Are you looking for that perfect side dish that is quick and easy? Roasted Brussel sprouts have always been a favorite of mine, but these Asian-infused sprouts take that to a whole new level. Being made in less than 30 minutes, this side dish is healthy, oil-less, and uses a few simple ingredients. Next time you are planning your weekly meals, I highly suggest rotating this into your meal plans.
With the recent trend in CBD product, I thought now would be the perfect time to create some recipes with this oil infused. Guacamole is the best appetizer or snack in my opinion and has lots of healthy fats and flavor. This taco Tuesday, give this recipe a try with the added benefits of CBD oil. Personally, I’m creating this and a few other recipes for cancer patients that are trying to reduce the symptoms they endure with the pain, treatments, nausea, and mental coping. Now I know this may not be for everyone, and that’s simply okay- feel free to omit the oil and you’ll still enjoy this amazing guacamole dip.
Although this recipe calls for you to soak the black beans over night, you can also use canned (just make sure they’re organic). Either way you choose- you’re going to enjoy this fantastic Black Bean Soup! One of the added benefits of soaking fresh beans is using the liquid to flavor the the broth. The second is to limit the amount of extra ingredients that could be added. If you are looking for a plant-based alternative to your favorite soup, I got you covered. Make sure to give this one a try for your taco Tuesday nights, it will be the life of the fiesta!
In a pot, add the oil and onions and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the celery, bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minute or until translucent.
Smash half of the black beans in a bowl. Add the whole and smashed beans to the pot, along with the broth, seasonings, and herbs. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes covered.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and add the lime juice. Give a good stir.
Serve and top with your choice of garnishes (green onions, cheese of choice, sour cream of choice, tortilla chips).
Chef’s tip: If you want to kick things up even further, add some hot sauce to the soup till desired spice level is met.
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.
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.
Add the Maqui berry powder and give it one good blend till mixed.
Scoop the mixture into a bowl and top with granola, apricots, kiwi, and nut butter.
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!
How simple and easy it is to grab a bunch of carrots from your local farmers market, lightly drizzle them in oil with a dash of seasoning, and roast them to perfection. The versatility of this recipe is endless as it can be paired with other dinner party sides, appetizers, or holiday feasts. This recipe is super easy but I do have a secret to make them even better. Make sure that these carrots have their own room, are completely coated in the seasoning and oil, and you slightly roll them around periodically as they cook. This ensures that you get a nice roast on all of the carrots.
Yields 2-3 servings
Ingredients
1 bunch of carrots, with green tops
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
On a baking sheet, drizzle carrots with oil and season lightly with onion powder and garlic powder (add salt and pepper).
Roast for 40 minutes or until slightly charred.
Chef’s tip: Add 2 rosemary sprigs while you roast to add additional flavor.
Welcome to your new favorite holiday kale salad! Kale has been one of my favorite go-to leafy greens for awhile now because it is so nutrient dense. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C and is loaded with powerful antioxidants (Kale Yeah!) The cranberry vinaigrette is made with freshly squeezed citrus, cranberries, vinegar, agave, and other flavorful components. Whether it is your first time trying kale or you have had it plenty of times before, this recipe is something you’ve gotta check out.
In a large bowl, add the kale and massage with a drizzle of olive oil for 1-2 minutes, until tender.
In a small pan, add the oil and shallots and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the garlic, lemon juice, garlic, agave, and apple cider vinegar. Cook for 1-2 minutes on low and remove from heat.
Place the clementine wedges and walnuts onto the salad. Drizzle the slightly warm vinaigrette over the salad and give a good toss.
Chef’s tip: If you would like to add pomegranate seeds, they would be a delicious touch to this salad!
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.
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:
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!
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!
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.
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?
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.
When I was a kid growing up, I couldn’t wait for my grandmother to bring these fresh-piping hot latkes out of the kitchen. This classic style potato latke is unbearably hard to resist with that crispy, salty and oh so fluffy center! Just add a spoonful of homemade applesauce on top and you’ll be pleasantly delighted by those traditional latke flavors melding in your mouth.
Using a box grater, shred the potatoes and onion together. Using a towel or napkin, squeeze out all of the water and set the drained potato and onion into a bowl.
Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix until well combined.
In a skillet, add oil and set to medium-high heat. Start with 1/4 cup and if you need more oil, you can. Add a spoonful of the mixture until pan is filled and cook for 2-3 minutes or until each side is brown and crispy. Flip and brown the other side an additional 2-3 minutes.
Repeat until potato mixture is all gone.
Serve warm with choice of apple sauce of sour cream.
Chef’s tip: Don’t forget to add a spoonful of sour cream on top of these if you’d like as well!
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