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Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Who else is is a fan of non complicated soups? Roasted to perfection, this cauliflower soup is quick-and-easy for those busy weekdays and holiday parties. Creamy, light, and full of flavor, you’ll be satisfied with every bite!

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Yield

Ingredients

2 lbs. cauliflower florets

3 large shallots, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

5 cup vegetable broth

3 Tbsp. coconut cream

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Pinch of chopped chives to garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. On a parchment lined baking sheet, add the cauliflower, shallots, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until tender, roughly 20 minutes. Add the garlic and roast for an addition 5 minutes.
  3. In a pot on medium-high heat, add the roasted cauliflower, shallots, and garlic before pouring in the vegetable broth, salt, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Using a hand held immersion blender, add the coconut cream and liquify the soup until smooth. Pour the lemon juice and stir to combine.
  5. Serve with sprinkle of chives on top.

Chef’s tip


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Pecan and Pear-Bourbon Stuffing

Pecan and Pear-Bourbon Stuffing

When it comes to the big thanksgiving feast, we all can agree when I say, “the more stuffing the better!” Am I right? The key to making really good stuffing is using day old bread, slicing it into cubes, and slowly drying it in the oven. My favorite part is the smell of the celery and onions after sautéing in the butter being mixed into the dried bread with other herbs and bourbon. Its absolutely incredible and tastes amazing too!

Yield 3 to 4

Ingredients 

1-1/2 loaves of stuffing bread (or day old bread)

1 stick vegan butter, melted

2 Bosc pears, peeled and diced

1 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup bourbon

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped

3 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 6 Tbsp. filtered water, mixed

1 Tbsp. sage, minced

1 Tbsp. thyme, minced

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Slice the bread into 1in cubes. Place bread on to a large baking sheet while oven warms up. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until bread is dry and light golden brown. Add the bread cubes to a large bowl.
  3. Using a small skillet on medium heat, melt the butter; sautéing the celery and onions for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the pecans, pears, sage, thyme, and salt. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  4. In the bowl with bread, combine the above mixture and add the egg replacer. Mix until well combined. Drizzle breading with bourbon and vegetable broth until moistened. Place into a greased baking dish and place in to the oven.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly brown on top
  6. Serve immediately.

 

Chef’s tip: Make sure the stuffing is rather moist.


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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake  

Sweeten up your life with this vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Super moist and full of flavor! Inspired by Dan and Méz amazing pineapple leather wristband and classic-style watch, I thought why not veganize an old favorite of mine. It’s perfect for the holidays or re creating that flip-flop and t-shirt weather  vibe.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Yield 8

Ingredients

Topping:

1/2 cup Vitacost light brown sugar

1/4 cup vegan butter, softened

10 pineapple slices, fresh or canned

16-19 maraschino cherries

Cake:

1/3 cup vegetable shortening

1 cup organic cane sugar

3/4 cup oat milk

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

1-1/3 cup King Arthur organic flour

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a 9×2 inch round cake pan, melt the butter in the oven. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter; arranging the pineapple slices over the brown sugar. Place cherries in the center and gaps where the pineapple slices touch.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder; set aside. In a stand mixer, beat together the sugar and shortening, about 2 minutes. Mix together the egg replaced and water and allow to sit until thickens. Add the egg replacer and oat milk, mixing until well combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the stand mixer. Once combined, beat for 2 to 3 minutes on medium-high. Pour the batter directly on top of the pineapple slices and cherries.
  4. Bake for roughly 50 to 55 minutes or until the cake edges pull away from the cake pan. Once done baking, place a heat proof plate on top of the cake pan and flip it over. Allow to sit for 1 minute to let the caramel drizzle over; remove pan.
  5. Serve warm with a side of vegan vanilla bean ice cream.

Chef’s tip: Remove the cake quickly from the pan otherwise the fruit will stick to the bottom. Have a cake board or plate ready to go.


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Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies 

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies 

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies 

Get ready to spice up your old favorite oatmeal cookies with this pumpkin spice oatmeal cookie recipe! Its the perfect activity to get your hands dirty with your kids or to make as a gift for your family and friends. These cookies are chewy and soft, making them the perfect Fall treat!

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies 

Yields 20

Ingredients

3/4 cup Simple Truth organic sugar

1/2 cup vegan butter, softened

1 cup King Arthur organic flour

1-1/2 cups rolled old fashioned oats

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground cardamom

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla extract

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

1/3 cup pumpkin purée

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

In another large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until white and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add pre mixed egg replacer and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Combine the oats until fully mixed.

Place the covered dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge.

Using a cookie scooper, place the dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Slightly flatten each cookie ball with your hand and leave some space in between each cookie.

Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until the edges of the cookies or slightly golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. 

Chef’s tip: Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup cane sugar for added richness!

 

Other Pumpkin Recipes…


Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

If Thanksgiving had a specific taste, I think it would be this recipe. This butternut squash macaroni and cheese is the perfect alternative if you are living a plant-based lifestyle or if you simply can’t tolerate dairy.  This meal is simple, comforting, and can be paired well with a simple green salad for a perfect meatless meal. I think you may have just stumbled across your new favorite fall dish!

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Yields 6 servings

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced

1 small shallot, quartered

1-1/2 cups oat milk

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1-1/2 cups vegan cheddar cheese

1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese

1 lb. box elbow pasta, cooked

Directions

  1. In a pot over medium-high heat, add the butternut squash, shallots, oat milk, vegetable broth, and salt. 
  2. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until squash is tender. Check with a fork after 20 minutes. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
  3. Using an immersion blender, purée the squash mixture until smooth. Mix in the pepper and nutmeg.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the sauce.
  5. Stir until the pasta is well combined and the cheese has melted. 
  6. Serve and enjoy. 

Chef’s tip: For an added bonus, crisp up some sage leaves in vegan butter. Drizzle some of the sage butter on top as well. 

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

When it’s hot and humid outside (like it is here in sunny SoFla), this refreshing strawberry salad with homemade poppy seed dressing is the meal you need to beat the heat. One of the best parts about it is how easy it is to make and how versatile it can be! Whether you want to add other fruits or nuts – or even a different dressing, the options are endless.

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Yield 4

Ingredients

1 package spinach

1 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 red onion, sliced thinly

1/3 cup pecans, chopped

 

Poppy Seed Dressing:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1-1/2 Tbsp. avocado oil

1-1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

1-1/2 Tbsp. agave

1/2 tsp. dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

 

Directions

In a large bowl, lay the spinach down and top with strawberries, onion, and pecans.

In a smaller bowl or mason jar, combine the dressing ingredients and give a good mix until well combined.

Pour on top of the salad and serve.

Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

In the summertime when the weather is hot, this chilled Mexican-inspired pasta salad is the perfect go-to dish for a picnic, pool day, or just because! It may be a mild dish, but rest assured each bite is loaded with a fiesta of flavors!

Mexican Pasta Salad

Yields 7 servings

Ingredients

3 cups mini farfalle pasta, cooked

2 (14.75 ounce) cans roasted corn, drained

1 large avocado, diced

10.5 oz cherry tomatoes, cut in half

4 green onions, sliced

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

2 Tbsp. cilantro

1 Tbsp. jalapeño, optional

1/2 cup black beans, optional

2 Tbsp. hemp seeds

Sauce:

3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 

3/4 tsp. Chili powder

1 tsp. hot sauce, optional

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a well salted pot filled with water, cook the pasta according to the box instructions. Remember to drain, rinse, and cool the pasta once done cooking; Set aside. 
  2. Add the drained corn, diced avocado, green onions, cilantro, bell pepper, jalapeño, and black beans. 
  3. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and stir until well mixed.

Chef’s tip: Add sriracha to spice it up!

 

Simple Breakfast Oats with Fruit

Simple Breakfast Oats with Fruit

Simple Breakfast Oats with Fruit

When breakfast rolls around in the morning, this oatmeal with berries and chocolate granola is the best. Drizzling the warm oatmeal and toppings with some agave gives a perfect sweetness to the meal that isn’t over powering like maple syrup can tend to be. Topping your oatmeal with my homemade granola is a great way to add some extra crunch!

Simple Breakfast Oats with Fruit

Yield 1

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

2 cups oat milk

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 cup berries of choice

1/4 cup granola

Drizzle of agave

Directions

In a small sauce pan, add oats, salt, and oat milk. Bring to a boil and reduce heat too low. Cook for 2 minutes.

Top with agave, granola, and berries.

Serve hot!

 

Chef’s tip: Add some blueberries to the oatmeal while cooking!

 

UNREAL Dark Chocolate Gem Cookies

UNREAL Dark Chocolate Gem Cookies

aUNREAL Dark Chocolate Gem Cookies

I give to you these UNREAL Dark Chocolate Gem Cookies that are completely vegan and totally amazing!! Taking one of my new favorite on-the-go snacks and using them as a chocolate chip replacement was the best idea ever. These cookies have the perfect sweet and salty kick that will cure any sweet tooth. Be sure to keep an eye out for my vegan chocolate peanut butter cheesecake garnished with the @unreal.snack Crispy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup.

UNREAL Dark Chocolate Gem Cookies

Yields 24

Ingredients

1 cup vegan butter

1 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup organic cane sugar

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

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2-1/2 cups King Arthur organic flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1 cup UNREAL Dark Chocolate Gems

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla mixing until well combined.
  3. Pour in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir mixture just until combined. Fold in the chocolate gems and refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes.
  4. Using a cookie scooper,  dispense the cookie dough into a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Cool on rack for 1 to 2 minutes before placing on a cooling rack.
  6. Store in your pantry for 2 to 3 days.

 

Chef’s tip: If your cookies do not flatten completely, lightly press down using a spatula.

Citrus Infused Israeli Couscous

Citrus Infused Israeli Couscous

Citrus Infused Israeli Couscous

This spring should be filled with light, flavorful, and most importantly- tasty food! If you’ve never had couscous pearls before, I highly suggest giving this grain a go! (Or grain-a-go) It is a great dish to accompany any picnic, barbecue, or any party. If you wanted to liven it up any further, you could always add some arugula and sliced cherry tomatoes.

Citrus Infused Israeli Couscous

Yields 2 servings

Ingredients

1 cup couscous

1-1/2 cup filtered water

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

2 tsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

2 tsp. vegetable broth or avocado oil

Directions

  1. Bring water to a boil; add the couscous and salt.
  2. Cover for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally; set aside.
  3. Once cooled, transfer to a bowl. Add the parsley, pepper, lemon juice, and vegetable broth.
  4. Serve immediately.

 

Chef’s tip: Feel free to dice up cucumber and mint leaves!