All Recipes – Page 16 – The Vegan Rhino

December 21, 2018July 7, 2020

The Ultimate Cheese Board

Are you tired of putting out chips and dip for your family parties and looking for an alternative to the “unhealthy” snacks we load up on during the holidays? Well look no further, because I have this amazing plant-based cashew cheese board with five cheese wheels. This recipe shows you how to take one plain (scrumptious and delicious) cashew cheese and turn it into crafted artisan cheese that will have your guests asking where you purchased it from. Although this recipe does take a bit of time to make, it is well worth every bite.

Yields 4-5 servings per wheel

Plain (Cheese Base):

Ingredients

3 cups Vitacost unsalted cashews, soaked overnight

1/2 cup filtered water

1 capsule Vitacost ROOT2 Extra Strength Probiotic Vegan – 50 billion CFU

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

In a bowl, cover the cashews with water for about 9 hours (or overnight). Drain and rinse the cashews. Set aside.
In a blender, add the cashews, probiotic powder (from the capsules), and water. Blend ingredients until smooth in texture.
Using two cheese clothes layered in a colander, pour the mixture into the lines colander- folding the cheesecloth on top.
Place this in a warm spot to culture for roughly 24-36 hours.
Serve on one big cheese board or individually with fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies, pretzels, medjool dates, sun-dried tomato, grapes, crackers, or any of your own choices.

Herb-Coated Cheese Wheel:

Ingredients

3 tsp. fresh thyme

3 tsp. fresh rosemary

4 Tbsp. fresh parsley

1-1/2 tsp. Lemon zest, fresh

1/2 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

Roll the plain cheese into the herb mix. Allow to set in fridge after rolling to hold its shape.

Blueberry-Smash Breakfast Cheese:

Ingredients

4 tsp. blueberries, smashed

2 tsp. blueberries, chopped

Directions

Add the smashed and chopped blueberries, mix and place into the fridge for 1-2 hours to set.

Pistachio and Sun-dried Tomato Holiday Cheese:

Pistachio and Sun-dried tomato Cashew Cheese

Ingredients

1/2 cup pistachio, chopped to coat

1/4 cup sun-dried tomato, to coat

1 Tbsp. fresh parsley

3 tsp. fresh thyme

4 tsp. fresh rosemary

1/2 tsp. garlic, minced

Directions

Mix herbs into the cheese, refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set in mold. Roll in pistachio and sun-dried tomato.

Pecan-Chip Cookie “Cheesecake” Wheel with Strawberry Jam:

Ingredients

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup Simple Mills pecan cookies, crumbled

3 tsp. Vitacost chocolate chips

3 tsp. strawberry jam, on side

Directions

Combine plain cheese base, chocolate chips, maple syrup and mix until well combined. Place in the fridge as well for 1-2 hours to set shape. Remove and roll in fine cookie crumbles.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to use the plain cheese as you wish to create a flavor of your liking!

December 19, 2018October 29, 2020

Spiced Polar Bear Cookies

I know what you are thinking, “these cookies are unbearable to look at without a taste”.. Id have to agree myself! In the spirit of giving this holiday season my good friend shared her spiced polar bear cookies with me, so I wanted to share my plant based rendition of her famous cookie with you all. Slightly dusted with powdered sugar and finished with chocolate chips and a red hot candy, this fun recipe is perfect for any snow day or even rainy day.

Yields 27 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup vegan butter

1/2 cup organic sugar

1/2 cup Vitacost brown sugar

1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 2 Tbsp. filtered water, mixed

1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. cardamom

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

2-3/4 cups King Arthur organic flour

chocolate chips for the eyes, mini if doing smaller cookies

red hot candies for the nose

Directions

In a KitchenAid stand mixer, cream together the sugars and butter for 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the egg replacer, vanilla, spices, salt, and mix until combined. Sift the flour into the mixture until the dough forms. Wrap the dough and place into the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove the dough from the fridge and make (48) 1-inch balls and (144) 1/4-inch balls for the ears and nose, flattening slightly.
Take a tablespoon to make even spheres for the face and a 1/4 teaspoon for the ears and nose. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookies on.
Bake for 11-15 minutes, or until set (not browned, roughly 12 minutes).
Remove from oven and directly dust in powder sugar completely, pressing the chocolate chips carefully for the eyes and the red hot for the nose quickly.
Allow to cool in the fridge so the chocolate and powder sugar do not melt.
Serve with hot chocolate or coffee.

Chef’s tip: Instead of cardamom, you could use cloves instead.

December 19, 2018May 14, 2020

Spiced Hot Chocolate

What do you get when you mix almond milk, cacao powder, sugar and spice with everything nice? The best hot coco while rockin’ around the Christmas tree, that’s what! This spiced hot chocolate is easy to make and extremely creamy and decadent with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Warming up any cold day, top this with an almond whipped cream for an after dinner treat!

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

4 cups almond milk

4 Tbsp. cacao powder

1/4 cup organic sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Directions

In a pot on medium-high heat, add the almond milk. Once heated, add the cacao powder, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Heat until completely melted.

Serve with whipped cream and sprinkled cinnamon on top.

Chef’s tip: For the adults, add a shot of vegan baileys!

December 17, 2018May 14, 2020

Matcha-Mint Chip Cookie

Growing up, I have always had a sweet tooth for sugary treats. As I’ve gotten older my taste buds want something more! The earthy undertones of the tea mixed together with the sweet vanilla makes for a subtle but irresistible flavor combination. Interesting fact about these cookies, the tea acts as a natural food dye so these delicious treats are even healthier than they look!

Yields 24 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup vegan butter

1 cup organic sugar

1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 2 Tbsp. filtered water

1 tsp. peppermint extract

2 cup King Arthur organic flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1 tsp. matcha

1 cup Vitacost mini chocolate chip

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a kitchen aid mixer, add butter and sugar and cream for 2-3 minutes. Add the peppermint, egg replacer and mix to combine.
Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and matcha. Stir until combined and then mix in the chocolate chips.
Using a 1” cookie scoop, dispense cookies and bake until they puff. Roughly 10-12 minutes.
Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool completely. Transfer to a cookie tray or package in a tin.

Chef’s tip: For a professional touch, sprinkle granulated sugar on top of the cookies before baking.

December 16, 2018August 5, 2021

Tofu Scramble

Feast your eyes on this perfect savory Sunday brunch meal, featuring this eggless Tofu Scramble. By simply draining the tofu and crumbling it apart, you are able to recreate a classic breakfast spin that will satisfy anyone’s palate in less than 10 minutes. I make this all the time because it’s a basic recipe that only uses a handful of ingredients. In addition, you can really add whatever ingredients you’d like, just as if it were a regular scramble. Be sure to try this out, it’s a healthier version with lower the fat content and cholesterol-free. You really can’t say more than – yum!

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

14 oz. extra firm tofu, pressed

1/4 tsp. Himalayan fine pink salt

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. turmeric

1 garlic clove, minced

1 Tbsp. green onion, to garnish

1 Tbsp. avocado oil

Directions

Using your hands, break up the tofu into small crumbles.
In a frying pan on medium-high heat, add avocado oil. Toss in the crumbles and seasoning; cook for 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it does not burn or stick.
Serve with chopped green onion.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add spinach, peppers, and roasted potatoes for a southwestern style breakfast hash

December 14, 2018May 14, 2020

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This “tuna” salad recreation is a huge favorite of mine that I enjoy making for my lunches. I love this recipe because you can toss all of the ingredients into a food processor and quickly pulse to combine. It is ideal for people that are on-the-go and do not have that much time to cook or clean dishes. Simply spread this over your bread of choice with tomato and lettuce (or sprouts) and get ready for a tasty meal!

Yields 2-3 sandwiches

Ingredients

2 cups Vitacost Garbanzo Beans, soaked overnight

1 tsp. dijon mustard

1 tsp. tamari sauce

2-3 Tbsp. vegan mayonnaise

1/4 cup organic celery, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1-2 garlic cloves

1 Tbsp. nutritional yeast

1 Tbsp. almond milk

1/4 cup fresh coconut meat, optional

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. siracha sauce, optional

1 tsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

In a food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until desired consistency is achieved.
On choice of bread or wrap, add chickpea salad with tomato and lettuce or sprouts.
Serve and enjoy with side of homemade oil-less fries

Chef’s tip: Cut up a russet potato and squeeze lemon juice over it. Salt and pepper to taste and back at 400 degrees F until golden brown.

December 12, 2018May 14, 2020

Russian Teacakes

Have you ever had the chance to enjoy a light and fluffy Russian Teacake cookie during Christmas? If you haven’t, this cookie is perfect since it only uses a handful of ingredients and goes well with any cup of coffee or tea. In thinking back to when my mother would make these, id always manage to sneak a few that were freshly rolled in the powder sugar and slightly warm! Boy oh boy were those the best.

Yields 36 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup vegan butter

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

powdered sugar to roll

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a kitchen-aid mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for 1-2 minutes.
Add the vanilla, salt and slowly incorporate the flour into the mixture until the cookie dough forms. Then add the pecans until combined.
Roll the dough into 1-in diameter balls and place onto a non-stick cookie sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until set, not browned.
Remove form oven and roll the warm cookie into the powdered sugar. Take out of the powder sugar and allow to cool.
Once cooled, place the cookies back into the powder sugar and re-roll to coat.
Serve with coffee or tea.

Chef’s tip: If you’d like, you could also make this recipe with hazelnuts. Just roast them and crack them open!

December 11, 2018May 14, 2020

White Corn Tortilla Soup

This Tortilla Soup is like no other, partially because it is filled with all the things I enjoy most about Mexican cooking, and because it’s plant-based. Normally, it is made with shredded chicken and a lot of cheese, so I am super excited to share this healthier vegan version with you! This meal is packed with a variety of fresh and organic vegetables and is topped with crunchy tortilla strips. This soup will warm you up all winter long!

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. avocado oil

8 white corn tortillas, cut into quarters

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

3 Tbsp. onion, minced

1 tsp. jalapeno pepper, chopped

3 cups white corn

3 cups vine ripe tomatoes

1/3 cup tomato paste

2-1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground white pepper

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1-1/2 cups filtered water

4 cups organic vegetable broth

1 Tbsp. cilantro, minced

1 cup vegan cheese, optional

Tortilla strips, optional garnish

Directions

In a pot on medium-low heat with your oil, add the corn tortillas and crisp up a bit, roughly 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside briefly.
Then you will add the garlic, onion, and jalapeño pepper until they are translucent but not browned. Put the corn tortillas back into the pot.
Next add your tomato paste, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder, water, vegetable broth, cilantro, tomatoes, and half of the corn. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer, cooking for 15-20 minutes.
Using a blender or hand emersion stick, blend until soup is smooth in texture. Add the remaining corn and bring back to the stove on a low heat to simmer. Be careful not to let the bottom of the soup burn. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Serve soup topped with tortilla chips and optional vegan cheese.

Chef’s tip: If you want, you can add 1/4 tsp. Crushed red pepper flakes to spice the soup up for a better kick.

December 7, 2018May 14, 2020

“Lobster” Bomb Sushi Roll

Sushi for dinner is always a fun night out, but why not bring that fun into your own kitchen! This “lobster” bomb roll packs healthy ingredients like an Asian-style chickpea salad and fresh veggies from the farmers markets all rolled in a nori sheet. Bake this until the chickpea salad is bubbly and warm and serve with your favorite garnishes like wasabi, or pickled ginger. This plant-based “lobster” bomb will give you that sushi satisfaction while being in the comfort of your own home. Who’s ready?

Yields 4 rolls

Ingredients

1 (8 oz.) firm tofu

4-1/2 nori sheets

1/4 cup almond milk

1/4 cup vegan mayo

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1 avocado, sliced

1 carrot, julienned

1 cucumber, julienned

2 cups sushi rice, cooked

1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar

1 tsp. agave

Chickpea topping:

1 cup Vitacost garbanzo beans, cooked

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 garlic clove

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. siracha

1 Tbsp. green onions, chopped

1 tsp. agave

1 Tbsp. vegan mayonnaise

Directions:

Lobster Tempura:

Place tofu in a press or on paper towel and drain the water out. Slice into 8 cubed sticks.
In a bowl, combine the almond milk and vegan mayo and mix well.
Roll the tofu sticks into the mixture. Then place into the bread crumbs and continue until all tofu has been breaded.
Preheat oven or air fryer to 375 degrees F.
Cook for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Chickpea Topping:

In a food processor, combine all of the toppings for the “lobster bomb” topping and pulse until well mixed (leave some chunks of chickpeas for texture).

Rice:

In a sauce pan, add the rice and water according to the package instructions and cook until done, about 20 minutes or so deepening on the sushi rice. Add the agave and rice wine vinegar, and mix carefully. Set aside to cool.

Assembling:

Add 1/2 cup of rice to the nori sheet (shiny side facing up). With wet finger tips, carefully press the sushi rice to cover the entire sheet, except for an inch from the top.
At the base, add the carrots, cucumber, avocado, and “lobster” tempura. To roll, take the bottom of the mat and roll the sushi forward while tucking the filling in. Pull the roll back and press it firm to make sure it is tight. Roll it again and pull it taught and press it firm until it is completely rolled. Do this to the next three nori sheets until you are finished.
To slice the sushi, cut the roll in the middle, and then the middle of those halves and so on. Lay the sushi on a oven safe plate and top with the chickpea mixture.
Preheat oven to broil.
Place the sushi on the top rack and allow the mixture to get bubbly and a bit brown; remove from oven.
Serve with wasabi, ginger, soy sauce, or your toppings and sauces of choice.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add whatever you would like as vegetables to this sushi roll. Its a really great recipe to build off of.

December 5, 2018May 14, 2020

Carrot Cake with “Cream Cheese” Frosting

This spiced cake with organic carrots and a non-dairy cream cheese frosting is perfect for any occasion or birthday celebration! Feel free to make this cake gluten-free by using TigerNut flour- its’ a great option for those with nut allergies. I do have to warn you that this cake is effortless to make and dangerously moist so be careful when you taste how flavorful it is. Thanks to this recipe that I get to share with you all, you too will be able to enjoy this amazing dessert!

Ingredients

Cake:

2 cups organic flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

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

1 cup organic sugar

1 cup Vitacost brown sugar

3/4 cup avocado oil

1/4 cup apple sauce

1/4 cup crushed pineapple

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 cups shredded carrots

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8 oz) Mykonos Cream cheese

1/2 cup vegan butter, softened

2 cups Vitacost powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Cake:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, combine white and brown sugar with oil and Egg Replacer. Mix until well combined and then add the apple sauce, crushed pineapple, and vanilla.
Then add the nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and the flour. Once mixed, add the carrots and fold them in.
In a greased cake pan, pour the cake batter in and place in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is nice and golden brown.

Frosting:

In a bowl combine all ingredients and beat until frosting has formed.
Spread evenly over the cake once it has cooled and top with walnuts.

Chef’s tip: If you would like, you can add 1/2 cup raisins to the batter at the end, mixing it in.