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! 

Sweet 'n Spicy Banana Bread Oatmeal!

Will this winter ever end?! It really feels like not....😭😭😭 I'm cold-natured (which is precisely why I'm a figure skater...? Haha! I'm so silly!), so this weather is literally killing me: today is the first day ALL WEEK that the temps have been above 22 degrees. NO I AM NOT KIDDING. YES I STILL LIVE IN VIRGINIA...aka the SOUTH where it's supposed to be WARM. Lol. 

Needless to say, I've been making a TON of warm food. You guys know I am primarily (80%) raw, but I've had to make an exception this week--BRING ON THE HEAT BABY! And boy, does this hawt oat bowl ever! Sinlessly delicious, super easy, and will have you sweating (I'm serious...I DID! True story.) in no time 🔥👌 enjoy, my little snow bunnies! I'm off to make tea...❄️😂 

      Sweet 'n Spicy Banana Bread Oatmeal. 

     Topped with PB...but of course!

       Ooey-gooey-spicy GOODNESS! 

Sweet 'n Spicy Banana Bread Oatmeal!; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup old fashioned oats

2. 1 cup almond milk

3. 1 overripe banana, sliced 

4. 1/4 tsp (less if you're a spice wimp) cayenne

5. 1/2 cup water

6. 2 T Peanut Butter (optional, but OH SO HIGHLY recommended!)

Method 

1. In a small pot on the stove, bring your almond milk to a boil. Remove from burner, reduce heat to medium, stir in oats, and return to heat. 

2. When beginning to thicken, add sliced banana, cayenne, and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened to desired consistency. 

3. Top with PB and EAT! Serve with water hehe...🔥😳😋

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. 

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. 

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. 

Orange-Basil Nice Cream

This right here is heaven. I'm not kidding. I literally melted when I ate this. You already know my utter obsession with banana ice cream, but when I added these two extra ingredients to the mix? Oh wow. I am in love.

Orange-Basil Nice Cream.

Orange-Basil Nice Cream; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Serves One.

Ingredients

1. one frozen banana, frozen in chunks
2. one frozen orange, peels and sectioned prior to freezing
3. 3 leaves of fresh basil

Method

1. Easy-peasy. Add all ingredients to your Vitamix (reserving one of the basil leaves for decoration) and blend until smooth and creamy. 
2. Spoon into bowl and garnish with remaining basil leaf. Enjoy!

Double Your Grains!

Do you know this little secret? It's pretty cool...
Who doesn't dream about the endless bowl of oatmeal. Doesn't it sound incredible? And pretty unrealistic. But never say never! With my simple trick, you can DOUBLE your oat bowl (or and grain, for that matter!). Eureka, we've done it!

The endless oatmeal bowl. Droooool. I made mine with Blueberries, coconut, and cinnamon. Yummers.

Double Your Grains!

Method

1. Read the package of your grain of choice (say, oats, for example). For one serving, the directions call for 1/2 cup of oats and 1 cup water. We're not doing that. We will still use 1/2 cup of oats, but we will instead use 2 CUPS of water. It's THAT SIMPLE! Double the food, with the same nutritional info. Dream come true. 
2. In a small soup pot, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. When boiling, reduce heat to medium and stir in oats. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until oats are beginning to expand and absorb the water. 
3. Add your second cup of water and increase heat. Simmer on HIGH until thick, gooey, and utterly drool-worthy. You can ad any mix-ins at this time if you desire. 
4. Pour into a bowl and enjoy! 

Smooth 'n Spicy Red Bean Soup

Just because it's spring doesn't mean I can't still have my beloved soup. Soup is such an easy meal. Just liquid, veggies, protein, grains (if you desire), spices, and BOOM. Dinner is served. This soup is a tad bit more tedious than my other soup recipes I've shared, but it's worth it TRUST me. Man, oh man. This stuff rocks. I served mine with "Cheezy" Enchiladas (I just used two oat flour tortillas,  filled them with my "Basic Cheese Sauce", and topped them with a quick Enchilada sauce of tomato paste, water, cumin, oregano, and cayenne. Perfect!), which made for a very delicious and filling meal.

Oh-so-Smooth 'n Spicy Red Bean Soup. Mmmmmm.

Smooth 'n Spicy Red Bean Soup; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Serves One.

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup small red beans (dried)
2. 1 cup salt-free or low sodium vegetable broth
3. 1/3-1/2 cup water
4. 1/4 cup chopped onion
5. 2 tsp minced garlic
6. 1 T Bragg's liquid aminos
7. to taste: cumin, oregano, chipotle powders
8. hot sauce and black pepper, for garnish

Method

1. Combine beans in a small soup pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, boil for 10 minutes. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Uncover and cook until tender. 
2. Saute onion and garlic in a nonstick pan in 1 T aminos. Cook 2 minutes, add spices, and cook until liquid is gone. 
3. Drain beans and place in a Vitamix with broth, onion sauté, and extra water. Blend on HIGH until smooth. 
4. Pour into bowl and top with hot sauce and black pepper.

Note: I like my soup on the thick side, so I added between 1/3 and 1/2 cup (I didn't measure). If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add as much excess water as you like. Just add as you go so you don't put too much in. 

Cauliflower Quiche

I love making quiche. I feel so "skilled" when I make it. This one is especially fun...mostly because I used purple cauliflower (which makes EVERYTHING better!).
I am always on the lookout for single-serving silicone bakeware, which, by the way, is NOT easy to come by. However. While in Walmart the other day, I was passing through the craft section (go figure...) when I stumbled upon ROWS AND ROWS of single serving silicone bakeware....and it was HALF PRICE. You could say I was a teensy bit excited (I had been searching for this exact thing for about 9 months). Naturally, I stocked up. One little thing--they are in funky shapes. Once I examined the boxes more closely, I realized they were for "mini chefs"...I'm assuming this is the reason they were in the craft section. But who cares! It does the job, and I'm not picky when it comes to shape. In fact, I think it makes things that more special! So, short story made long, my Cauliflower Quiche is heart shaped.

Cauliflower Quiche. Heart shape optional.

Cauliflower Quiche; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes one personal quiche.

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
2. 1/4 cup almond  meal
3. 5 oz. cauliflower chunks, processed into rice
4. 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
5. 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped
6. garlic and onion powders
7. dash of cumin
8. water as needed

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set a small silicone bake dish on baking sheet and set aside.
2. In a medium size bowl, combine flax and almond meal. Add enough water to moisten and stir. Keep adding water a little bit at a time until a "dough" forms. 
3. Spread dough into dish, pressing it fairly high up on the sides to resemble a crust.
4. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. 
5. Process chickpeas in mini food processor with splashes of water until mostly pureed. Add to bowl along with cauliflower rice, spinach, spices, and stir well. Add enough watt to make it hold together. It should be workable and slightly mushy. 
6. Let crust cool 5 minutes (it might puff up in the center--that's perfectly fine. Just gently press it back down.) and then spread filling over crust--you will have about 1/2 of filling left over. 
7. Bake for 20 minutes more. Let cool at least 10 minutes before removing. Enjoy!

"Blondie" Pie

To tell you the truth, I thought this would be disgusting. I was totally branching out when I tried this recipe. I really thought it would be quite gross. But I was VERY pleasantly surprised! It was very VERY tasty. Also, it hardly counts as "pie"...this baby packs 20 grams of protein and over 15 grams of fiber! Totally acceptable to eat this as a full meal...with a side of some veggies, of course.

Blondie Pie.

Blondie Pie; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes one "mini" size pie.

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup flaxseeds, ground
2. 2 dates
3. 1 cup canned navy beans, rinsed and drained
4. 1 T agave nectar
5. 1/4 tsp vanilla powder

Method

1. For the crust: In a mini food processor, combine flax and dates. Process until crumbly and sticky. 
2. Remove and press into small dish (if it doesn't hold together, add a splash of water and stir). 
3. Cover and place in fridge while you make your filling. 
4. In mini food processor, combine beans, agave, and vanilla powder. Blend until very smooth. 
5. Remove crust from fridge and spread filling evenly over the crust. Recover and place back in fridge. Refrigerate 8+ hours. 
6. Slice and enjoy!

Last bite. Sharing Optional.

Banana Ice Cream Pie

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know how much I love my "Nana Ice Cream". And I mean reeeeeaaaalllly love. I would eat it at every single meal if I could. I'm soooo not joking, either. This is a fun little treat that can go for a dessert or even breakfast! Super simple, minimal ingredients, and just the right size. I don't know about you but I'm perfectly happy saying I ate a whole ice cream pie for  breakfast...

Banana Ice Cream Pie.

Banana Ice Cream Pie; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes one "mini" sized pie.

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
2. 2 dates
3. 1 frozen banana (frozen in chunks)

Method

1. In a mini food processor, combine flax and dates. Process until crumbly and sticky. Press into desired dish (if it doesn't hold together, add a splash of water and stir). 
2. Cover and place in the freezer while you make your filling. 
3. Place frozen banana chunks in your Vitamix. Blend until smooth and ice-cream consistency. Spread over crust, cover, and freeze about 15-20 minutes. 
4. Top with coconut cream if desired, slice, and enjoy! 

Yummy!

BBQ Quinoa Crust Pizza

I've tried a LOT of different pizza crust recipes, and so far, this one is probably one of my favorites (either this one or my pinto pizza crust recipe)! Surprisingly easy, super delicious, and packed with protein. Did you know the quinoa grain is a complete protein all by itself?! This pizza just got even more awesome. And this crust combined with this BBQ sauce...oh. I think I've gone to vegan food Heaven...

BBQ Quinoa Crust Pizza.

BBQ Quinoa Crust Pizza; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes one Pizza.

Ingredients

For the Crust

1. 1/2 cup quinoa, soaked 8+ hours
2. 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
3. onion and garlic powders, to taste

Method

1. To soak your quinoa, simply add it to a medium size bowl and cover with water. Cover and let sit for at least 8 hours. 
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment. 
3. Drain water off of quinoa and add it to a mini food processor, along with vinegar and spices. Process until a dough forms. 
4. Scoop out dough and spread evenly onto parchment. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
5. While crust is baking, prepare your BBQ sauce (recipe below) and toppings of choice (I used sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach leaves). 
6. Remove crust from oven, let cool 5-10 minutes, then spread about 3 T of BBQ sauce over crust. Add toppings and bake 10 more minutes. Remove, let cool 5-10 minutes, and serve!

For the BBQ sauce

1. 1 T apple cider vinegar 
2. 1 T agave nectar
3. about 2 tsp lemon juice
4. 1/4 tsp chipotle powder
5. 1 1/2 T no salt added tomato paste ( I use Muir Glen Brand)
6. 1 T Bragg's liquid aminos
7. 1/2 T arrowroot powder
8. 1/2 tsp black pepper
9. dashes of paprika, cumin, and onion powder
10. 1/2 tsp spicy brown mustard

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a small soup pot over low-medium heat and cook, stirring regularly, until thickened and warmed. 

Spicy BBQ sauce. 

Sweet Green Pea and Mint Soup

I love spring. Absolutely love it. The sights, the smells, the colors. Ahhhh, so refreshing. This soup epitomizes spring. The loveliest shade of green, combined with the luscious aroma of fresh mint. Yum, yum, yum. Perfect for a light meal when you don't want to heat the kitchen up. Enjoy!

Sweet Green Pea and Mint Soup.

Sweet Green Pea and Mint Soup; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Serves One.

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
2. 1 cup almond milk
3. 4 fresh mint leaves
4. 1/2 tsp stevia

Method

1. In a medium size bowl, place peas and cover with water. Microwave for 2 minutes. 
2. Drain peas and place in Vitamix along with milk and 3 of the 4 mint leaves. Blend on HIGH until smooth. 
3. Pour into a bowl and top with remaining mint leaf. 

Vanilla Bean Pancakes with Raspberry-Chia Jam

Pancakes. Just saying this word makes me happy. I mean, who in the world doesn't love pancakes?! I have yet to  meet this person (if they even exist!). These pancakes are a bit different, though. You should know by now I LOVE to play around with different things...manipulating ingredients to act like others. It's so much fun! These pancakes have a VERY secret ingredient. Even though the "secret ingredient" is mentioned in the title! Sneaky, huh? Don't be grossed out by this special ingredient. It TOTALLY makes these pancakes. They are absolutely, positively, WONDERFUL. I would eat these every day for the rest of  my life if I could! And even better? They're quick, easy, and extremely nice to look at. Go ahead--"indulge" (even though these are 100% guiltless!).

Vanilla Bean Pancakes with Raspberry-Chia Jam.

Vanilla Bean Pancakes with Raspberry-Chia Jam; Vegan. Makes one serving (4 pancakes and about 1/3 cup Jam).

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

1. 3/4 cup canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
2. 3/4 tsp baking powder
3. 1/2 packet (1/2 tsp., approximately) stevia
4. 1/4 tsp vanilla powder
5. 2 T oat flour
6. 1 T vital wheat gluten
7. 1/4 cup almond milk

Method

1. Heat a non stick pan over medium heat. 
2. In a mini food processor, combine beans, baking powder, stevia, and vanilla powder. Process until thick and smooth. 
3. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Add flour, gluten, and milk and stir well. 
4. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto heated pan and spread around (gently!) with the back of a spoon. Cook about 3-3 1/2 minutes and then flip. Repeat to make 4 pancakes. Top and enjoy!

Note: Unlike normal flour-based pancakes, these don't "bubble" when ready to flip. Instead, watch them carefully around the edges. When the edges look like they are beginning to cook, it's time to flip.

Vanilla Bean Pancakes, pre-toppage.

For the Raspberry-Chia Jam

1. 1/3 cup frozen raspberries
2. 1 T plus 2 tsp chia seeds
3. 1 T agave nectar

Method

1. Super simple. Put all ingredients in your Vitamix and blend until raspberries are smooth and ingredients are fully combined. 
2. Pour into a small dish, stir, and cover. Place in fridge for about 15 minutes to thicken up. 
3. Use as desired (in this case on top of the pancakes) and enjoy! 

Raspberry-Chia Jam. 

Holiday Post!: Easter Salad

I'm all about spring-themes food. It's just so pretty! And what vegan doesn't love a big, raw SALAD?! MMMM.....
I've had a head of purple cauliflower in the fridge for a while...I've been waiting to use it until it got close enough to Easter so I could be festive. You all should know by now...I'm cheesy like that! This is a quick, delicious, and beautiful meal you can serve/eat on Easter, and any time of year for that matter! It takes all of 10 minutes to prepare, but it's both pleasing to the eye and the tastebuds. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Easter Salad.

Easter Salad; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Serves One.

Ingredients

1. 1/2 a medium head purple cauliflower
2. 5 cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1/2 cup green peas, steamed if desired
4. 3 oz. carrot "matchsticks" 
5. onion and garlic powders, black pepper to taste
6. 1-2 T apple cider vinegar (varies depending on how tangy you want it)

Method

1. Place your cauliflower chunks into a mini food processor and process until  the texture of rice. DO NOT OVERPROCESS!
2. Add cauli rice to a large bowl. Top with green peas, carrots, and tomatoes. Sprinkle with spices and drizzle with apple cider vinegar. 
3. Serve!

                                                                                           

Easter Salad, all mixed up and ready to eat!

Tropical Pizza!

I'm dreaming of summer. This recipe says it all. I'm longing for 80 degree runs, beach vacations, everything that summer brings with it. Mostly warm weather, though. This winter has killed me.
I created this pizza on a snow day, ironically. This is about the most summer-y pizza in the world, which is probably the reason I made it on a day that snowflakes were falling. Wishful thinking, Anna? Guilty as charged...Regardless of what's happening outside when you make this dish, I guarantee you will be delighted with the flavors (and the presentation)! One last thing to say..."Calgon, take me away!"

Tropical Pizza!

Tropical Pizza; Vegan, Gluten-Free; Makes one Pizza.

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup coconut flour
2. 1/4 tsp vanilla powder
3. 2 T ground flaxseeds
4. 1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup plus 1/8 cup water, divided
5. about 1/4 tsp stevia
6. 1/4 cup coconut cream (I use Trader Joe's brand)
7. 1/2 cup mango chunks
8. 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
9. cilantro
10. 1 tsp shredded, unsweetened coconut

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium size bowl, combine flour, vanilla powder, flax, and stevia. Stir well to combine. 
3. Add 1/4 cup water and stir. Gradually add in remaining 1/4 cup water-1/8 cup at a time. It will be slightly crumbly, but should still hold together.
4. Roll dough into a ball and place in center of bowl. Pour about 1-2 Tablespoons water over ball and roll around. 
5. Place ball in center of parchment lined baking sheet. Flatten out into crust shape. You will have to work with it a bit, flattening out the cracks that form. Crust should end up being about 1 and 1/2 inches thick--don't flatten too much as it is more delicate than a grain-based crust.
6. Place in oven and cook uncovered for 17 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. 
7. While crust is cooling, prepare your topping. Add to a bowl mango and pineapple. Heat in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm so flavors will mesh better. Remove and stir in cilantro. Let sit a few minutes for flavors to mingle. 
8. Top crust with coconut cream, spreading evenly. Place mango salsa on top. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top. Serve, slice, and devour!

Notes: 

*The coconut cream will melt unless you let the crust cool considerably (you could actually place it in the fridge for a bit). IF you don't mind a melty cream, go ahead and top after about 7 or 8 minutes. 

*You can use frozen mango and pineapple if fresh isn't in season. Use same method for salsa preparation.

Fruity Deliciousness! Yummy.

Coconut-Ginger Veggie Burger

I'm sure you've heard the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover". Well, I've got a new one for you: "don't judge a burger by it's color". Seriously, though. Don't scrunch your nose up until you taste this baby. Oh. Mmmm. Yes. Creamy white beans combined with exotic coconut flavors and spicy ginger. It's may look unassuming, but this burger is hiding it's deliciousness. Packed with protein, flavor, and good-for-you fresh herbs (hello, ginger!), this burger is the perfect addition to a meal, or can even be enjoyed as a snack.

Coconut-Ginger Veggie Burger. Don't Judge.

Coconut-Ginger Veggie Burger; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes one small Burger.

Ingredients

1. 1 T coconut cream
2. 4 tsp fresh ginger, minced
3. 2 T coconut flour
4. 1/2 Cup navy beans, drained and rinsed
5. 2 T unsweetened shredded coconut

Method

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. In a mini food processor, combine beans, ginger, coconut cream, and coconut. 
3. Process until smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in coconut flour. 
4. Form a patty and place on skillet/pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side. Serve warm. 

You reaaaallly want to make this burger. Trust me.

Sundried Tomato and Paprika Hummus

Hummus. The word itself just makes me so happy. Add "Sundried Tomato and Paprika" before that little word? I think I just won the flavor lottery. Nommmmm. This hummus is full of that creamy chickpea-tahini goodness, with the bonus of tangy sundried tomatoes and spicy paprika. Mmmm. Served with a big plate of raw veggies and toasted pita bread, I think I could eat this at every meal and be perfectly content.

Sundried Tomato and Paprika Hummus.

Sundried Tomato and Paprika Hummus; Vegan. Gluten-Free. Makes 1 cup.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2. 1 tsp minced garlic
3. danes of garlic powder and paprika
4. 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
5. 4 sundried tomatoes, chopped finely (make sure they are not oil-packed)
6. 1 tsp tahini
7. water, to blend

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a mini food processor and blend until smooth (tomatoes will remain a bit chunky--this is perfectly fine). 
2. Scoop into bowl and sprinkle with paprika.
3. Serve with veggies or spread on toast. Enjoy!