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 […]
Category Archives: Vegan Recipes
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.
Raspberry & Cardamom Cream Chia Pudding
I think that if you love someone, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or your sweetheart, you should serve them healthy treats for Valentine’s Day. Nothing says “I care” like recipes that promote a long, vibrant life. This delicious Whole Food of the Month recipe takes no time at all to make (love that), but thanks to the exotic flavor of cardamom and the almost heart-shaped and juicy red raspberries, your recipients will be feeling well taken care of this Valentine’s Day.
Aluminum-Free and Hearty Multi-Bean & Chia Seed Chili
This is one of those recipes that is delicious right away and just tastes better and better with each day. It’s a perfect make-on-Sunday chili since it does take time to prepare. There are no canned ingredients for this recipe (so no dangerous aluminum) and I’ve worked in our Whole Food of the Month—Chia—as well. All ingredients are prepared for optimal nutritional benefits (ie: soaking) but know that your efforts will yield a large batch of I-can’t believe-it’s-vegan chili that will be a household fave from now on. Serve with Gluten-Free Amaranth Jalapeno Bread if you want to take it to the next level. Try it out on the omnivores in your life without telling them it’s a plant-based recipe. I bet they will never know.