Veg Recipes!

Warm and Nutty Cinnamon Quinoa

2010-07-31T09:33:00.002-04:00

I used a red quinoa here, but you can use whatever kind you like, white/buff colored seems to be the most common. Also, a few notes and tips from the book: low-fat soy milk may replace the low fat milk, blueberries may replace the blackberries, dark honey may replace the agave nectar, and walnuts may replace the pecans.

1 cup organic 1% low fat milk (replace with nut milk to make vegan)
1 cup water
1 cup organic quinoa, (hs note: rinse quinoa)
2 cups fresh blackberries, organic preferred
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted*
4 teaspoons organic agave nectar, such as Madhava brand
Combine milk, water and quinoa in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Stir in blackberries and cinnamon; transfer to four bowls and top with pecans. Drizzle 1 teaspoon agave nectar over each serving.
Serves 4.
*While the quinoa cooks, roast the pecans in a 350F degree toaster oven for 5 to 6 minutes or in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes.

Source: http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/warm-and-nutty-cinnamon-quinoa-recipe.html

Baked Ziti with Spinach & Cashew Cheese

2010-05-08T11:11:00.002-04:00

1 Recipe of Mel's Zesty Marinara Sauce (see below)
1 lb Tinkyada Brown Rice Ziti or Penne, cooked al dente
2 c. Cashew Cheese (recipe below)
1 cup organic, frozen chopped Spinach thawed

Mel's Zesty Marinara Sauce
1 red onion, diced
1 c. shitake mushrooms, sliced thinly
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. thyme
1 TBL Tamari
1 TBL Balsamic Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ can tomato paste
2 -28oz cans Fire Roasted Crushed Tomatoes
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 tsp. Agave Nectar (leave out for cleanse or add 1 tsp xylitol)
2 TBL Fresh basil, chopped

In a stock pot heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic & mushrooms until soft & caramelized. Add thyme & oregano and stir to incorporate to release the herbs. Add crushed tomatoes & tomato paste. Reduce heat and simmer 20-30
minutes. Add tamari, agave & balsamic vinegar & stir well. Simmer 5-10 minutes more. Season with salt & pepper and top with fresh basil.

Cashew Cheese
2 cups cashews, soaked for 4 hours & drained
Filtered water
2 TBL Nutritional yeast flakes
sea salt & pepper to taste

Place soaked cashews in a blender cup with just enough water to barely cover. Blend until very smooth. Add nutritional yeast and blend. This mixture should be fairly thick, so if it's too thin, add some more cashews. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Pour into a bowl and add spinach. Stir well to incorporate

Preheat oven to 400.
To Assemble:
Place cooked Ziti noodles in large bowl. Ladle in marinara sauce until well covered. Stir to coat. If you like more sauce, add more. Add 1 cup cashew cheese & spinach mixture and stir to incorporate. You can always add more if you want more. Pour into baking dish and ladle sauce on top to cover. Sprinkle with additional nutritional yeast flakes. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes until heated through. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. MANGIA!!

Source: Karma Chow Newsletter, 05/05/10

Pineapple Tofu Stir-Fry

2010-05-01T16:37:00.001-04:00

1 - 8-ounce can pineapple chunks or tidbits, 3 tablespoons juice reserved ( I would use fresh)
5 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons brown sugar
7 ounces extra-firm, water-packed tofu, drained, rinsed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (See Tip for Two)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 teaspoons canola oil, divide
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1 large bell pepper, cut into 1/2-by-2-inch strips

Preparation:

1. Whisk the reserved 3 tablespoons pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup and sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Place tofu in a medium bowl; toss with 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Let marinate for 5 minutes. Add cornstarch to the remaining sauce and whisk until smooth.

2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the tofu to the skillet using a slotted spoon. Whisk any remaining marinade into the bowl of sauce. Cook the tofu, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes total. Transfer the tofu to a plate.

3. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bell pepper and cook, stirring often, until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the sauce and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 30 seconds. Add the tofu and pineapple chunks (or tidbits) and cook, stirring gently, until heated through, about 2 minutes more.

• Make Ahead Tip: The tofu can marinate (Step 1) for up to 30 minutes.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 263 calories; 12 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrates; 10 g protein; 4 g fiber; 368 mg sodium; 549 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (280% daily value), Vitamin A (50% dv), Calcium (25% dv), Magnesium (18% dv).

Exchanges: Exhanges: 2 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 1/2 fat

Source: Helping Reshape the World Newsletter, 04/27/10

Stuffed Grape Leaves

2010-05-01T15:47:00.003-04:00

Serves 15

"Ever make a favorite appetizer for a party and secretly wish for plenty of leftovers? This recipe for vegetarian stuffed grape leaves, incites just such thoughts for one fl@vors subscriber kind enough to share her special recipe with us. She wrote, 'I take them for parties when I bring the appetizer, but I love it when there are leftovers. I like these with lots of lemon squeezed over.' Sounds like a naturally tasty recipe."

Ingredients

3 medium onions, chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 (6 ounce) package long grain and wild rice (comes with a seasoning packet)
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 (8 ounce) jar grape leaves, (about 50 grape leaves)

Garnishes
Chopped parsley
Lemon wedges

Method

Sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat for 10 minutes or until golden. Stir in rice and seasoning packet, tomato sauce and water. Bring to boil. Cover tightly and simmer over low heat until all liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, parsley, lemon juice, and pine nuts. Rinse grape leaves in cold water and dry thoroughly. Place leaves rib side down. Place well-rounded teaspoon of filling in center of leaf. Fold both sides over to center. Fold over one end and roll up. Arrange in 2-quart casserole, seam side down. Add 2 cups water. Weight stuffed leaves with plate. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Refrigerate until chilled, still weighted down. Remove from water. Serve cold with parsley and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 3oz/95g-wt.): 140 calories (70 from fat), 8g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 15g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 2g sugar), 3g protein

Tags: Make Ahead, Entertaining, Greek, Gluten Free, Sugar Conscious, Vegan,Dairy Free, Wheat Free, Vegetarian

Source: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/60

Spinach Pie & Pineapple Dessert

2010-04-24T08:42:00.002-04:00

A friend's mom makes this and I love it so much that I decided to give it a try. I used:

1 sheet Pepperidge Farm phyllo

2 boxes of frozen chopped spinach

1 small onion, chopped

6 oz. crumbled reduced-fat feta

2 eggs (as binder)

Salt

Oregano

I mixed all the ingredients in a bowl, poured them into a greased pyrex mold, topped it with the phyllo and egg wash and baked it at 400ºF for 15-20 minutes. So gooooood!!! I did overestimate the saltiness of the feta, though. I will add more salt to the mix next time I make it.

I had leftover phyllo so I cut up some pineapple, put it in a ramekin and topped it with the phyllo, some egg wash and maple sugar. It came out sooo good! Next time I'll sprinkle the pineapple with some flour or arrowroot so the juice that comes out of it makes a sauce.

Curried Kale with Caramelized Shallots

2010-04-17T09:21:00.002-04:00

"Kale, is one of nature's super foods. Enjoy it raw, sauteed, juiced or made into Kale chips. I like to use the heartier Dino Kale for this tangy yet subtlety sweet recipe that will give you a new found love for this healthy & nutritious super food!"

3 Shallots, thinly sliced
1 TBL Coconut Oil
1 TBL Curry Powder
1 TBL Agave Nectar
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 bunch Kale (about 4 oz) stems removed and chopped into large pieces
2 TBL Tamari, Braggs or Nama Shoyu
2 TBL Water

Heat oil over medium heat, add shallots and sauté until dark brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Stir in curry powder, agave and lemon juice. Add kale, soy sauce and water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until kale is still chewy but tender. Do not overcook. Serve over Quinoa or Brown Rice!

Source:
Karma Chow Newsletter, 04/08/10

Holiday Table Worthy Veggie Meatloaf

2010-04-03T09:32:00.002-04:00

3/4 c. Tomato Paste
3 TBL Tamari, divided
1 TBL dark agave nectar
½ tsp liquid smoke
1 TBL plus 2 tsp garlic, minced and divided
¼ c. olive oil, divided
1 c. onion, chopped & divided
1 c. Portobello mushrooms, chopped
½ c. celery, diced
½ c. carrot, finely diced
¾ tsp. sea salt
¾ tsp. freshly ground pepper
¾ c. cooked brown rice
2 c. cooked French lentils
1-1/2 tsp. Vegan Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp. Dijon mustard
1 TBL Arrowroot powder
¾ c. gluten free/wheat free breadcrumbs

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Cook lentils and brown rice per package directions. Set aside to cool (these can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator overnight)
3. In a small bowl, combine tomato paste, 2 TBL tamari, agave, liquid smoke & 1 TBL garlic. Set aside
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 TBl olive oil and ½ cup onions. Saute for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for 7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Add the remaining 2 TBL of olive oil to skillet and sauté the celery, carrots, remaining garlic, salt and pepper over low heat. Cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until veggies are tender.
5. In a food processor, pulse the rice and lentils 10 times. Transfer to a large blow. In the food processor, pulse cooked veggies, Worcestershire sauce, remaining TBL tamari, mustard, arrowroot and 1/3 cup of tomato mixture 10 times. Add to rice & lentil mixture. Fold in reserved sautéed mushrooms & onions, breadcrumbs and ½ cup raw chopped onion.
6. Press half of the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread with half of the tomato topping. Then, press the rest of the mixture into the pan, and coat with remaining tomato topping. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes until top is brown. Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Source:
Karma Chow Newsletter, 12/02/09

Garlicky Brussels Sprouts Sauté

2010-04-03T09:28:00.003-04:00

Even people who don’t like Brussels sprouts will eat—and enjoy—this fast dish with a

tender crunch. Pre-peeled garlic cloves from the produce section make this recipe even

quicker.

Serves 6

1 lb. Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed
2 Tbs. olive oil
12 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered lengthwise
1 Tbs. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

1. Place Brussels sprouts in bowl of food processor. Pulse 12 to 15 times, or until shredded.
2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic, and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until light brown. Increase heat to medium-high, and add shredded Brussels sprouts, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, or until browned, stirring often. Add 1 1/2 cups water, and cook 5 minutes more, or until most of liquid is evaporated. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Per SERVING:
Calories 87
Protein 3g
Total Fat 4g
Carbs 10g
Sodium 213mg
Fiber 3g
Sugar 2g
Source:
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/9697?section=

Hot Artichoke Dip

2010-04-03T09:23:00.003-04:00

Everyone loves spinach-artichoke dip, but it’s a fat-and-calorie fiesta. Not this recipe—

yet you’ll never know it.

Makes about 2 1/2 cups

1 12-oz. pkg. light silken tofu
2 Tbs. reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1 Tbs. lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp.)
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 15.5-oz. can artichoke quarters in water, drained, rinsed, chopped
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Paprika for dusting

Preheat oven to 400F. Purée tofu, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic and onion powder in blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer to bowl.
Stir artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese into tofu mixture. Spoon into 8-inch glass pie dish or casserole. Bake 20 minutes. Dust with paprika; serve.
Nutritional Information
Per TABLESPOON:
Calories 16
Protein 1g
Total Fat 1g
Carbs 1g
Choelsterol 1mg
Sodium 56mg
Fiber 1g
Sugar 1g

Source:
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/9709?section=

Vegan Cardamom Scented Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-04-03T09:17:00.006-04:00

"This recipe is a favorite of many of my clients and I thought that it would be perfect to share again for the upcoming holiday of love. Cardamom is a sexy scented spice that aids in digestion and speeding up the metabolism!"

2 c. Spelt or Oat Flour

3/4 c. Rolled Oats

1/2 c. chopped Walnuts (optional)

1 c. Grain Sweetened Chocolate Chips

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

3/4 tsp. Baking soda

1/8 tsp Cinnamon

¼ tsp Cardamom

2/3 c. Agave Nectar

2/3 c. Coconut Oil, melted

2 TBL Almond Milk

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Place dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir to

combine.

Combine wet ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together. Add wet mixture to dry and stir together with a wooden spoon until combined. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Place by the tablespoon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Source:

Karma Chow Newsletter, 02/01/2010

Vegan/Macrobiotic Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-04-03T09:01:00.006-04:00

These are UNBELIEVABLE!!! I've gotten sooo many carnivores hooked on these!

3 Tbs. canola oil

2 cups walnuts

1 cup light brown sugar (I used 2/3 cup maple sugar to make them macro)

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1½ cups oat flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

2 cups rolled oats

3 3.5-oz. bars bittersweet vegan chocolate, chopped, or 1½ cups vegan chocolate chips (12 oz.) (I used grain-sweetened chocolate chips to make them macro)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray, or line with parchment paper.

2. Blend walnuts in food processor 30 seconds, or until ground into a fine meal. Add canola oil, and blend 2 to 3 minutes more, or until mixture has the consistency of natural peanut butter, scraping down sides of food processor occasionally. Transfer to bowl.

3. Whisk together brown sugar and ½ cup water in small saucepan, and bring mixture to a boil. Pour brown sugar mixture over ground walnut butter, add vanilla extract, and stir until no lumps remain.

4. Whisk together oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in separate bowl. Stir oat flour mixture into walnut mixture. Cool 10 minutes. Fold in oats, then chocolate chips.

5. Shape cookie dough into 2-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten cookies with bottom of drinking glass dipped in water. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies begin to brown and tops look dry. Cool 3 minutes on baking sheets, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Source:

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/10870

Classic Waffles

2009-11-19T18:10:00.004-05:00

"A lovely, crispy waffle perfect for the morning."

Original Recipe Yield 10 to 12 waffles

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 eggs (or substitute with unsweetened applesauce to make the waffles vegan)
1 1/2 cups warm milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside. Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs (or pour in the applesauce). Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture; beat until blended.
Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 379 | Total Fat: 16.2g | Cholesterol: 123mg

Source:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Classic-Waffles/Detail.aspx

AMAZING tofu scramble

2009-09-12T08:45:00.006-04:00

I made this with Bryanna's variations and omitted the mushrooms. AMAZING!!!!!

JULIE HASSON'S YUMMY TOFU SCRAMBLE (WITH BRYANNA'S NOTES, ETC.)
Servings: 4

Julie says, "I love to serve this scramble with toasted bread for breakfast, or with gravy and quinoa for dinner. Any way you serve it, Tofu Scramble is great anytime of the day." I agree!

2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more as needed
16 oz. 16-ounce container of firm, water packed tofu, rinsed (see PS at end of ingredient list)
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
1/2 teaspoon granulated onion (or onion powder)
1 small onion, (thinly) sliced
Sliced mushrooms (I use about four 2" ones)
1 clove garlic, minced
Ground white pepper, to taste (I used black pepper)
1- 1/2 tablespoon Braggs or soy sauce (I used soy sauce)

PS: If you use the pressed medium-firm tofu, as described above in the text, use only 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. You may want to use slightly less olive oil, too. I left everything else the same.

Using paper towels, blot as much moisture from the tofu as you can. You can gently squeeze it a little to extract more water.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little drizzle of olive oil (I used 2 tsp.-BCG) so that the bottom of the skillet is very lightly coated. Break the tofu into pieces and add them to the hot skillet. You can further break up any large pieces of tofu with a spatula. Let the tofu cook, stirring occasionally, until the tofu has released it’s extra water, and is starting to turn golden.

Continue to saute’ the tofu until it is light golden brown. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast flakes and granulated onion over tofu, stirring so that all of the tofu is coated.

Add 2 teaspoons more olive oil to the skillet, along with the sliced onion, mushrooms and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender. Sprinkle with white pepper (or black, freshly-ground-- BCG) and drizzle with Braggs or soy sauce (this is my preference--BCG), stirring until liquid is absorbed.

Remove skillet from heat and serve the scramble warm, with toasted bread if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition (per serving): 153.8 calories; 52% calories from fat; 9.6g total fat; 0.0mg cholesterol; 242.2mg sodium; 399.4mg potassium; 7.1g carbohydrates; 3.1g fiber; 2.0g sugar; 4.0g net carbs; 13.6g protein; 3.3 points.

NUTRITION FACTS IF MADE WITH 16 OZ. MEDIUM-FIRM TOFU PRESSED IN THE TOFU XPRESS FOR 1 HR (resulting in 8.2 oz. firm tofu), AND WITH ONLY 2 TABLESPOONS OF YEAST, 1 TABLESPOON SOY SAUCE AND 3 TEASPOONS OLIVE OIL:

(I've given you the Nutrition facts for 1/4 of the recipe and 1/2 the recipe when made with the pressed medium-firm tofu, because there is a smaller volume of tofu in it when made this way.)

Nutrition (per 1/4 of the recipe): 99.3 calories; 52% calories from fat; 6.1g total fat; 0.0mg cholesterol; 235.0mg sodium; 277.6mg potassium; 5.5g carbohydrates; 2.1g fiber; 1.6g sugar; 3.4g net carbs; 8.0g protein; 2.1 points.

Nutrition (per 1/2 of the recipe): 196.2 calories; 52% calories from fat; 12.2g total fat; 0.0mg cholesterol; 319.9mg sodium; 547.1mg potassium; 10.7g carbohydrates; 4.2g fiber; 3.2g sugar; 6.5g net carbs; 15.8g protein; 4.1 points.

Source:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/08/best-scrambled-tofu.html

My Brownies

2008-05-25T19:22:00.003-04:00

175 grams Dark Chocolate
200 grams Butter
4 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Spray an 8x8 inch glass pan.
Melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave or on a double boiler, and let cool to room temperature.
Beat eggs and sugar until creamy. Add chocolate and butter mix, flour, and vanilla, and mix.
Add walnuts, if using, and mix.
Pour mix into pan, and bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes (to form shiny crust).
Then lower oven temperature to 375ºF and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Cut them while they are still hot, and let cool.

Tofu Nuggets

2008-05-19T02:07:00.005-04:00

1 pkg. firm or extra firm tofu
3/4 c. flour
1 c. soymilk
1 tbsp. vegan worcestershire (optional)
3/4 c. well-crushed saltine crackers
1 tsp. poultry seasoning (Mrs. Dash or something like that... make sure it's only spices, no animal products!)

cut tofu into sticks about 1/2 inch wide and 2-3 in long and place on paper towels. pat dry. put flour in one wide shallow bowl, whisk soymilk and vegan worcestershire into another wide, shallow bowl, and mix the crackers and seasoning in a third wide, shallow bowl. Take a few pieces of tofu at a time, and roll first in the flour, then dredge in the soymilk mix, and then roll in the saltine mix, pressing to hold if need be. Place nuggets on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350-375 degrees F for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. ENJOY!

Source:

http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282&page=268

Corn Pudding

2008-05-17T17:30:00.005-04:00

This dish is like a cake, and very moist. It's a great as a side dish, or as an entree topped with salsa or veggie sausage.

2 cans sweet corn in water, drained
2 cans cream style corn
6 eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 cup matzo meal
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup oil (I use canola)
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease rectangular pyrex mold.
Beat whole eggs. Add sugar, oil, and salt, and mix well.
Add flour, matzo meal, and baking powder. Mix well and add cream style corn, and drained corn.
Pour mixture into prepared mold. Bake for one hour.

Very Different Banana Cake

2008-05-17T16:38:00.002-04:00

This is not your typical banana cake. It is mostly bananas, and very dense and moist. Not "cakey" at all. This recipe has been in my family for generations, and is one of the simplest things to make. EVER.

It's a great way to use bananas that have turned black, as they are the sweetest and perfect for this cake.

4 or 5 bananas, very ripe
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk (can be non-dairy, I've used almond with great results)
2 heaping tablespoons sugar (I use brown)
2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon flour (whole wheat works too)
2 tablespoons oil (I use canola)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Chocolate chips (optional, but very yummy!)

Preheat the oven to 375ºF and spray a pie mold with nonstick cooking spray.
Place all ingredients, except chocolate chips, if using, in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour mixture into greased pan and sprinkle on chocolate chips, if using.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

***This can be served warm or cold. Both are equally delicious!***

I haven't taken any pictures of the ones I've made, but I will next time and upload it.

Spinach Pesto

2008-05-17T11:49:00.005-04:00

2 Cups Baby Spinach Leaves
Handful of Flat Leaf Parsley, about 1/2 cup
4 - 5 Large Basil Leaves
1/2 cup Walnuts, lightly toasted
3 Garlic Cloves, peeled
1/4 teaspoon Salt
Pinch of Freshly Ground Black Pepper
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pile everything but the oil into a food processor and combine well.
Using a spatula, scrape the sides then reattach the lid.
With the motor running, drizzle in the oil through the feed tube one tablespoon at a time until everything is smooth but not oily. You may only end up using 2 tablespoons. (Use the remainder for topping the pesto, if you’re keeping it in the fridge).

Pesto may be kept in a sealed container, topped with oil. Otherwise, it freezes very well in ice cube trays or flattened, in a ziploc bag, where you can break off desired amounts for soups, crustini or pasta for one.

Source:

http://veganvisitor.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/spinach-pesto/

Veggie Dog Stew with Sofrito and Peas

2008-05-17T01:22:00.003-04:00

Risotto with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sundried Tomatoes, and Roasted Red Peppers

2008-05-17T01:20:00.003-04:00

Steel Cut Oat "Risotto" with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

2008-05-17T01:16:00.003-04:00

I topped it with some Feta, but otherwise, it's vegan.

Honey Cake (Leikaj)

2008-05-17T01:15:00.002-04:00

Vegan Mac 'n Cheese

2008-05-17T01:13:00.006-04:00

The first vegan mac 'n cheese I made was from Jo Stepaniak's wonderful, amazing "The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook." I made some tiny tweaks to my taste, and this is the result.

2-1/2 cups dry whole wheat elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
Tiny pinch of cayenne
1-3/4 cups almond milk, heated (or any other non-dairy, but I prefer almond)
3/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/2 cup packed panko bread crumbs (they are crunchier and lighter than regular bread crumbs)

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Cook macaroni, drain well (save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce) and set aside.

While macaroni is cooking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan. When hot, stir in flour, mustard, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir in heated milk, a little at a time, mixing constantly. This should take 5 to 7 minutes. Cook the sauce until it is the consistency of thick cream, about 2 to 4 additional minutes. Remove from heat and stir in nutritional yeast flakes. Add the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cooked macaroni and mix well.

Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

***Sometimes we can't wait for it to bake, and we eat it like the blue box mac 'n cheese...but it's SOOOOO much better!***

Thai Coconut Lime Soup with Tofu

2008-05-17T01:08:00.003-04:00

Mini Crustless Tofu Quiches

2008-05-17T00:45:00.005-04:00

olive oil spray
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup bell pepper
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives (or one green onion)
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp. dried, crushed)
black pepper to taste
1 12.3-ounce package lite firm silken tofu, drained of water
1/4 cup plain soymilk
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon cornstarch (may sub another thickener such as arrowroot or potato starch)
1 teaspoon tahini (preferred) or cashew butter
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2-3/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Spray 12 regular-sized muffin cups well with non-stick spray. (I used silicone cups like these.)

Lightly spray a non-stick skillet with olive oil and sauté the garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms over medium heat until the mushrooms just begin to exude their juices. Stir in the chives, rosemary, and freshly ground black pepper, and remove from the heat.

Place the remaining ingredients into a food processor or blender. Process until completely smooth and silky. Add the tofu mixture to the vegetables and stir to combine. Spoon equally into the 12 muffin cups: it will fill regular muffin cups about halfway.

Put the muffin pan into the oven and immediately reduce the heat to 350 F. Bake until the tops are golden and a knife inserted into the middle of a quiche comes out clean--about 25-35 minutes depending on your oven and muffin cups (silicone will take longer than metal, so if you're using a metal pan, check it at 20 minutes). Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Enjoy! They're light, so plan on making more of these—or serve hearty side dishes—if you're serving more than 3 people.

4 mini-quiches contain: 96 Calories (kcal); 3 g Total Fat; (23% calories from fat); 11 g Protein; 8 g Carbohydrate; 0 mg Cholesterol; 459 mg Sodium; 2 g Fiber

Source:

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2006/12/mini-crustless-tofu-quiches.html

Calories	87
Protein	3g
Total Fat	4g
Carbs	10g
Sodium	213mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	2g