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Simple Breakfast Hash

Simple Breakfast Hash
Simple Breakfast Hash

Breakfast is my favorite meal because you are fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to start your day! This Simple Breakfast Hash uses a handful of fresh ingredients to make something basic really good. Since these are oil-free, I thought that it was important to share with you all how you can use lemon as a natural oil replacer! How neat?! This breakfast hash’s is incredibly delicious and absolutely worth making for your family and friends.

Simple Breakfast Hash

Yields 2-3 servings

Ingredients

2 cups russet potatoes, cubed

1 medium onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp. rosemary, chopped

1-2 tsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. paprika

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. In a bowl, place the cubed potatoes, onion, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, and paprika inside and give a mix until well coated.
  3. Place onto a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until brown and crispy.
  4. Serve with tofu scramble

Chef’s tip: This recipe is a great way to be creative and add your own seasonings and vegetables!

Wild Western Tofu Scramble

Wild Western Tofu Scramble

If you were able to tackle my first scramble, than this Wild Western Tofu Scramble will be a breeze! Recently I have been enjoying these simple breakfast meals a lot, which I must say go great with toast or even on a breakfast bagel. In adding the black beans, vegetables, and herbs, I have given this scramble a southwestern pop with a more well-rounded balance of nutrients your body can easily use. If you’re like me, than quick, easy, and fast is constantly on your mind when in the kitchen. That’s why I created this recipe to be made in 20 minutes or less! Just give your tofu a good press and you’re ready for a delightful morning of plant-based “eggs”. 

Wild Western Tofu Scramble

Yields 2 servings

Ingredients 

8 oz. extra firm tofu, pressed

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1/2 cup black beans, soaked overnight

1/4 cup corn

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

1/4 tsp. turmeric

1 garlic clove, minced

1 Tbsp. green onion, to garnish

1 Tbsp. avocado oil

Directions

  1. Using your hands, break up the tofu into small crumbles. 
  2. In a frying pan on medium-high heat, add avocado oil. Add the red onion, peppers, garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Toss in the crumbles, black beans, corn, and seasoning; cook for 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it does not burn or stick. 
  4. Serve with hot sauce and green onion.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add spinach and diced tomatoes!

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

This Creamy Pumpkin Sauce is the best alternative to the normal Alfredo sauce that’s usually made with cheese and other dairy products. Utilizing different ingredients in the kitchen really allows for your creativity to flow, as well as getting an understanding for what pairs well with what. This deliciously rich and creamy sauce will soon be your new go-to pasta sauce. It’s great for simple meals during s busy week as well as giving some extra nutrients. Although this may seem like an odd interpretation of fettuccine Alfredo, I can assure you that these two pair very well together. Bon appetit!

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Yields 2-3 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup plain almond milk

1/4 cup fresh tomato, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. fresh basil, chopped

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

  1. Using a hand held immersion stick, blend all ingredients together until sauce is smooth.
  2. Serve on top of pasta, warmed with choice of cheese and basil.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add sage and browned butter for extra flavor!

20-Minute Veggie Quesadillas

20-Minute Veggie Quesadillas
20-Minute Veggie Quesadillas

Making this nutritiously-packed Veggie Quesadilla is an easy week day meal, but also a crowd pleaser (especially on those taco Tuesday nights)! In developing this recipe, I really wanted to give you guys something that tasted like it cooked for hours, but in reality, took less than 30 minutes. Normally quesadillas are used with lots of cheese, sour cream, and everyone’s favorite- pulled chicken! Not this one though!! I love using mushrooms as mock “meat” for texture and added nutrients as well as non-dairy cheese alternatives (that are just as cheesy). Whose ready to make the best Veggie Quesadilla around?!

20-Minute Veggie Quesadillas

Yields 5-7 servings

Ingredients

5-7 flour tortillas

1 medium onion, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

2 cups sliced Shiitake mushrooms

3/4 cup fresh corn

3 Tbsp. filtered water

2 cup black beans, soaked and cooked

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

2 Tbsp. hemp seeds

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 cup guacamole

1/2 cup fresh salsa

3 cups cooked rice

Directions

  1. In a frying pan, sauté the onions, mushrooms, garlic, and peppers until translucent and slightly brown on medium heat. 
  2. Add the corn, black beans, and seasonings. Give a good mix and cook for 6-8 minutes until everything is warmed through and thickened. Salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Spoon mixture onto a tortilla with rice and fold in half. 
  4. In a slightly greased pan, pan fry both sides for 2-3 minutes to allow the outside to brown.
  5. Slice and serve with guacamole and salsa.

Chef’s tip: Add some sauce to this quesadilla by making my ancho chili sauce! It’s spicy and the perfect addition. 

Chocolate-Espresso Brownies

Chocolate-Expresso Brownies
Chocolate-Expresso Brownies

Why yes, a Chocolate-Espresso Brownie does sound like an amazingly delicious treat! These cake-like brownies are dusted in powdered sugar with just the right amount of chocolate and espresso flavor. Without the use of eggs, “real” butter, and dairy, you are still able to get the perfect dessert. Dunk-able and stackable with ice cream and hot fudge, these brownies are universal in whichever way you’d like to enjoy! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for some extra crunch or a warm gooey chocolate surprise.

Chocolate-Expresso Brownies

Yields 16 brownies

Ingredients

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

4 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 8 Tbsp. filtered water

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. baking powder

3-4 Tbsp. ground expresso of choice

2/3 cup cocoa powder

1 cup King Arthur flour

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

  1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg replacer until well combined and add the vanilla extract.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Slowly add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix until batter is combined and pour into a well greased or parchment lined baking dish.
  4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Make sure not to over bake your brownies.
  5. Allow to cool before dusting with powder sugar.
  6. Serve with plant-based milk and/or ice cream.

Scrumptious Blueberry Pancakes

Scrumptious Blueberry Pancakes
Scrumptious Blueberry Pancakes

Feast your eyes on these Scrumptious Blueberry Pancakes that are oh-so fluffy and light! You’re not going to believe how good these are until you try making them. The way these melt in your mouth with the freshly warmed blueberries is absolutely drool-worthy. Feel free to drizzle some maple syrup on top or dust it with powdered sugar as I did. Be sure to give these a try with your family for brunch or make them ahead for your weekly meal prep. They make for a quick breakfast or pancake roll-up with peanut butter and jam- either way, I guarantee you’ll be very satisfied.

Scrumptious Blueberry Pancakes

Yields 14 pancakes

Ingredients

1-1/2 cup King Arthur organic flour 

4 Tsp. baking powder

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 Tbsp. white vinegar 

2 Tbsp. Woodstock organic cane sugar

1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 2 Tbsp. water, mixed and set aside 

1¼ cup plain almond milk 

¼ cup Earths Balance Vegan Butter + more for cooking

1 tsp. vanilla 

pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt

Directions

  1. In a large bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, almond milk, egg replacer, vanilla extract, and melted butter with a wooden spoon. Set aside.
  2. Heat a frying pan over medium low heat. When the pan is hot add a small amount of butter and 1/4 cup of the pancakes batter. Sprinkle some blueberries on top of the pancakes.
  3. Cook the pancake for 2-3 minutes each side. Repeat with remaining batter.
  4. Serve the pancakes stacked with peanut butter and sliced apples.

Chef’s tip: You can add lemon zest to the pancake batter for an extra zing!

Scrumptious Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberry-Maqui Nice Cream

Blueberry-Maqui Nicecream
Blueberry-Maqui Nicecream

Although many of you know what “nice cream” is, there are some of you who probably have no idea what in the world this is- and that’s okay! Taking bananas that have been frozen overnight and blending them until it reaches a soft serve “ice cream” consistency is a great treat for anyone who is dairy intolerant, or looking for a healthier breakfast, after gym re-fuel, or even dessert! This nicecream however is blended with Maqui berry powder and naturally sweetened with dates. Thats right.. no added sugar or unwanted sweetness- its all natural! Feel free to give this recipe a change and add your own favorite fruits to the top.

Blueberry-Maqui Nicecream

Yields 1 serving

Ingredients

4 frozen banana, diced

1/4 cup frozen blueberries

1/3 cup plain almond milk

2-3 tsp of Navitas Naturals organic Maqui powder

2 medjool dates, pitted

1/4 cup granola

1-2 fresh apricots, sliced

1 kiwi, sliced

1-2 Tbsp. nut butter of choice

Directions

  1. In your Vitamix blender, combine the chopped bananas, almond milk, and dates. Using the tamper, turn your vitamix up on high, pushing and stirring the mixture until it is smooth.
  2. Add the Maqui berry powder and give it one good blend till mixed.
  3. Scoop the mixture into a bowl and top with granola, apricots, kiwi, and nut butter.
  4. Serve and enjoy.

Chef’s tip: The great thing about this recipe is you can substitute the powder for spiraling, gogi, açaí, and many others to create different Superfood Nice creams!


Earthy Mushroom Stew

Earthy Mushroom Stew
Earthy Mushroom Stew

Tired of eating the same foods over and over again? If you are like me, then you are always looking for new ways to create delicious food. Using other sources of protein, in this case textured sunflower protein from sunflower seeds, is an innovative and health-conscious way to eat more sustainably. The flavor profile of this earthy mushroom stewy is extrodinary! It tastes best with noodles in my opinion, however, you can dish it up with whatever you’d like!

Earthy Mushroom Stew

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

2.6 oz. organic sunflower haché + seasoning blend

1 Tbsp. avocado oil

1 large onion, diced

1 medium shallot, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 Tbsp. white oak sherry vinegar

8 oz. baby Bella mushrooms or cremini, diced

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced

1/2 tsp. fresh thyme, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

Directions

  1. In a pot on medium-high heat, add the oil, onions, and shallots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, add the garlic, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and turn to high heat.
  2. Deglaze the pan with the sherry vinegar and give a good stir for a minute or so. Add the vegetable broth, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper to the stew. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
  3. Cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
  4. Serve with choice of noodles, potatoes, or quinoa.

Chef’s tip: You can always add Siracha to spice things up!

Thirst-Quenching Raspberry Bellini

Thirst-Quenching Raspberry Bellini
Thirst-Quenching Raspberry Bellini

What’s better than a homemade raspberry syrup for your bubbly on New Years Eve or Day? The answer to that is probably the champagne! Give your night some serious elegance with this flavorful and organic syrup. These Raspberry Bellini’s are surely going to be the life of the party. Simply spoon some of the raspberry syrup to the bottom of any champagne flute, add your champagne of choice and garnish with mint and a raspberry. It’s super simple and will make any New Year a berry good one!

Thirst-Quenching Raspberry Bellini

Yields 4-5 servings

Ingredients

1 lb fresh raspberries

2 cups filtered water

2/3 cup organic raw agave

1/4 tsp lemon zest

Mint, for garnish

Bottle of Prosecco

Directions

  1. In a sauce pan on medium-high heat, add the raspberries and cover with water. Allow to boil for 15-20 minutes, skimming any foam on the top.
  2. Strain the raspberries using a fine mesh strainer into a small pot (do not press the raspberries to get more juice).
  3. Turn the heat to medium-high and add the agave to the raspberry liquid. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat, add lemon zest, and allow to completely cool. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 7-10 days.
  5. To make the Bellini, simply add a spoonful of the raspberry syrup to a champagne flute and top with Prosecco. 
  6. Garnish with mint and raspberries.

Chef’s tip: For added flavor, combine 1/4 cup pineapple juice to the raspberries and allow to reduce down till syrup consistency is achieved.

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

If you are looking for a classic lasagna recipe, then give this plant-based version a try! Each New Year, we would always have a lasagna at the dinner table, amongst other things.Being able to re-create a favorite meal, that my aunt used to make, is truly special. This plant-based mushroom and spinach lasagna is packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients our bodies need and can easily consume. Although making lasagna may take a little bit of prep and cleanup, it is totally worth the creation. From the homemade ricotta to the oh so yummy mushroom mixture of onion, spinach, garlic and tons of cheese, you will surely impress your guests and family with this recipe.

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

Yields 4-6 servings

Ingredients

12 lasagna sheets, cooked

1 (8 oz.) baby Bella mushrooms, diced

4 cups spinach

2 Tbsp. hemp seeds

1 large onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

1-1/4 cup lentils, cooked

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

5-6 cups pasta sauce

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/2 cup Follow Your Heart Parmesan Cheese

1 Tbsp. avocado oil

Ricotta Cheese:

2 cups cashews, soaked overnight

4 Tbsp. filtered water

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. basil, chopped

1 Tbsp. nutritional yeast

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

Ricotta Cheese:

  1. In a blender, combine cashews, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast and salt. Blend for 1-2 minutes using your stick, until smooth consistency is achieved.
  2. Add the chopped basil to the mixture and stir in. Set aside. 

Lasagna:

  1. In a pot, cook the lasagna pasta according to the box instructions. Drain and individually lay pasta sheets out to avoid sticking together or tearing.
  2. In a frying pan on medium-high heat, add onions, mushrooms, garlic and sauté for 4-6 minutes. Add the spinach and cooked lentils, and stir until spinach has wilted. Season with salt, pepper, oregano and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  4. On the bottom of your casserole dish, put 1/2 cup sauce on the bottom. Add the lasagna sheet in an even layer, followed by 1/3 of the following: homemade ricotta cheese, mushroom mixture, hemp seeds, basil, more sauce, and topped with Parmesan cheese.
  5. Repeat layers and top with remaining Parmesan cheese and ricotta. Cover with foil and make sure it does not touch the cheese to prevent sticking.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes and remove the foil. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbling and brown on top.
  7. Serve with side salad.

Chef’s tip: Allow lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.