Showing posts with label Quick and Easy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quick and Easy. Show all posts

Saturday, November 17, 2018

VEGAN THANKSGIVING MENU IDEAS


I know it can be difficult around the holidays eating a plant based vegan diet. These are some of the things I'll be making throughout the next few days, for my family and gatherings with non-vegans that I'll be sharing meals with. Mrs. Plant in Texas is my go to gal when it comes to eating healthy delicious crowd pleasing dishes! Below is a list of just a few dishes that you may be interested in making for Thanksgiving, or any Holiday get together. Enjoy the time with friends and family. Relax and know that while the food is good, the people your with is what you're TRUELY THANKFUL FOR. I'm thankful for YOU! Much Love ~Des!

Main Dishes:
Chickpea loaf














Shepherd's Pie Mrs. Plant












SIDE DISHES:
Cornbread dressing


















Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Mrs. Plant




















Gravy


















Green Bean Casserole Mrs. Plant
















Rustic bread

















DESSERTS:
Pumpkin Crumb Cake


















Apple Blueberry Crumble


















Pumpkin Pie Mrs. Plant
















Please follow us on social media! I LOVE connecting with you all so much! Here's where you can find us, we are The Plant Eaters on all of them, or you can click the links and you'll find us! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media! 



*Links are to my Amazon Affiliate link. If you click or buy anything I will receive a commission at NO additional cost to you. It does help our family and we appreciate you support in this way!

Thursday, July 5, 2018

VEGAN BASIL PESTO NO OIL, NUT & DAIRY FREE



Summer time is when Basil is abundant and inexpensive. This is one of my favorite things to have on hand to toss with pasta, or roasted veggies, to smear on a warm piece of bread, on a sandwich, add to lasagna, I could honestly go on and on. It's the best time to make this Vegan Basil Pesto and freeze it for when basil isn't as available. This version is nut free, but you can use the traditional pinenuts, or walnuts, even hazelnuts make a great pesto. I prefer sunflower seeds because I always have them on hand and I can make sure anyone with a nut allergy can have some. Enough of my long winded reasons to make this, haha. Let get to it....

To your food processor or blender add
1 1/4 cup fresh Basil
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 lemon juiced
Roasted garlic to taste,
I use 1/2 of a large head
Blend and gradually add in water
3 Tbsp - 1/4 c water depends of how thick or thin you want it
Salt and pepper to taste
Blend until it is the consistency you like. Taste it and add anything you think it needs. Spice it up with any seasoning you like.

Check out the recipe video here


Thursday, March 1, 2018

PINEAPPLE COCONUT BANANA BREAD


I have a love for moist delicious banana bread. Some times I want the classic and sometimes I like to be a little extra, and add things. This Pinapple Cocount Banana Bread is just the extra I need. It's reminsent of a humming bird cake thats is super popular in South where I'm from. This is a lighter version that still hits every note that your looking for in Banana Bread. Let's get to it.


Ingredients
- 2 cups flour All purpose or Spelt flour (my favorite brand)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (Ceylon is my favorite)
- 2 mashed banana
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 cup organic brown sugar, coconut sugar, organic cane sugar
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice (I use the juice from the canned pineapple)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
- 1/4-1/2 cup chopped pecans or choice of nuts (I use 1/4) (Optional)
- 1/4 -1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (Optional)


Instructions

- In a large mixing bowl add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon
- In another bowl mash bananas, add brown sugar, pineapple juice, apple sauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, add the chopped pineapple, pecan, unsweetened shredded coconut, mix well.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until you no longer see flour, make sure to scrap to the bottom. Do not over mix that will make the bread tough.
-I top mine with a little extra shredded coconut and chopped pecans. If adding loosely cover after 30 minutes so the Cocount and Pecans don't burn.
- Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 50-60 minutes depends on your oven (mine took 55 mins), or 22-25 mins for muffins, until skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Enjoy!

Pineapple Coconut Banana Muffins

PIN IT 


Watch the What we eat in a day video 
see how much the kids like the Pineapple Coconut Banana Bread



Please follow us on social media! I LOVE connecting with you all so much! Here's where you can find us, we are The Plant Eaters on all of them, or you can click the links and you'll find us! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media! 


*Links are to my Amazon Affiliate link. If you click or buy anything I will receive a commission at NO additional cost to you. It does help our family and we appreciate your support in this way!

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

11 EASY VEGAN VALENTINE'S DAY RECIPES

Whether you are making breakfast in bed for your love, or your kids. Having a sweet lunch date, or a romanic dinner, these are tried and true dishes are easy to prepare, but seem like you spent WAY to much time in the kitchen, shhhh I wont tell if you don't, haha. I'll be making some of these for my family on Valentine's Day. I hope you enjoy your Valentine's Day and treat yourself with the same amount of love you are giving to others, because YOU deserve it! MUCH LOVE~ Des!

BREAKFAST-
Oat pancakes These pancakes are easy even on a weekday. 
















Breakfast Sausage We always have sausage in the freezer ready to heat up for any special occasion when you want to seem like your going that extra mile without much work involved.



















LUNCH-
Creamy Baked Pasta can be prepped the night before. Make the sauce and pasta put in the oven safe dish cover and pop in the fridge. When your ready to bake top with bread crumbs and pop it in the oven. I'll be really honest... it's delicious without the bread crumbs and extra step of baking.



Asian Noodle Bowl with Baked Tofu is a great lunch super fast to make.
















DINNER- 
Vegan Crab Cakes are a show stopper! They are unbelievably delicious but again so easy to pull together.





















Or this Chickpea Loaf is so filling and comforting. You can get this ready for the oven the night before too!















Lasagna is always a great idea for special occasions.




















Lasagna Soup If you don't have time to make this Lasagna and bake it make this.















Potato Broccoli Soup Cozy up next to a fire or a movie and eat this amazing.




















DESSERT- 
Chocolate Cake this is such an easy cake that literally takes no time and you probably have everything you need on hand.
























Chocolate Chip Cookies are something that we take when our kids need to have options and share with others so if you or your kids are having a Valentine' day party make these and everyone will thank you!

Monday, January 15, 2018

LASAGNA SOUP INSTANT POT and STOVE TOP OPTION


This soup is everything I've ever wanted in a soup. It is hearty, healthy and oh so delicious! As quick and easy my Easy Vegan Lasagna is, this is even quicker, easier and the taste just as amazing! AND, I get to use one of my favorite kitchen gadgets.... The Instant Pot! If you don't have one don't worry, I've got you covered, with a stove top version. The whole family loved it or I wouldn't be sharing it. Even Ethan loved it. He is beginning to like tomato based dishes, which is so AWESOME! That just goes to show us that we really can begin to enjoy foods that we once didn't. OK, let's get cooking shall we! 

Ingredients:
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper chopped 
  • 3 large carrots or a hand full or 2 of baby carrots sliced
  • 8 oz. Mushrooms sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Parsley
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
  • 1 medium or 2 small Zucchini sliced into half moons
  • 32. oz of your favorite Marinara Sauce jarred or homemade (you can use the ingredients for mine here, just add the ingredients right to the pot)
  • 2 cups of Veggie broth 
  • 1 1/2 cups of water
  • 1/2 a box of broken Lasagne noodles
  • 2 handfuls fresh baby Spinach
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegan Ricotta recipe (Optional)
Directions:
  1. Using the Sauté mode add the onion, celery, pepper and carrots and cook until soft, I add a little water as needed to prevent sticking (sautéing isn't necessary if you are in hurry).
  2. Add the mushrooms, garlic, dried herbs and tomato paste, stir to combine then add zucchini stir
  3. Pour in jarred marinara (or add the ingredients for this sauce), vegetable stock and water, stir. Adjust seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add broken pasta, stir to make sure the pasta is covered.
  5. Check your instant pot lid to make sure the sealing ring and gaskets are all on properly. Put the lid on and set it to sealing.
  6. Press the off button to stop the sauté mode. Then press Manual and adjust the time to 4 minutes (cooking pasta in the ipot is half time cook time on the box minus 1 minute). 
  7. Release the pressure after the 4 minutes is done. Remove the lid away from you.
  8. Stir the soup then stir in the Spinach.
  9. Optional: Top with your favorite vegan ricotta. Or make the THIS ONE from Easy Vegan Lasagna while the soup is cooking. It comes together so quick and it AMAZING! Add fresh Basil ribbons on top. 
  10. ENJOY!!
Stove top version: is super easy too. The only difference is the cook time after you add the pasta, follow the cook time on the box of Lasagna noodles you purchased.

Please make this! Especially if you like Lasagna, it's amazing. If you have any left over it won't be as soupy the next day, but it's still delish. You can top it with more marinara if you would like, but I don't think it's necessary.


Please follow us on social media! I LOVE connecting with you all so much! Here's where you can find us, we are The Plant Eaters on all of them, or you can click the links and you'll find us! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media! 
Watch the video if you want to see how I made it.
I forgot to stir in my spinach at the end... Story of my life!
You do better than me, and don't forget it, haha!































*Links are to my Amazon Affiliate link. If you click or buy anything I will receive a commission at NO additional cost to you. It does help our family and we appreciate your support in this way!

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Easy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce



If you know me, or even if you don't, I think it's pretty clear I LOVE FOOD! While, I love being in the kitchen, I don't love to make complicated recipes that take so long to make and only seconds to inhale. I want it to be EASY but AMAZING so I can make it whenever I want to, instead of blocking out hours in the kitchen cooking and then cleaning up after the tornado that I created, haha. This Falafel recipe is the best I've had in a very long time. After changing to an oil free diet I was so bummed that I wasn't going to be able to enjoy a lot of things that are traditionally fried. So I've been on a mission to make those recipes and enjoy them in a healthier less gut wrenching way. My body and heart have never been so happy, they tell me daily by the way I feel, haha. That's how this flavorful yet healthy Falafel was born. I used my Air Fryer but that is not a deal breaker, these can be made in the oven (because let's face it and Air Fryer is just a mini convection oven). Let's get started because I'm hungry and these are calling to me.

Here's how it's done
Falafel 
To a food processor add:
  • 2 cans of Drained Chickpeas (reserve the liquid of at least one can in case the mixture is too dry)
  • 1 small or 1/2 of a large Red Onion
  • 1/3 cup Cilantro
  • 2-3 cloves of Garlic
  • 2 Tablepoons Dried Parsley (you can used 1/4 cup fresh and I would suggest it but I was out and I'm the kind of cook that uses what I have on hand. What can I say I'm a REBEL, lol)
  • 2-3 teaspoons Ground Coriander
  • 2-3 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 2-3 teaspoon Cumin
  • 2-3 teaspoon Onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Process until just combined you may need to scrap the sides and pulse it instead of "letting her rip" so you DON'T make hummus. (I'll link the YouTube video below, you can see the texture. I'd love to see you over there too ;)

Add mixture to a bowl and toss in the following:
  • 1 Tablepoon Toasted Sesame seeds 
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder, mix to incorporate
  • depending on how wet or dry your falafel mixture is you may need to add a little bit of flour just to help bind it. I did a light dusting of oat flour to the top of the mixture. You can see in the video.
  • form mixture into your desired falafel shape
Optional: Coat the falafels with seasoned Panko Bread crumbs, use gluten free if needed (here is one or two that I'll be trying soon). This adds a great crunch that you'd get with the traditional fried falafel.

I used an Air Fryer for this particular batch but I've also made them in the oven. I don't have a preference other than the oven does help when making large batches. But the Air Fryer is faster.

Air Fryer Instructions:
380 degrees for 10 mins, flip then up the temp to 400 for 3-4 mins.
Oven Instructions:
400 degrees for about 20 mins flip if needed and cook for another 5-7 mins. Cook time will depend greatly on your oven.

We wrapped them a fresh vegan oil-free pita that a local bakery makes. If you can't find a good alternative I love to add them on top of a big salad or on top of romaine "boats" topped with the Tzatziki Sauce. I'll just be really honest, I could put this Sauce on a piece of cardboard and be in heaven, lol.

Tzatziki Sauce here's the recipe:
  • Grate about a 1/2 cup of cucumber. Give them a squeeze and set aside to drain the liquid out so the end result isn't to runny.
In a blender add and blend on low until smooth
  • 1/2 cup Hemp Seeds (I used these)
  • 2 Garlic Cloves (you can use garlic powder to taste) 
  • Zest of one lemon (optional)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 2-3 teaspoons Dried Dill
  • Unsweetened Plant Milk or Water gradually add liquid in until desired consistency. I started with 2 Tablespoons. This is to your preference  
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Optional: add a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Add grated cucumber and Hemp Seed mixture to a bowl, mix well, adjust the thickness and seasonings to taste.  I hope you make this and love it as much as we do... so I say that every time? Listen I'm not going to put something on here that we don't love, I'd never do that to you!

Please follow us on social media! I LOVE connecting with you all so much! Here's where you can find us, we are The Plant Eaters on all of them, or you can click the links and you'll find us! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media! 






*Links are to my Amazon Affiliate link. If you click or buy anything I will receive a commission at NO additional cost to you. It does help our family and we appreciate you support in this way!






Tuesday, December 5, 2017

CREAMY BAKED PASTA


My end goal in life will always be getting as many veggies as I can into my family, haha. I know to some this is not a huge goal, but let's be honest, this is one of those goals that just makes you such a super magical force. When you make THESE AMAZING COOKIES for your family and tell them I'm glad you like because it's made from beans, or this SAUSAGE is made from oats, or this Creamy Baked Pasta is made from CAULIFLOWER, and your 10 year old son looks up at you with huge eyes like you've just solved the Pythagorean Theorem, that my friends is a goal I will forever be reaching for and hope to continue to meet each time I make a dish with hidden veggies! Ok, If you can't tell this was a hit and I'm not sure why I'm surprised because Cauliflower is an amazing versatile ingredient. I've made this a couple different times with a different flare like Mexican (added chili powder and cumin for a taco Mac flavor) and Cajun (I used Tony's cajun seasoning and it was sooo good and a little spicy). I make sure to have a few bags in the freezer for quick and healthy dishes when I just don't have time to think about it.

My oldest daughter asked if I could make a "creamy" pasta. I thought about using a cashew base (too high in fat me to down a huge plate full) or a fat free vegan béchamel (which doesn't offer any nutrients), neither of these really had everything I wanted in a creamy sauce. So I scan the kitchen and decide to change up my Southern Gravy recipe to make it more pasta friendly. This is what I ended up with and the whole family loved it. Let get to it.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and get 1 lb. of pasta pasta of choice started. I used 1 lb. of this Brown Rice Pasta.
Bring a pot of water to boil ADD the following:
  • 16 oz. frozen or fresh Cauliflower
  • 1 small Onion
  • 3-5 large cloves of garlic (we like a lot of garlic I use 5 and it's not overpowering, but I LOVE garlic)
  • 2-4 Tablespoons Sunflower seeds optional (You can use any nut or seed you like. It adds a nice mouth feel, but is totally optional!)

Boil until the cauliflower is tender enough to mash easily. Drain the pot but keep about a cup of the cooking liquid incase you need a little to help blend it. You can watch the video below to see how I pulled it together.

To a blender ADD
  • Drained Cauliflower mixture
  • Tablespoon or 2 at a time of the cooking liquid (don't make it too thin)
  • 1/2 cup Nutritional yeast
  • 1-2 teaspoons Dried Oregano 
  • 1-2 teaspoons Dried Parsley
  • 1-2 teaspoons Garlic powder (yeah, more garlic... optional)
  • 1-2 teaspoons Onion powder
  • 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1-2 teaspoons Mushroom Seasoning (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste (if you are using the mushroom seasoning remember, it's salty)
  • Now's the time to add whatever flavors your going for. This is great as is but really tasty with additional spices like Chili Mac flavors or  Tony's cajun to spice it up!
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add this to your cooked and drained pasta. Mix well, taste and adjust seasoning again if needed. Pour Creamy Pasta into a baking dish and top with Seasoned Bread Crumbs recipe below. Pop into a 375 degree oven until the top is golden brown about 15 mins.

Seasoned Bread Crumbs
  • Panko bread crumbs (I used these). USE GLUTEN FREE IF NEEDED. Options below*
  • 1-2 Tablespoons Nutritional yeast 
  • 1-2 teaspoons each Garlic and Onion powder 
  • 1-2 teaspoons Dried Parsley 
  • Salt and pepper to taste
I hope you make this and enjoy it as much as we do. Don't forget to make this into your own dish and season it up how you and your family enjoy! Then snap a picture and tag me on Instagram tell me what you did different so I can try it too!! MUCH LOVE ~ Des!

PIN IT!!
WHAT THE VIDEO!


Please follow us on social media! I LOVE connecting with you all so much! Here's where you can find us, we are The Plant Eaters on all of them, or you can click the links and you'll find us! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media! 

*VEGAN GLUTEN FREE BREAD CRUMBS: Potato bread crumbs I had no idea potato bread crumbs were an actual thing I'm DEFINITELY trying these) or I haven't tries these either these are on my list too, Chickpea bread crumbs. Let me know your favorite Gluten free bread crumbs so I can try them!!!???

*Links are to my Amazon Affiliate link. If you click or buy anything I will receive a commission at NO additional cost to you. It does help our family and we appreciate you support in this way!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

VEGAN CORNBREAD DRESSING


Wow this year has really flown by. I can't believe it's nearly Thanksgiving. I say that every year and the years keep flying by even faster as I get older. This is our 3rd Vegan Thanksgiving. I can't tell you how surreal that sounds. As a "foodie" I didn't really worry about eating on holiday's. To me the main dish was not my favorite part of the meal anyway. I love the sides. My favorite has ALWAYS been Cornbread dressing. There is ABSOLUTELY no reason it can't be made vegan and on top of that, it can be oil free!


Here's what I do:
Preheat oven to 350F
Ingredients:
Make a batch of this Easy Cornbread
Cut 5 slices of bread season with garlic powder and onion powder  (I used this bread it's our favorite store bought bread) pop it into a 350F oven to get crunchy and dry out about 15 minutes, until dry and crunchy. Time saver: If you want to leave the bread out over night to dry out, you can.
1 Onion chopped
3 Celery stalks chopped
3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1-2 teaspoon Garlic powder
1-2 teaspoon Onion powder
 2 -3 cups No chicken broth (the amount depends on how moist you like your dressing)
4 teaspoons Poultry seasonings (this is really to taste some people do not like a lot)
1 teaspoon Rubbed Sage (this is optional some do not like Sage)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
In a non-stick skillet add sautéed onion and celery. I add a little water/veg broth as needed to prevent sticking. Add the garlic after the onions a celery have become slightly soft. Add a teaspoon of garlic and onion powder just to bump up the flavor. Cook it all until soft and fragrant. In a large mixing bowl crumble cooled cornbread, add cubed bread, sautéed veggies, the dried herbs (NOTE: add what you think you will like. These herbs can be overpowering for some people and I'd hate to ruin Thanksgiving!), then add about 2 cups of stock (you may need more depending on how wet/dry you like your dressing). Mix WELL you don't want a big pocket of sage. Since no eggs are in this recipe you can taste and adjust as needed. Once you have the seasonings right, add to your baking dish. I always use parchment paper for things like this just to be safe! Bake for about 40-50 minutes. This is a soft dressing not crunchy or chewy. I love a big helping of This Gravy on it. This is what MAKES Thanksgiving dinner for me!


Snap a picture of your delicious meal and tag me on social media!! 
Please follow us on social media! I LOVE connecting with you all so much! Here's where you can find us, we are The Plant Eaters on all of them, or you can click the links and you'll find us! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media! 

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*Links are to my Amazon Affiliate link. If you click or buy anything I will receive a commission at NO additional cost to you. It does help our family and we appreciate you support in this way!


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

VEGAN PUMPKIN CRUMB CAKE


I have to admit I don't really eat a ton of pumpkin dishes or desserts. I did love pumpkin pie before going vegan, and I had a pumpkin spice latte a time or... twenty back then too. But, I haven't ever really been one to make pumpkin cakes or pumpkin brownies. So, here I am telling you I was an idiot, haha. Why didn't you tell me what I was missing?! This Pumpkin Crumb Cake rocked my world! It was so good, I could eat it breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, and dessert and a bed time snack,which I never do but definitely would if it was this cake!! As per usual it's spiced with the great pumpkin spices that we all love. I leave the measurements of each up to the spice makers because I don't have the patience to figure out which spices I like and of how much. I have tried a few pumpkin spice varieties and I really like this one by.... Ok so I'm done telling you how wonderful this recipe is it's time to make it and devour it for yourself.

Here's what I did: Line a baking dish with parchment paper. I used a fancy oval one but a practical square 8x8 one is great too. Preheat your oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl add the wet ingredients and mix then add the dry ingredients.


Wet:
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
  • 1/2 Cup Almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
Dry:

Mix just until combined and no dry flour is left, don't over mix or it will be tough. Add the cake batter to the prepared baking dish. Now, on to the Crumb topping!! It's my favorite! In a mixing bowl (I scrap the cake batter bowl really well, so I just use it, remember I hate doing dishes!) Add the Crumb ingredients in the order listed to make a nice crunchy topping.

Crumb Topping:
  • 1/2 Cup of Pecans
  • 1/4 Cup of Flour
  • 1/4 Cup of Organic Brown Sugar or any that I listed above
  • 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Ok, I know that's 2 different sweeteners. Let me explain. You can use just 1/4 cup of maple and leave out the brown sugar but the brown sugar coated on the pecan with the maple syrup is SO GOOD. It make this amazing candy coating on the pecans that I can't get with out both, so you decide what you want to do. I'll love you no matter what!

Mix It all together and evenly top the cake with the Crumb Topping. Pop in the pre heated oven for about 30 minutes. If the top starts to brown and the cake isn't done, cover it with foil. After about 30 minutes. I always do the tooth pick test, in the center and see if it comes out clean, if not pop it back in for about 5 more minutes, test it... you get the idea. Don't over bake it will dry out. When it's done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before cutting.

If you make this please please please tag me on social media and let me see your creation! Much LOVE~ Des!
Please follow us on social media! I LOVE connecting with you all so much! Here's where you can find us, we are The Plant Eaters on all of them, or you can click the links and you'll find us! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media! 
Pinterest 

Here's the recipe video if you're interested in see how it comes together 
















Recipe inspiration Vegan Richa Vegan Coffee Cake
*Links are to my Amazon Affiliate link. If you click or buy anything I will receive a commission at NO additional cost to you. It does help our family and we appreciate you support in this way!

Saturday, November 11, 2017

APPLE BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE

This is the perfect dessert for any occasion!

Apples are abundent right now and they are SO sweet and tart all at the same time.  And, the blueberries add such a wonderful color and flavor. Together this pair is my absolute favorite. But I have to admit and I'm sure you will to, the crumble topping is the piece de resistance, it truly makes this so DELISIOUS. I make different fruit crumbles all year this Strawberry Crumble is really good, peach is another favorite. But this one is a Fall favorite. It's great for any gathering or for an easy healthy dessert anytime. I'll stop talking your ear off and get to it.

Here's what I did:

Preheat your oven to 375 F.

  • 4-6 Peeled and diced Apples depending on size (cut in about 1/2 inch square). I really like Sweet Tango variety, but any apple will work.
  • 1/2 cup Frozen blueberries. I like frozen because they "melt" during baking and create a wonderfully sweet thick sauce.But fresh will work too.
  • 1/4 cup Coconut sugar or organic vegan sugar, you may need a little more depending on the sweetness of the apples and blueberries. I have had to add up to about 1/3 cup of sugar.
  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch

I usually just mix it all in the oven safe dish I'm baking the crumble in. I hate doing dishes, haha.

That being said... in a medium bowl (haha) add the following ingredients in the order listed for the
Crumble Topping:

  • 1 cup Rolled oats
  • 1/3-1/2 cup Pecan optional if you are nut free you can just add 1/3 cup more  oats
  • 2 Tablespoons Flour, any will work. Mix throughly then drizzle in a
  • 1/4 cup Maple syrup. Mix until everything is coated with the maple syrup. Evenly spread the crumble topping over the fruit mixture.

Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. I always cover it with foil after about 20 mins once the top is browned. The reason I cover after it browns is so the crumble topping doesn't get soggy. Test an apple to see if it's tender, once it's soft enough to your desire, let in cool for about 5- 10 minutes or you'll be sorry, I promise I know from experience!


I hope you enjoy this crumble and snap a picture and tag me in social media!
Please follow us on social media! I LOVE connecting with you all so much! Here's where you can find us, we are The Plant Eaters on all of them, or you can click the links and you'll find us! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media! 



Monday, October 30, 2017

CREAMY VEGAN POTATO BROCCOLI SOUP

This soup will warm you to your soul.  It's everything you want in a bowl of soup, comfort, warmth, and filling.


It's getting cooler in many parts of the world. There's really nothing like coming home on crisp cool day to a big pot of hot comforting soup, that fills your belly and warms you straight to your soul. I wouldn't know anything about, that since its still 90°f here in Flordia, and don't even ask about the humidity. But, we don't care, we are craving soup just like a lot of people are this time of year. Soup is so nursing and just dang delicious! We've been enjoying this for dinner and the leftovers are even better. This recipe couldn't be any easier to throw together, here's what you'll need.


Ingredients:
1 Diced Medium onion
1 Bell pepper (I used the mini sweet peppers 2 red and 1 yellow,  green will work too. Use what you like)
2 Stalks of celery
2-3 cloves of garlic
2 carrots diced
4-5 Medium Potatoes (I used Russet baking potatoes because I always have them on hand. If you are using a smaller potato you'll need more,).
1 lb. bag of frozen of fresh Broccoli
1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-2 teaspoons onion powder
1 Tablespoon mushroom broth powder (optional)
32oz. Vegetable stock (Here is my absolute favorite it is SUPER flavorful)
2 Cups of water
1/2 cup Nutritional yeast
Salt and Pepper to taste (go easy on the salt if you are using the mushroom powder it's salty)

Directions:
Heat a large pot on medium/high heat. Add diced onion, pepper, celery, carrots, add a little water just to get the party started and cook until the veggies have softened. Add chopped garlic and a little more water to prevent the garlic from burning. Add seasoning and continue to sautée until all the veggies are slightly browned about 5-7 minutes. Add the veggie stock and water bring to a boil, drop the heat a little and cook at a gentle boil for about 5 mins so the carrots can get a head start. Add potatoes cook until just tender. Once the potatoes are tender add 4-5 ladles of the potatoes and veggie to a high speed blender (try not you get too much liquid at this point, the amount of veggies in your pot is up to how chunky you like your soup. I like it pretty chunky so I make sure I have a good amount to potatoes and veggie left in the pot) add a couple of ladles of use the soup liquid to the blender. Add Nutritional yeast and 1 tsp of each of the spices your adding to your soup. Blend until super smooth and thick. Add the blended soup back to the pot, stir and add broccoli and cook until tender.

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Watch the video so you can see step by step how I make it.

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Sunday, August 27, 2017

EASY VEGAN LASAGNA


I love lasanga, but I never liked making it because of the whole "labor of love" that goes along with it. But recently, I've had a hankering for it, and haven't made it since we went vegan. But, I needed something easy. All the recipes I've seen and even used to make, I had to cook a bunch of stuff before I even put it all together, and cook it again for another hour! That's not something I have time for, and honestly, if I had that kind of time, lasagna is not at the top of my list for long lengthy things to do, now a massage, that I'd waste hours on, I digress. So, I wanted an easy vegan lasagna I could layer some stuff, along with our favorite tofu ricotta, throw it in the oven and call it delicious.

I literally did just that, tossed a bunch of stuff that I know my family likes, and even snuck in some spinach, kale and arugula! I didn't precook anything! I know, I say this all the time, but please just remember this is a guide ADD the thing you know your family will like. But sneak in some chopped greens of choice your family will not bat an eye! You may be concerned the raw mushrooms will give off too much liquid, to be honest I kind of was too, but they don't! The noodles are the oven ready version so I didn't worry too much since 1. I didn't add a ton 2. the extra little bit of liquid would help the noodles cook. The tomato sauce is so easy too I opened a couple of 32 oz. cans of my favorite crushed tomatoes after they finished the job of pressing the tofu for my tofu ricotta. Which isn't totally necessary, but they needed a job while I figured out what I was going to throw into this Easy Vegan Lasagna. 


Easy Vegan Lasagna recipe and instructions:
Oven ready lasagna noodles (I used Mueller's)
1 can artichoke hearts drained rinsed and chopped
1 8 oz. package mushrooms sliced
Tomato sauce (recipe below), or use your favorite jarred sauce
Tofu ricotta (recipe below)
In a casserole dish add a layer of tomato sauce to the bottom, add a layer of oven ready lasagna noodles (you may need to break a few of them to make them fit, again you can watch the video to see how it worked out for me), then a layer of the tofu ricotta enough to cover the noodles, sprinkle the chopped greens of choice I use a spinach, kale and arugula blend, add chopped artichoke heart and sliced mushrooms, then add another layer of tomato sauce, noodles, ricotta, greens, artichokes, mushrooms, sauce, I sprinted a little almond "parm" of top it's just finely grated almond, nutritional yeast and salt totally optional. Cover with foil and bake according to the oven ready noodles you use. I baked at 375 F. for 50 minutes, then removed the foil and baked another 10 minutes. Let in rest for about 10-15 minutes. ENJOY! Please please snap a picture and tag me on Instagram!


Tomato sauce recipe:
Mix together
2 28 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes (I love Cento brand, you can find these at most grocery stores)
3 Tablespoons dried parsley 
3 teaspoons dried Oregano 
1-2 Tablespoon mushroom broth seasoning (optional)
2-3 teaspoons garlic powder
2-3 teaspoons onion powder
1-2 teaspoon dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
mix everything together no need to cook it or even heat it just put it to the side and wait until you are ready to add it to the lasagna. 
Scarlet loves the Tofu ricotta she loves to help "clean" the spatula, haha.

Tofu Ricotta recipe and instructions:
1 block of extra firm tofu drained and pressed if you want to I do because I prefer the texture if you don't care do waste your time.
juice of 2 lemons and the zest of 1
3 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (I try not to use the enriched kind)
1/2 cup fresh basil
1 Tablespoon oregano
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
Put everything in a food processor or blender pulse and scrap as needed until the consistency you like, I like it pretty smooth you can see the YouTube video here and below where I show the texture we like.

This is my plate and I went back for 2nd's!
We served it with salad and Homemade Bread you should always have some on hand! 

Pin it and follow me on Pinterest, I'm just starting to add some of our recipes and I'd love to follow you for ideas! 


Here's the YouTube video if you're interested in seeing how I there it together!