Vegan – Page 4 – The Vegan Rhino

November 9, 2018May 14, 2020

Roasted “Tomato” Sauce

With more people unable to eat acidic foods, I wanted to create this “tomato” sauce that everyone could enjoy on their pizza! This sauce uses red peppers and mushrooms which gives an almost tomato sauce flavor. Whether you are gluten-free or not, you can enjoy this sauce on a cauliflower pizza crust or a regular crust made from dough. Whichever you chose, you will be impressed.

Yields 1-1/2 cups

Ingredients

2 medium red peppers

4-5 medium baby bella mushrooms

1 medium red onion, halved

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley

2-3 cloves of garlic

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Pinch of Spicely Organics ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
On a baking sheet, place peppers on and place into the oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes. Once peppers are soft, turn them on their sides and turn oven to broil. Place peppers on top rack and allow to “burn” until the skin is black. Remove and set aside to cool.
Remove skins once peppers have cooled down.
In a blender, add your red pepper, mushrooms, onion, parsley, and garlic. Blend until mixture is well combined. Pour on to favorite pizza crust, or pasta dish.

Chef’s tip: This sauce is great for those who would like to enjoy pizza but can not have tomato sauce or vinegar.

November 6, 2018May 14, 2020

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

Cut the carbs and try this loaded salad for #TacoTuesday today! This salad is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables like red onion, juicy mango and pineapple, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocados. One bite and you won’t be able to stop! That’s because the reviving taste of the fresh lime juice mixed with the black beans and other flavors will keep you wanting more!

Yields 2 servings

Ingredients

16 oz. organic spring mix

1/2 cup black beans

2 Tbsp. hemp seeds

1/3 cup mango salsa

1/8 cup red onion, sliced

1/2 avocado, sliced

1 tsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

Vinaigrette:

1/2 cup avocado oil

1/8 cup agave

1/2 cup lime juice, fresh squeezed

1 tsp, garlic

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. Spicely Organics Ground Black Pepper

Directions

Salad:

On a large plate, place all of the lettuce down in a big layer. Top with cooked black beans, hemp seed, mango salsa, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.

Dressing:

In a small bowl, mix together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
Top salad with dressing and serve with sides of lime wedges.

Chef’s tip: To spice things up, add 1/4 tsp. jalapeño to the dressing,

November 4, 2018May 14, 2020

Rich Dark Chocolate Mousse

Rich and decadent chocolate mousse has never been so easy to make! Using both cacao nibs and Hershey’s unsweetened coco powder gives this recipe a dynamic duo that will make you melt in your seat. Grinding up the cacao nibs into a fine powder is key to getting this texture right, but once you do, it will be amazing and well worth it! Treat yourself and your friends to this truly amazing dessert that may leave you licking the bowl at the end.

Yields 3 servings

Ingredients

1 container silken tofu (454 g/1 lb)

3 Tbsp. Madhava organic amber raw blue agave

1/4 cup Vitacost organic ground chocolate-covered cacao nibs – non-GMO

1/4 cup Hershey’s Natural Unsweetened Cocoa

Directions

Blend all ingredients in your Vitamin blender until smooth.
Pour into ramekins and place in the refrigerator to set for 30 minutes.
Serve with fresh fruit and mint sprigs.

Chef’s tip: Using freshly ground cocoa nibs will deepen the chocolate flavor, if you do not have, it is more than alright to use a 1/2 cup of Hershey’s chocolate powder instead.

November 4, 2018May 14, 2020

Herb-Coated Cheese

Why go to the market to buy cheese when you can make it at home! Using a few probiotics, you can create a smooth and flavorful herb-crusted cheese wheel. This plant-based and dairy-free cheese is a great alternative and simple appetizer for any party. Your family or guests will surely be impressed when you pull this out of the fridge!

Yields 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Cheese:

3 cups Vitacost organic cashews, soaked overnight 8-10 hours

4 capsules New Chapter Probiotic All-Flora

1/2 cup filtered water

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Herb coating:

3 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

3 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

4 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1-1/2 tsp. lemon zest

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. Spicely Organics Ground Black Pepper

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.
Mix salt into the cultured cheese and stir to combine. Press mixture into desired mold and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Roll the cheese carefully in the herb mixture.
Serve with your choice of crackers, veggies, or fruit.

Chef’s tip: For maximum flavor, roll the cheese carefully into the herb mixture and refrigerate for a few hours to let flavors meld.

November 1, 2018May 14, 2020

Twice Baked Potato

These twice baked potatoes are a great side dish to any meal and even warm up well the next day for lunch. They are filled with fresh herbs, vegan cheese, and a homemade “bacon” as well as tasting amazing! The silky smooth and creamy texture of the potato being blended and baked makes this fancier version of a baked potato that much more special.

Yields 5 servings

Ingredients

5 potatoes

1/3 cup plain almond milk

2 Tbsp. Earths Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped green onion

1/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese

1/4 cup mushroom “bacon” (see below for recipe)

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Pink Fine Salt

1/4 tsp. Spicely Organic Ground Black Pepper

Pinch of smoked paprika

Mushroom “bacon”

1 Portabello mushroom, sliced

1 tsp. smokey flavor

1 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Pinch Spicely Organics Ground Black Pepper

Directions

Bacon:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In bowl, drizzle oil over sliced mushrooms.
Add salt, pepper and smoke flavor. Mix until evenly coated.
On baking sheet, evenly arrange mushrooms.
Bake 10-15 minutes.
Flip mushrooms and bake for another 10 minutes or until brown and crispy.

Potato:

On a baking sheet, place potatoes and set into the 400 degree F oven you preheated for the mushroom bacon.
Allow potatoes to bake for 1 hour. Remove form oven and set aside to cool so you can easily touch it.
Cut 1/3 of the way down from the top and scoop out the middle portion, careful not to break the skin. Place the potato into a mixing bowl.
Add butter, almond milk, chives, garlic, cheese, “bacon”, salt and pepper to taste, mix until well incorporated and smooth.
Scoop or pipe back into the potato shell. Instead of throwing out the top portion you cut off, you can use that by placing it at the bottom of the potato. This will also give you an illusion of over stuffed potatoes.
Sprinkle the top with smoked paprika and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until top is golden brown at 350 degrees F.
Serve with sour cream, cheese, and chives on top.

Chef’s Tip: I let the potatoes cool down in the oven after baking for an additional 5 minutes since I did not use any tin foil around my potato, this helped soften them up a bit further.

October 31, 2018October 31, 2020

Pumpkin Spice French Macarons

French Macaron Shell

This airy and fluffy “cookie” is one of my favorite treats to indulge on. Being able to create a French macaron recipe in my own kitchen is something I have always wanted to do. So here we have my pumpkin spice French macaron filled with a pumpkin buttercream. One of the most interesting things that you will learn from this recipe (other than patience) is in the power of food alternatives. Using chickpea liquid and sugar as your meringue base really goes to show that you can still create these delicious desserts, without diary or the use of eggs. With that being said, I hope you enjoy this recipe and bon appétit!

French Macaron Merengue

Yields 36 macaroons

Ingredients

Shell:

1/2 cup concentrated aquafaba, (chickpea liquid)

3 Tbsp. fine granulated sugar

100g Vitacost almond flour

200g Vitacost powdered sugar

1 tsp. pumpkin spice

Buttercream:

3/4 cups Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks, room temperature

2 1/4 cups Vitacost powdered sugar

1 3/4 tsp. plain almond milk

1 1/2 Tbsp. organic pumpkin puree, homemade

1/8 tsp. Pumpkin spice seasoning

French Macaron

Directions

Aquafaba concentrate
1. In sauce pan over medium-high heat, pour in both cans chickpea liquid AKA aquafaba (save chickpeas for my hummus recipe). Reduce liquid until 1/2 cup remains. Pour liquid into container and cool in refrigerator overnight (this step is very important).

Shell:

In food processor, pulse almond flour and powdered sugar until super fine. Add pumpkin spice, pulse and set aside.
To make meringue, use stand mixer to whip cold aquafaba concentrate for 10-15 minutes until medium peak forms. Slowly add sugar, a little at a time, until incorporated. Mix again for another minute or two until sugar mixes in fully. (This is ready when you can turn bowl upside down and meringue stays put.)
Using spatula, fold almond mixture into meringue. To fold, carefully bring spatula through middle of bowl toward you. Scraping sides of bowl, fold bottom layer onto top portion. Continue until mixture is fully incorporated and fluid (like molten lava). Note: If you do not properly fold batter, you will end up with cracked or hollow shells. Making sure the air is evenly distributed and the consistency is just right is very important. To test consistency, scoop batter with spatula into “8” shape. One clean swoop, means you’re ready to pipe!
Fill piping bag with mixture. On parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, draw 2-in. circles or dispense even amount of dough. To eliminate air bubbles, slam tray onto kitchen counter. Smooth out any “nipple” that formed from piping. Allow shells to sit for 90-120 minutes or until outside is no longer sticky to the touch.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Bake 14 minutes, checking frequently toward the end. You should be able to peel shells off parchment paper without sticking.
Using spatula, carefully lift macaron shells off parchment paper. Transfer to cooling rack.

Buttercream:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
If making homemade pumpkin puree, slice small baking pumpkin in half and lightly drizzle with oil. Place halves onto baking sheet, flesh side up, and roast for 40 minutes or until tender.
Once done roasting, add chunks of cut pumpkin into food processor (skin removed) and blend until smooth. (Use remaining purée for future recipe.)
In mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter until fluffy and white in color. Add powdered sugar, almond milk, pumpkin spice and either canned or homemade pumpkin purée and mix until frosting forms; about 3-4 minutes.
Spoon buttercream into middle of macaroon shell and top with another shell; carefully wiggling the two halves together. Once all are assembled, place into refrigerator for 24-48 hours or freeze up to 3 months.

Chef’s tip: To prevent a major macaron fail, avoid substituting ingredients or altering measurements.

October 30, 2018May 14, 2020

Mango-Pineapple Salsa

Brighten up your next taco night with this mango-pineapple salsa or enjoy this on top of a crab-less “crab cake”, whatever you choose to pair it with, I promise this salsa will bring a fresh taste to your meal! In most cases, salsa is pretty boring, but this 7 ingredient mango-pineapple salsa will liven’ things up a bit! The unique blend of fruit, lime, onion, and hint of mint will have you dipping chips over and over again!

Yields 3-4 servings

Ingredients

2 cups mango, diced

1 cup pineapple, diced

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1 small red pepper, small cubes

1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters

10-12 fresh mint leaves, chopped

1 tsp. jalapeno, minced (optional)

1 medium lime, juiced

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine all above ingredients. Stir until completely mixed and set in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Serve with chips or on top of tacos, enchiladas, etc.

Chef’s tip: If you would like to add more heat, feel free to add the seeds of the jalapeño to spice it up.

October 24, 2018May 14, 2020

White Bean Swamp Chili

Warm and comforting food has always been a favorite when the seasons begin to change and the cold weather sets in. One of my favorite meals to eat during this time, especially when I was back home in Ohio, is a big bowl of chili! This recipe is filled with plant-based ingredients including beans. White beans, to be more exact, are loaded with cancer-fighting dietary fibers, have a low glycemic index, are a great source of protein as well as antioxidants! All around, this meal will fuel you up in more ways than just one so feel free to give it a try this fall/winter season!

Yields 5-6 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

1 large white onion, chopped

6-8 garlic cloves, chopped

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup tomato paste

1 cup filtered water

1-1/2 cup cannellini beans, whole

1-3/4 cup cannellini beans, pureed

1-1/2 cup navy beans

2-1/2 cups tomatos, diced

2 cups whole corn

1/2 cup chives, to garnish

Spices:

1 Tbsp. curry powder

2 tsp. cayenne powder

2 tsp. ground coriander

4 Tbsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. all spice

2-3 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. Spicely Organics Ground Black Pepper

1 Tbsp. organic sugar

Directions

In a large pot on medium heat, add the oil, garlic and onions. Sauté until tender.
Add the tomato sauce, paste, beans, pureed beans, diced tomatoes, corn, water, and all spices. Bring to a slight boil and reduce heat to low.
Cook for 1-2 hours (I cooked mine for 3 hours).
Serve topped with sour cream and chives or cheddar cheese of choice.

Chef’s tips: I cooked my chili for 3 hours

October 21, 2018May 14, 2020

Best Ever Pancakes

Mornings can be tough to get breakfast ready since we are normally rushing to start our day and get out of the house for work, school, or any other activity we have going on. This pancake recipe is super simple and will not take you more than 15 minutes to make- leaving you ample amount of time to eat this stacked high tower of fluffy-goodness. In my filling, I wanted to add peanut butter and sliced apples, however, you can add anything you’d like. Whether it be blueberries, bananas, yogurt, or jam, feel free to get creative with this best ever pancake recipe!

Yields 10 pancakes

Ingredients

1-1/2 cup King Arthur organic flour

4 Tsp. baking powder

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 extract

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

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.
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.
Cook the pancake for 2-3 minutes each side. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serve the pancakes stacked with peanut butter and sliced apples.

Chef’s tip: You can add whatever topping to the pancakes, in the picture, I added peanut butter with sliced apples and peanuts.

October 19, 2018October 29, 2020

Cardamom Butter Cookies

These cookies pack an amazing flavor combination with the saffron, lemon, and cardamom! Although I added saffron to the recipe, the cardamom is still the main flavor (I just love how the saffron compliments the other spices). These cookies are a great way to end any meal or dinner party, so cozy up with a nice fire and enjoy this amazing light and airy treat.

Yields 15 cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Earths Balance Vegan Buttery Stick, cubed

1/2 cup Woodstock organic cane sugar

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

1/2 cup + 3 Tbsp. King Arthur organic flour (1-3/4 cup)

1/2 cup + 3 Tbsp. whole wheat flour

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

1/4 tsp. saffron

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In your Kitchen-aid stand mixer, combine the butter and sugar until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
In a medium glass bowl, combine sifted flour with cardamom, lemon juice, and salt.
Add mixture to the butter and sugar slowly until dough has formed.
On a baking sheet, spray with oil or use baking mat so cooking don’t stick. Using a cookie scooper, dispense cookie from scooper or roll up the dough into 1″ rounds and flatten surface into a disc shape.
Bake cooking for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Chef’s tip: Chill your butter and if you do not want to use a half and half mixture for the flour, you can use 1-3/4 cups of wheat flour.