Chipotle Cabbage & Radish Slaw

I have loads of mixing bowls in my kitchen, and while I use them for mixing ingredients for recipes all the time, I use them just as much to house a ginormous salad for dinner. You can really “dig in” to a big bowl salad, tossing all the goodness together and then go to town. […]

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Pan-Fried Green Tomatoes with “Buttermilk” Dipping Sauce

When you hear “Fried Green Tomatoes” you probably think of the 1991 movie by the same name, and/or Southern cooking. If you look into the history of Fried Green Tomatoes however, you’ll find that most recipes from the 1900s–1960s were found in the North or Midwest, with many southerners claiming that growing up, they didn’t even know about Fried […]

Rustic Blue Corn & Green Tomato Skillet Bread

The sense of community and generosity in my sweet little town just can’t be beat. Every summer, my gardening pals and neighbors drop off bumper crop goodies like melon, peppers, onions, herbs, beans and of course, tomatoes. My kitchen island (and beyond) is completely covered with tomatoes of all sizes, and colors. It’s inspired me to get […]

Creamy Chickpea & Wild Rice Soup

Years ago in Chicago, I used to frequent this great little carryout spot called the SoupBox. They served 12 homemade soups every day and one of my favorite orders was their Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice soup in a bread bowl. In a city where you’re wearing a scarf for at least 8 months out of the […]

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Thin Mints

I’m having a lot of fun with the Vega #OneChange campaign. Last week I made some protein-packed Chai Oatmeal for those of YU who tend to skip breakfast, and this week, I’m sharing a fun, guilt-free recipe for YU Weekend Splurgers. Girl Scout cookie time is a few months away, but you can get your […]

The Ultimate Plant-Powerful Dairy-Free Milk Guide

There truly are infinite possibilities when it comes to a plant-based diet and milk is no exception. I show YU all the options with pretty step-by-step photo help…

Sweet Potato & Kale Fusilli

Here’s another fun way to make a nutritious, gluten-free, dairy-free version of mac and cheese—with curly fusilli noodles and sweet potatoes (yes, sweet potatoes) as the “cheese” sauce. It’s a new favorite at my house. Serves 2-4 Tools: Steamer with lid Chef’s knife Large pot Small skillet Large glass bowl Strainer  Ingredients: Try to buy […]

Gluten-Free & Naturally Dyed Holiday Shortbread Cookies

Colorful cookies are just part of the holidays, and for folks who want to steer clear of the dangers of artificial dyes, this Gluten-Free & Naturally Dyed Holiday Shortbread Cookie recipe is for YU. I use cocoa powder for brown, liquid chlorophyll for green and fresh beet juice for red. You can prepare these cookies either with […]

Black Bean Soup with Sunflower Seed Cashew Cream

I’m on a soup kick lately, mainly because they are so easy—and a great way to get a ton of veggies together in one simple meal. I’ll be honest, most weeks, I don’t have a master plan about what I am going to eat. But I do I reach into the pantry on Sunday night […]

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Popped Amaranth Bread

This post is dedicated to my cousin Richard, who has been kindly begging me for this recipe since he tried it a few weeks ago. This gluten-free, dairy-free bread goes perfectly well with Hearty Multi-Bean & Chia Seed Chili—I almost never make one recipe without the other and you can even bake the two together to create a casserole (see below). Amaranth is a nutritional powerhouse—high in lysine, calcium, protein, fiber and has a nutty, almost malty flavor. Popping the amaranth is fun and really adds a subtle popcorn-like taste to this unique, earthy bread which can be prepared in a pie pan, mini muffin tins, as drop biscuits or as muffins. Versatile and delish.