Healthy. Happy. Life.

Black Eyed Sweet Potato Sliders + La Jolla Cove

2012-05-28T12:13:00.001-04:00

These Black Eyed Pea Sweet Potato Veggie Burger Sliders are a mini-spin on my Sweet Potato Avocado Veggie Burgers. They use the same base mixture of sweet potato mixed with a legume - but I've simplified the recipe even more and made these tasty burgers into petite vegan sliders. The earthy sweet black-eyed peas mesh deliciously with the creamy sweet baked sweet potato, accented with bold Cajun spices and a hint of nutritional yeast. Some thinly sliced red onion for bite and fluffy micro greens on top to complete the "tiny" theme. Get this easy recipe - plus check out my La...

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Creamy Minted Fresh Pea Soup + Summer Fever.

2012-05-25T16:31:00.000-04:00

This Creamy Minted Fresh English Pea Soup is a soul soothing bowl. Rustic texture, savory-sweet, mint-acented, fresh pea flavor - with nutty, peppery undertones. Totally creamy - yet totally soy free. Dreamy & Greeny. I've blended steamed sweet spring peas with soaked raw almonds. This is an easy go-to recipe when you want something light and lovely - that makes you feel good. Vegan protein rich. You will need to soak some almonds ahead of time, but after you do that this can be made and served in mere minutes. Get my recipe and lets chat summer adventures!..Read more »

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Frosted Blueberry Cake. Vegan slice of spring.

2012-05-23T15:18:00.001-04:00

Oh blueberries, how I love them. Blueberry muffins. Blueberry pancakes. Blueberry smoothies. Blueberry anything sounds just heavenly to me. Blueberry Cake. I took a pack of organic, plump, sweet spring blueberries and made this Blueberry Cake. I love this recipe because it doesn't quite fit into a recipe category box. It is a hybrid. Blueberry muffin meets frosted cake meets hearty, grain-filled goodness. This cake is easily a dessert, tea cake, sweet treat breakfast nibble or afternoon snack. The frosting is a simple virgin coconut oil-based blend. Silky, fluffy, decadent enough...

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Spinach Hummus Pitas, Sweet Potato. Easy Dinner!

2012-05-21T19:04:00.000-04:00

Here is an easy dinner idea for your busy week ahead. My Spinach Hummus Pitas paired with a large baked and maple-mashed sweet potato. Served with a side of smoky baked tofu squares and pepper truffle shiitake mushrooms. Picnic-inspired. This recipe would make a wonderful eat-outside feast for spring/summer. Get my recipes (and a vegan dessert idea too!)..Read more »

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Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits. Simple Vegan Recipe.

2012-05-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Homemade biscuits instantly infuse a little cozy, rustic, homestyle, warmth into a meal. My latest biscuit recipe: Vegan Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits - melty cheese and spicy jalapeno bits in every fluffy, steamy bite. Grace your dinner table with a platter of these oven-fresh biscuits, and smiles abound...Read more »

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Aloha Salad with Tiki Tempeh. Dole Salad Circle Giveaway!

2012-05-15T20:52:00.000-04:00

Tiny umbrellas seemed like the perfect accent to this tropical getaway style salad. My Aloha Salad with Tiki Tempeh is filled with vibrant Dole salad greens, crunchy chopped macadamia nuts, sweet, juicy pineapple and a few thin circles of sweet banana. My creamy vegan Avocado Pineapple salad dressing completes the dish. Top each salad bowl with a triangle of my Tiki Tempeh - smoky, sticky-sweet island fare. Why the salad party? Well when Dole asked me if I wanted to spread the word about their "Start a Salad Circle" campaign and give away a super duper salad party kit to one of...

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Blackberry Walnut Oat Rolls with Coconut Frosting.

2012-05-12T14:21:00.002-04:00

Light and fluffy berry-filled swirls are a spring-y change from a normally cinnamon-filled roll. These vegan Blackberry Walnut Oat Rolls with a cloud-like dollop of Coconut Buttercream Frosting on top, taste like a cross between a thick slice of sweet-tart blackberry pie, a moist oatmeal muffin and a frosting-topped cinnamon bun. I was actually kind of surprised that I didn't miss the cinnamon at all.Read more »

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News to Share! 365 Smoothies..

2012-05-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am feeling ecstatic that I have a bit of happy news to share with you all! Read ahead to hear about my exciting new adventure!Read more »

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Video: What is Vegan Sugar? How to Easily Spot it!

2012-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Is my sugar vegan? What about white sugar? Powdered sugar? What about bone char? I should just avoid all white sugar when I am vegan. right?.. I want to make it simple for you! Yes you could research every single sugar company and figure out the "vegan" status - aka if they use bone char in the refining process. But there is a much easier way! I have a fast way to easily identify some of the vegan sugar out there. Watch my video to learn the trick! And this even includes powdered sugar - a staple ingredient in delicious vegan frostings. And Nelly the cat fans - she makes a (long)...

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Lemon Jalapeño Asparagus Cashew Salad Sandwiches

2012-05-07T21:17:00.002-04:00

Tofu salad sandwiches - like this one - are my vegan substitute for a classic "egg-salad" sandwich. Well now I have a soy-free alternative to tofu salad... Cashew salad sandwiches! This fluffy, light Cashew Asparagus Lemon-Jalapeño mixture has a creamy, nutty, spicy flavor with a zesty fresh lemon pepper accent. This recipe is perfect for spring (asparagus season!) and can be used in a variety of ways. Dip it. Spread it. Dollop it. Or stuff it into pitas or wraps. Enjoy it raw with veggies, on salads and bread or add it to pizza or lasagna and bake as a "ricotta cheese"...

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Rainbow Slaw with Sweet Tahini Dressing

2012-05-03T18:28:00.000-04:00

This colorful, fresh and vibrant Rainbow Slaw was an unexpected, last-minute, use-what-is-in-my-fridge recipe. But I loved it so much I simply had to (make it again) and share it with you all! I've also included my favorite go-to Sweet Tahini Dressing (the one I often tweet about) - so grab your veggie grater and made this slaw! Only 200 calories per generous serving - and packed with nutrients - nutrition info follows recipe!..Read more »

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Meatless Monday Recipe Round-Up

2012-05-01T19:26:00.000-04:00

Today's Meatless Monday Recipe Round-up via my posts over at Babble's Family Kitchen include .. Martha's secret green juice, veggies you should try raw, pizza party recipe round-up, blackberry lime pie, hemp milk in a flash and more. Start today and keep meatless going all week long!..Read more »

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Tomato Basil Roasted Pepper Vegan Panini

2012-05-01T12:03:00.000-04:00

Two things there are never enough of: hours in the day - and counter space in the kitchen. Sorry waffle iron, ice cream machine and panini press, you guys are banned to the back of the cabinet shelf until I have use for you. My Vitamix, Nespresso, juicer and humble toaster own permanent spots. Lucky plug-ins. So when I crave a freshly grilled panini - I have to lug out my shiny, wide-bodied press. Not really fair when you take a look at what this simple machine (just plug and press!) can do to a few slices of bread and some sandwich toppings. This vegan Tomato Basil Pepperjack Roasted...

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Vegan Nachos for all! Cinco de Mayo Recipe.

2012-04-29T15:04:00.001-04:00

Serve up some fresh and feisty Vegan Nachos for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo holiday .. or save this recipe for any day really! I rarely make nachos. But when I do I go all in - fully loaded style. Melty orange vegan cheese, hearty layer of black beans, cashew sour cream, fresh avocado, vegan taco crumbles, jalapenos, tomatoes, cilantro and zesty diced red onion. And with Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, you have every reason to hop to the store and fill your cart with nacho fiesta ingredients. And my Citrus Daiquiri on the side..Read more »

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Creamy Tomato Garlic Hummus Dip or Spread.

2012-04-28T15:39:00.002-04:00

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Hummus is dreamy and rich textured with a hint of heat. Make it as spicy as you'd like. This healthy vegan dip can be served with freshly chopped veggie sticks, slathered on sandwiches, alongside salads or spread on bagels and toast. You can make an easy lunchtime wrap by simple scooping a nice portion of hummus into a large tortilla and adding a rainbow of veggies or greens - maybe a few grains like quinoa or cooked and chilled farro too. The flavor in this bean-filled hummus goes a long way to perk up produce. Get my recipe.. Omegas. I've been really into...

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Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

2012-04-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

Another vegan pizza post for you all! This one is a bit more classic than the last.. Sometimes I have to curb my desire for culinary innovation and just surrender to the classics. Enter my Easy Vegan Pepperoni Pizza. Bubbly, melty Daiya Mozzarella meets dreamy marinara smothering my homemade Walnut Flax Wheat Pizza Crust. This crust is incredibly moist and fluffy. The edges stay fluffy and crisp and chewy while the topping-covered parts stay tender - crisp up the bottom if you'd like too. The crust softness is very much like a deep dish pizza crust without the dish. Perky...

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Pink Lemonade Coconut Water Frosty

2012-04-24T08:30:00.000-04:00

Cool off with this Pink Lemonade Coconut Water Frosty. Rich in electrolytes, antioxidants - and low in calories - this is your go-to, light and lovely beverage as the weather warms up. Perfect as an after-workout hydration beverage (bright pink - colored by berries - not chemicals like most "hydration" beverages.) Grab your blender and get ready to say "Ahhhhhh!" as you chug this frosty glass.. Read more »

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Vegan Macro Meal.

2012-04-23T21:28:00.000-04:00

Macro Meal. Tender wilted kale hugged by warm, nutty brown rice and white beans. Peppered shiitakes tumble alongside, an accent of tangy sauerkraut and a few crisp, fresh sprouts on top. Maple tamari tempeh triangles fan along the rim of my wide, white bowl. A kiss of sweet, juicy, zesty satsuma. And plentiful amounts of rich, tangy tahini-maple dressing drizzled over top. This is my kind of macro meal. I have been curious about macrobiotics lately. One can only order the "Macro" Bowl at Native Foods so many times before wanting to refresh their expertise of what...

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Meatless Monday Recipe Round-Up: 4/23

2012-04-23T13:35:00.002-04:00

Today's Meatless Monday Recipe Round-up via my posts over at Babble's Family Kitchen include .. a warm breakfast buckwheat bowl (gluten-free!), 21 common vegan cooking mistakes slideshow, strawberry chocolate raw tart, cinna-chili popcorn, a discussion on virgin coconut oil, news on my recipe gallery, a FindingVegan.com milestone and more. Start today and keep meatless going all week long!.. Read more »

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Citrus Quinoa Tempeh Plate with Avocado Cream

2012-04-20T11:08:00.005-04:00

My Citrus Quinoa Tempeh Plate with vegan Avocado Cream is like serving up a platter of sunshine. ..I even attempted to make the dish look like a cute little sun .. with golden mango and squiggly beet rays of sunshine. #AbstractFoodArt :) Sun Plate. Citrus spiced fluffy quinoa is topped with glowing, juicy slices of fresh navel orange, and skewers of peppery citrus-maple tempeh triangles. A ring of sweet diced mango circles the plate with swirly accents of finely shaved raw beet and a few chopped walnuts. A drizzle of my Super Avocado Cream (amazing as a salad dressing too) over top....

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Peanut Butter Cacao Fudge Bars, Coconut Oil

2012-04-19T11:29:00.000-04:00

These Peanut Butter Cacao Fudge Bars are silky, decadent, melt-in-your-mouth delish. Ribbons of creamy peanut butter ripple and swirl with rich coconut oil peanut butter fudge. Hints of banana, maple and cinnamon too. Bold crunchy raw cacao nibs on top and a thin layer of soft hemp seeds as the crust. Cravable. And oh so easy. Fast Treat. It took me only about five minutes to prepare this fudge. And then about fifteen minutes to sit back and twiddle my thumbs while the mixture chilled in the freezer. No baking. No fuss. Just blend, chill, slice and serve. Seriously, look at how easy...

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Coconut Butter Spreads: Cacao, Goji, Banana, Strawberry

2012-04-18T11:25:00.013-04:00

Warning, your toast, muffins and tea cakes will never be the same after tasting a slather these coconut oil-infused butters.. Continuing on my virgin coconut butter kick, I whipped up these Coconut Butter Spread recipes in my Vitamix. I literally made all three of them in about ten minutes and they were ready-to-serve in about another ten minutes. Easy, pretty and super yummy. I can just see this trio of flavors set out at a spring brunch - slathered on toast or muffins in place of traditional "buttery" or "jammy" substances. Health-nuts, vegans and even those who...

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Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Pudding: Five Ingredients!

2012-04-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Cozy, creamy, cravable vegan pudding in a flash - with only FIVE ingredients? Oh yes... My Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Pudding is simple yet cozy - flavors you know and love. Silken tofu provides a creamy base. Rich in protein, fiber and yumminess!.. The process for my vegan dessert pudding recipes is simple: blend, chill, serve! No cooking or heating required. Add in a helping of virgin coconut oil for an even more decadent treat. Grab a spoon!.. Read more »

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Wild Blueberry Chia Oatmeal.

2012-04-09T13:37:00.005-04:00

I'm convinced that Monday mornings are a little easier to swallow when you've just closed the cap on a joy-filled sunny weekend. And to keep the weekend euphoria humming in my head - I decided to slow down my Monday morning, take my own good advice, and make myself a bowl of vegan Wild Blueberry Chia Oatmeal. Get my recipe and read about my weekend adventures...Read more »

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Pesto Cashew Ricotta Pizza

2012-04-07T09:16:00.000-04:00

This luscious green and white dotted Pesto Cashew Ricotta vegan pizza was our Sunday night feast last weekend. And not only was this recipe fun to make - pizza always is - it was surprisingly easy once all the prep work was done. You can even do the prep the night or day before for a super simple route to dinnerland. Pizza. Fluffy whole wheat pizza dough, speckled with hemp and ground flax seeds is the base of this rustic earthy pizza. Rich, creamy, homemade lemon garlic cashew ricotta mingles with bold spicy green pesto sauce. A humble sliced red tomato, some red pepper flakes, lemon...

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