce. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one.


Ingredients
1. Two soft corn tortillas
2. Two handfuls fresh spinach leaves, steamed
3. 5 oz. extra-firm tofu
4. pinch of salt
5. onion and garlic powders, black pepper to taste
6. 1/2 cup sliced, steamed red beets
7. 2 T canned pumpkin puree
8. splash of barge's liquid aminos (or soy sauce)
9. dried herbs and spices of choice, to taste


Method
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Chop tofu cubes into small chunks and place in a medium-sized bowl, along with salt, onion, garlic, and black pepper. Toss with spoon to coat.
3. Spread tofu over parchment and roast for 20-30 minutes, until crispy. Remove from oven and let cool.
4. While tofu is baking, begin plating your tacos. Place tortillas on a large plate and divide steamed spinach between the two.
5. In a small bowl, whisk pumpkin puree with enough water to form a sauce. Add herbs and spices of choice, along with aminos/soy sauce, and stir well.
6. Top spinach with tofu, then steamed beets, and finally, pumpkin sauce. Serve!

Caramelized Red Onion Sandwich with Balsamic Cream Dip.

Ever had a craving? And I don't mean a craving for something...normal, like popcorn or nice cream. I mean a weird craving. Like a...date I say it...PREGNANCY CRAVING. And before your eyes jump out of your face, I can happily assure you that I AM DEFINITELY NOT PREGNANT. Or plan on being ANYTIME SOON. But I swear...sometimes the things I crave make me wonder. Take this little sammie into account. Really Anna?! An onion sandwich?! And yep, a delicious, caramelized, ooey-gooey luscious onion sandwich. Complete with tangy balsamic cream for dippage. Holy. 

    Caramelized Red Onion Sandwich with          Balsamic Cream Dip. 

Caramelized Red Onion Sandwich with Balsamic Cream Dip. Vegan, gluten-free option. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. Two slices vegan bread of choice (use gluten free, if needed)

2. One small red onion, sliced into thin strips

3. 3 T water

4. 2 tsp braggs aminos

5. 1/2 tsp dried thyme 

6. 5 oz. silken tofu

7. 1/8 tsp each onion and garlic powders 

8. 1 T balsamic vinegar

Method 

1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Test the heat of your pan by adding a drop of water. If it sizzles of, congratulations: your pan is heated! 

2. Add 3 T water and aminos to pan. Toss in your sliced onions and sprinkle thyme over top. Fold continuously with spatula, adding more water if needed, until caramelized. Set aside off of heat and let cool. 

3. In your food processor, combine tofu, balsamic, and onion/garlic powders. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Spoon into small ramekin. 

4. Place onions on top of bread, toasted if desired, and serve with cream on the side. Enjoy!

Curried Cous Cous Salad

Cous Cous is one of those foods that I literally grew up eating. My mom fixed so many international meals for our family, so Cous Cous was a very common grain when I was little. However, when I went vegan (and gluten free), I gave up my bird semolina-based hot cereal. But this story had a happy ending: I FOUND BROWN RICE COUS COUS PEOPLE! Thus, this recipe was born. A new fave! Enjoy!

           Curried Cous Cous Salad. 

                          So good. 

    This is one dish j DO NOT want to share...

         Time to devour. GET IN MA BELLY!

Curried Cous Cous Salad. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup brown rice couscous

2. 1/2 cup water

3. 3/4 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

4. 1/4 cup chopped sweet onion

5. 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

6. 2 T raisins

7. 1 T white whine vinegar

8. 1/2 packet stevia

9. 1/2 tsp curry powder

10. 1 1/2 tsp braggs aminos

11. 1/8 tsp garam masala 

12. Handful finely chopped cilantro

Method 

1. Cook couscous according to package directions and fluff with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside to firm up for a few minutes. 

2. Return to heat, along with all ingredients except cilantro, along with 1/2 cup water, and stir together over medium heat. 

3. When heated through and water is absorbed, stir in cilantro. 

4. Serve warm and enjoy! 

Soul-soothing Winter Vegetable Stew.

If you're like me and unluckily got sick over Christmas, you weren't doing too much "ROCKIN' around the Christmas tree"...maybe not, but after you eat a comforting bowl of this hearty stew, you're sure to feel mostly (if not ALL!) better! 

     Soul-soothing Winter Vegetable Stew. 

Soul-soothing Winter Vegetable Stew; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one.  

Ingredients

1.  1/4 cup chopped onion

2. 2 tsp minced garlic 

3. 1 2/3 c vegetable broth

4. 3/4 cup sliced steamed beets (you can used canned, just ensure no salt added)

5. 1 cup white beans

6. 1 cup frozen spinach

7. 2/3 cup frozen butternut squash cubes

8. Dash bragg's liquid aminos

9. 1/4 tsp each: basil, tarragon, sage, rosemary, thyme

10. Sprinkling of black pepper

Method

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a little veggie broth until soft. Add spices (except pepper) and aminos and stir. 

2. Add remaining veg broth, beans, spinach, and butternut squash. Bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes. 

3. Reduce to a simmer, add beets, and simmer 5 minutes. 

4. Remove from heat, add pepper, stir, and serve. Pairs beautifully with rustic toasted bread! Mmmmm. 

Mystery Breakfast Revealed!: Apple Pie Peanut Butter Mash Up Bowl.

So remember my "mystery breakfast" pic I posted on my Instagram page last Saturday?! We'll wonder no more...here it is! I call it "Peanut Butter Apple Pie Mash Up Bowl". Because long titles mean delicious food 👌😂 

        My "secret ingredients"...yum!

       Finished product...pre-mash-up. 

       Finished product, post-mash-up. 

Peanut Butter Apple Pie Mash Up Bowl!; Vegan, gluten-free option. Serves one. 

Ingredients 

1. One serving "creamy vanilla pudding" (recipe below)

2. 4 T peanut butter of choice

3. 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

4. 1/4 cup wheatbran (for gluten free, use ground flaxseed)

5. Cinnamon to taste

For "Creamy Vanilla Pudding":

1. 9 oz. silken tofu

2. 15 drops vanilla flavored liquid stevia

Method

1. Blend both ingredients until smooth and plce in bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the Mash Up Bowl:

Method

1. Sprinkle wheatbran/flaxseed over pudding. Top with peanut butter, then applesauce. Sprinkle with cinnamon and start mashin'! Yum!

Holiday Post!: "Witch Fingers".

Halloween. This one little word sparks such excitement in me. ✨ Halloween is without a doubt my ALL TIME FAVORITE HOLIDAY! The sights, the smells, the weather...I'm pretty certain one of the main reasons it's my favorite is pumpkin...buuuuuut that's for another post 😂

These "Witch Fingers" are a super fun and healthy halloween themed snack you can bring to a party or simply enjoy on your own! Sooooo quick to make and surprisingly yummmmmm. Happy halloween! 🎃👻

                    "Witch Fingers". 

            How cute are these guys?! 

Witch Fingers; Vegan, gluten-free. Serves one (can easily be doubled or tripled!). 

Ingredients 

1. 6 baby carrots

2. 6 raisins

Method

1. If your carrots are a little wet, dry them off well with a paper towel. Otherwise the raisins won't stick!

2. Take your raisins and peel off one side of the skin. Stick the raisin on the end of one of your carrots, sticky side down. Press down to secure the "fingernail". 

3. Repeat for all "fingers". Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Cinnamon "sugar" toast. Aka "sick food".

As a young child, I was sick A LOT. And I'm not exaggerating--I was a chronic "croup" sufferer and frequent tummy-trouble survivor. Luckily, I gre out of the croup and the stomach issues subsided after I went vegan (go veg, friends!). I have been sick only twice total since I've been SOS-free plant based! Hoorah for whole foods! 

However...there is a pretty nasty stomach flu going around at the rink this week, and because I practically live there (again--no exaggeration! ❤️), I was one of the unlucky persons who caught this flu bug...NO FUN! 

After a VERY ROUGH DAY yesterday and an equally trying night, I'm feeling quite a bit better today...still very weak and achy (and STOMACH achy...😷), but definitely better than yesterday. 

It was a good sign that this morning when I woke up I was ABSOLUTELY STARVING--couldn't keep much in yesterday 😣--so I knew I needed to eat...but what TO eat?! That is always a very tricky question when coming out of a stomach virus...various things SOUNDED good (like new recipe testers for my cookbook!), but I knew I should probably stick to easily digestible and relatively bland...fun fun. 😞 

And then a lightbulb went off!--only after literally just STARING in my fridge and cupboard for, oh, 30 minutes...!--I suddenly remembered what I used to love when I would get sick as a kiddo--warm toast with butter and cinnamon sugar. Before you gawk-of course I modified it to be "The Fit Vegan Ginger"-friendly 😉👍 

So here we have a new "sicky food" fave--"Cinnamon 'Sugar' Toast". Enjoy (sick OR well! 😂😃😋)

            "Cinnamon 'Sugar' Toast". 

        Sweet and cinnamon-y heaven. 

              A bite out of perfection! 

"Cinnamon 'Sugar' Toast"; Vegan, Gluten-free option. Serves one. 

Ingredients 

1. One slice sos-free vegan bread (can use gluten free if needed...I use "Sami's Bakery" millet loaf...mmm!)

2. Cinnamon to taste

3. 1/4 tsp stevia powder

Method

1. Place bread slice on a microwave-safe plate and nuke 30 seconds (this subs for the "butter"--the bread gets all soft and squishy...yummmmm!). Remove immediately and sprinkle with desired amounts of cinnamon and stevia. 

2. Broil on high for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Remove, nuke for 30 more seconds, and enjoy. 

Cinnamon-Flax Breakfast Pizza Toasty.

Hello everyone! Sorry for my post-hiatus...life has been VEEEEERRRYYY BUSY lately...since I now a COLLEGE FRESHMAN!!! Whaaaaaaaat?! Craziness! Loving every second of this year though-having a BLAST! 

And my vegan food creations have been no different-SO FUN, SO YUMMY, and of course SO SO SO EASY! This "Cinnamon-Flax Breakfast Pizza Toasty" is the PERFECT recipe for a quick snack, breakfast/lunch/dinner addition, you name it--my toasty can do it 😉 enjoy!

   Cinnamon-Flax Breakfast Pizza Toasty.

Cinnamon-Flax Breakfast Pizza Toasty; Vegan, Gluten-free option. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. One vegan (optionally gluten free) pita bread

2. 3 T ground flaxseed

3. 1/4 tsp cinnamon

4. 10 drops liquid stevia, flavor of choice (I used vanilla creme...mmmmm!)

5. 2 1/2 T water

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350 and line a bakjng sheet with parchment. Place pita on parchment and set aside. 

2. In small bowl, add flax, cinnamon, stevia, and water. Mix vigorously until thick and gooey. Spread evenly over pita and pop in the oven for 12 minutes. 

3. Slice into four slices using a pizza cutter, if you've got one. Don't bother letting it cool...DEVOUR MY FRIENDS! 😋

Coconut-Basil Cream Pudding.

There are few flavor combinations that are more delicious and comforting than coconut and basil. I swear they were meant to go together. Tropical, sweet coconut paired with fresh and cool basil?! It's like a trip to the Bahamas in your mouth! So good. 

This "Coconut-Basil Cream Pudding" is delicious as a breakfast addition, as well as a dessert or snack! It's great anytime of day! Quick, easy, and packed with high quality plantbased protein. Whip some of this up and you will NEVER go back to those gross, chemical-laden "Jello" Pudding Cups. Eww. 

        Coconut-Basil Cream Pudding. 

                         Heaven. 

I made this dreamy dish with my treasured "Sweetleaf" brand coconut-flavored liquid stevia. You all know my utter OBSESSION with my beloved stevia. Since I am SOS-free, it's the only sweetener I use on a regular basis (I VERY RARELY use agave and molasses-only when I need the sticky consistency for a recipe). I am especially crazy in love with Sweetleaf brand. It is the ONLY brand of stevia I have tried that does not lend a bitter aftertaste. Also, they don't add any gross preservatives. IT'S JUST PURE STEVIA! Now that's what I'm talking about! Sweetleaf is the bomb--It's the only stevia brand I use!

                 Sweetleaf-LOVIN'. 

         Arguably the best thing ever. 

Coconut-Basil Cream Pudding; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients 

1. 9 oz. Morinu silken soft tofu

2. 15 drops coconut flavored Sweetleaf stevia

3. 1/4 tsp dried basil

Method 

1. Combine all ingredients in your kink food processor and blend until super duper smooth and dreamy looking. Transfer into bowl and top with a sprinkle of dried basil for garnish. Serve!

Note: I mixed in about 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed to my pudding for some substance. It was delicious! Highly recommend. 

Peanut Butter Sushi Rollup!

With all my recipe creating for my new cookbook (hopefully debuting in 2016!), my blog recipes have unfortunately taken a back seat. But this is a quick meal addition or snack that I created on a rushed morning! Super simple (as always!) and super delish (also as always!).  The veggies used for the filling are very versatile and even optional. Get creative! 

          Peanut Butter Sushi Rollup! 

                         So good. 

Peanut Butter Sushi Rollup!; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients 

1. One nori sheet

2. 3 T peanut butter of choice (I used powdered peanut butter mixed with 1 1/2 T water)

3. Ginger powder to taste 

4. Thinly sliced veggies of choice (good options include cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, and avocado)

5. Bragg's liquid aminos for dipping, optional

Method

1. Lay nori sheet out flat on a plate. In a small bowl, mix peanut butter and ginger. Spread over nori. 

2. Top with veggies and roll up like sushi. Slice and serve with liquid aminos, if using. Enjoy! You will....!

Red White and Blue: Independence Day Jicama Slaw.

Ok here's the situation: family picnic tomorrow. With the EXTENDED family (gulp). You have been volunteered to bring the side dish. Double gulp. You want to impress, considering the WHOLE fam will be there. It's the day before and you have absolutely no clue what to make. Before you run to your computer to perform a mad google search for vegan potato salad recipes, give my "Independence Day Jicama Cole Slaw" a go. Anything but traditional, anything but boring. This winner is sure to impress even your grumpy old Uncle Al. 

    Independence Day Jicama Cole Slaw.  

        Pretty, huh? Pretty AWESOME! 

Independence Day Jicama Cole Slaw; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. (NOTE: This is VERY easy to double or even triple to serve more people!)

Ingredients 

1. 3/4 cup shredded Jicama

2. 5 oz. Morinu soft silken tofu

3. 1/3 cup frozen wild blueberries, "quick thawed" in microwave for 30 seconds

4. 1 T goji berries

5.  5 drops liquid stevia

Method

1. Place your shredded jicama in a serving bowl and set aside. 

2. In your mini food processor, combine tofu, thawed berries, and stevia. Blend until super smooth. I ended up adding about 1 T of water as I blended to thin it out a bit. 

3. Drop dressing over jicama and garnish with gojis. Ready, set, EAT! 

Holiday Oats!: 4th of July Oatmeal Parfait.

Yay another holiday oats post! As you know, I'm a big sucker for holidays.  I mean, after all, it's just another great excuse to spend ALL DAY in the kitchen making delicious, nourishing, and BEAUTIFUL holiday-themed vegan food! Love. 

This "4th of July Oatmeal Parfait" is so so so good. It's so ridiculously quick, simple, and absolutely gorgeous. Have you been searching for a yummy Independence Day breakfast or dessert? Well search no more. MAKE THIS NOW! 

           4th of July Oatmeal Parfait. 

4th of July Oatmeal Parfait; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. 6 oz. Morinu soft silken tofu

2. 10 drops coconut flavored stevia

3. 1/2 cup dry oats of choice (I used oatbran. Rolled or old fashioned will work too.)

4. 2 T unsweetened shredded coconut, optional 

5. 1 cup frozen strawberries

6. 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries

Method 

1. Gather a glass "parfait" bowl and set aside. 

2. In a separate microwave safe bowl, nuke frozen strawberries in the microwave for 40-45 seconds. Remove from microwave and mash with the back of a fork. It's ok to have some chunks remaining--don't completely purée. 

3. Spread strawberry mixture on bottom of parfait dish. Set aside. 

4. In your mini food processor, combine tofu and stevia. Blend until smooth. 

5. In separate bowl, mix together oats, tofu pudding, and optional coconut. Mix well and spread evenly over strawberry base. 

5. Top with frozen wild blueberries. Refrigerate until ready to enjoy. 

3 Ingredient Grain Free (PROTEIN!) Pancakes.

So funny story. Well, not really funny, but...kind of hehe. I sorta blew up my oven last night. It was pretty bad. With my cookbook in the works I've been doing LOTS of recipe testing every day (at every meal!)...basically means my poor little oven has been working MUCH harder than normal. I usually am not a baker, and it's not uncommon for me to go weeks without even turning my oven on! But with the cookbook writing prep, all that has changed. 

Anyway, back to my story. I was planning on making...something yummy (I can't give it away yet! They will be in my cookbook...!) in the oven. However. With last night's mini fiasco, that plan was, well, terminated. 

And then these not-so-beauties were born. Don't let their humble (um, Anna...try UGLY) appearance scare you off. These. Things. Are. Amazing. Definitely a new favorite of mine! 

  3 Ingredient Grain Free (HIGH PROTEIN!) Pancakes. 

3 Ingredient Grain Free (HIGH PROTEIN!) Pancakes; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one (makes 3 small-medium pancakes). 

Ingredients 

1. One OVERRIPE banana, mashed 

2. One scoop (or 1/4 cup) protein powder of choice (I used Vega)

3. 2 T ground flaxseeds

4. 1 tsp water

Method

1. Heat a nonstick pan/skillet over the stove. 

2. Combine mashed nana and protein powder and mix well. Add 1 tsp water and mix again. Add flax and stir ver very well. The "batter" will be thick and VERY sticky. Don't let that scare you. 

3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter onto heated pan and spread around to form a circle. These cook FAST. Cook about 1 minute, flip, cook one minute. Repeat for 3 cakes. Too as desired or eat as is! Yummy both ways. 

NOTE: Protein powders vary in texture and consistency quite drastically. If you use a brand other than Vega I can't guarantee the outcome will react like mine. 

Mini Frittatas: Sweet Potato, Red Onion, and Brussels Sprouts!

These mini frittatas are SO good, SO easy, and they look SO fancy when they are finished! I was very proud of these.
The combination of ingredients was pretty random...you could really use anything you've got in your fridge...I just happened to have brussels and red onion. But they came out really nice! Very filling too. Add a grain and an extra serving of veggies and you've got dinner on the table.

Mini Veggie Frittatas.

Mini Veggie Frittatas; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes 3 mini Frittatas (one serving). 

Ingredients

1. Small-medium size sweet potato (mine weighed 5 oz.), steamed
2. 1/4 cup chopped red onion
3. 2 tsp minced garlic
4. 6 oz. firm tofu
5. poultry seasoning to taste 
6. 6 oz. brussels sprouts

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
2. Steam your potato. I did this quickly by piercing it a few times with a sharp knife, wrapping it in a paper towel, and microwaving it for 2 and 1/2 minutes. 
3. In a non-stick pan over medium heat, sauté your onion and garlic in a little water. Cook for two minutes, add poultry seasoning, and cook until liquid is gone.
4. Once cool, peel your potato and place it in a mini food processor along with the tofu. Process with a splash of water until a thick and completely smooth batter/paste forms (it will be VERY thick!).
5. Transfer to a medium-large bowl and stir in your onion and garlic sauté. Mix together very well and spread batter into desired bakeware (I used 3 mini paper oven-safe baking dishes, but silicone would work perfectly also). 
6. Place dishes on baking sheet and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let cool at least 10 minutes before removing from dishes. Enjoy!

Holiday Post!: Carrot Cake Pancakes.

You knew it was coming. What food blogger can't post SOME SORT of carrot cake recipe when Easter rolls around? Not this one, that's for sure...
This is not your traditional carrot cake. But that makes this recipe even better! I always say the stranger, the better!
These little guys are about the closest you can get to actually eating cake for breakfast. The coconut flour is the secret ingredient in this recipe. Coconut flour is amazing. I absolutely LOVE cooking with it. It gives such an amazing texture to typically grain-based recipes. It really gives these pancakes their "cakiness". Combine yummy coconut with carrots, sweet and plump raisins, and yummy spices and you've got yourself the perfect Easter  morning brekkie.

Carrot Cake Pancakes.

Carrot Cake Pancakes; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes one serving (4 small pancakes). 

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup coconut flour
2. 1/8 cup raisins
3. to taste: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice
4. small sprinkling of stevia
5. 3 baby carrots, grated
6. 1/4 cup plus 1/4 cup water, divided

Method

1. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat.
2. In a medium size bowl, combine coconut flour, spices, stevia, and carrots. Set aside.
3. Put raisins in a small soup pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil JUST long enough for raisins to plump up. Add them to your bowl with the flour, spices, and carrots. 
4. Mix everything together, and add 1/4 cup of water. Stir well. Add remaining 1/4 cup of water and stir very well. 
5. Form a small patty with your hands and place on pan. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side, flip, and repeat to make 4 pancakes.

Note: Coconut flour can be a bit tricky to work with if you don't combine it with a grain-based flour. But if you're patient and willing to really work your hands into it, you can manipulate these to hold together. Either way, they still taste really good.