He calls me Juice…

Leave a comment

Healthy Juice Cleanse – Carrot, Orange, Ginger, Radish, Lemon

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Healthy Juice Cleanse – (Serves 2) ~ Vegan, Raw, Gluten-Free
Credit: veganrescue.com

Ingredients:
5-6 Medium/Large Carrots, topped
1 Radish, topped
2 Navel Oranges, peeled
½ inch piece of Fresh Ginger, peeled
¼ Grated Frozen Lemon

Directions:
-Grate the frozen lemon with the zester side of grater. I place into the bottom of the cup. Juice all the other ingredients, stir together and enjoy!

While I have plans to revive Vegan Rescue with new recipes, I’m excited to be working on some new projects. I’m working on adding some devotionals, if not on a sister site, I will incorporate here.

Love and Truth

As I was ironing my husband’s clothes I was in deep thought. Naturally I began thinking about him. To be in love and blessed. I couldn’t ask for a better husband. Thank you, God. God has been with us and has blessed us since the beginning. It is because of His true love that I can share this devotional. 

Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV)

Everybody who knows us personally has been a witness to our love for one another. We share a deep, penetrating love. It will be 13 years since my surrender to love… see, I fell hard in love with Seth from the beginning –the very moment we began dating. A powerful love that continues to intensify. I generally enjoy reminiscing. Often reflecting on my journey. There is nothing like being reminded of why and how you fell in love. I live in this feeling, falling further in love each day. There is growth in pain, so I often think about the life scars from our past that we also carry. But to maintain love and relationships, you must live in truth. Living my life in truth and honesty, balanced with love and loyalty…best traits I could have received from my parents. Qualities carried with me in life as a mother, wife, and friend.

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit… (1 Peter 3:10 ESV)

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Proverbs 12:19 ESV)

This love, this true love we share in our marriage will endure forever, because it lives in truth. God has shown us good days through His grace because He aligned our walk. Our truth revealed to us, that those scars from our past were created by liars. The narcissistic kind whose life now reflects their own fabricated lies. We realize that those real lies were toxic and damaged the most innocent relationships. Yet through it, your love remains boundless and endures. I wish I could repair those damaged parts of your heart. Who wouldn’t rather live in love and truth?

Cherish relationships.
Live in truth. Be honest.
Allow love to elevate and transcend.
Always appreciate what you have. Appreciate life. Experience life. Be grateful.


To Seth-
My husband, I’m grateful to be your wife. I know your heart. I know your truth. I know only good things can be said about such a loving and compassionate man. God has blessed us to never bicker or hate. No arguments, screams or fights –not ever. Your love and passion penetrate my inner core. You have always been kind, honorable and chivalrous. You are a true gentleman, which is so refreshing. You are generous in every way possible…especially the ravaging ways. Thank you for always making me feel loved and wanted. Thank you for just being you. I appreciate you. I know you are happy with me by the way you make me laugh and smile. You are always loving and devoted. I love you, always. I respect and honor you.

As light does not fellowship with darkness, let us continue in our walk with Christ. May we emanate love in light as an example for others.

                        -Your devoted wife, Juice

Live your life in Love. Align your walk with Christ.

Advertisement

Double Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

1 Comment

Double Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
(Makes about 64 Cookies – 5 ½ Dozen) ~ Eggless/Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan

It’s that time of year again, the holiday season continues which always equals cookie season! These cookies are insanely sinful; very much a treat. It is what I picture devil’s food to be, wicked. Bake for 8 minutes for a soft and chewy cookie or 10 minutes if you prefer a thin and crispier cookie. These are very simple and they make so many cookies you’ll want to gift them. Enjoy!

IMG_2073

Ingredients:
(Dry)
1 ½ Cup All Purpose Flour
½ Cup Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Baking Soda
½ Tsp Baking Powder
1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
¾ Cup Sugar
½ Tsp Salt

(Wet)
½ Cup or 1 Stick of Earth Balance (Vegan Butter), softened
¼ Cup Applesauce
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp Soymilk (non-dairy milk)

1 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips (I used Enjoy Life)
10 Marshmallows (I used Dandies), cut into pieces

Directions:

-Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
-In a bowl mix together dry ingredients.

20181216_192645
-In a separate bowl, mix together wet ingredients until combined well.

20181216_192905
-Add dry ingredients to wet until incorporated.
-Finally, mix in chocolate chips and marshmallows.

20181216_194457
-With a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out cookie dough about 2 inches apart.

20181216_194954
-Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Bake 8 minutes for soft and chew and 10 minutes for crisp.

20181216_204129

Enjoy!

IMG_2075

Double Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Credit: veganrescue.com

Ingredients:

(Dry)
1 ½ Cup All Purpose Flour
½ Cup Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Baking Soda
½ Tsp Baking Powder
1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
¾ Cup Sugar
½ Tsp Salt

(Wet)
½ Cup or 1 Stick of Earth Balance (Vegan Butter), softened
¼ Cup Applesauce
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp Soymilk (non-dairy milk)

1 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips (I used Enjoy Life)
10 Marshmallows (I used Dandies), cut into pieces

Directions:
-Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
-In a bowl mix together dry ingredients.
-In a separate bowl, mix together wet ingredients until combined well.
-Add dry ingredients to wet until incorporated.
-Finally, mix in chocolate chips and marshmallows.
-With a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out cookie dough about 2 inches apart.
-Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Bake 8 minutes for soft and chew and 10 minutes for crisp. Enjoy!

Vegan Pound Cake!

Leave a comment

Vegan Pound Cake
(Serves 8-10) ~ Vegan

20180903_121313a

With the holiday season fast approaching (it always seems to sneak up on us), treat yourself! Let’s be honest – we seem to do less dieting and exercising during this time of year. With that said, they call it pound cake for a reason. This cake has lots of love and makes a great breakfast. Try a slice with a cup of coffee while you’re preparing Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and enjoy. This cake is extremely moist, rich and satisfying without cholesterol. Pound it!

20180903_122000a

Ingredients:

3 ½ Cups All-purpose Flour
2 Cups Vegan Butter (Earth Balance) or 1 lb, softened
2 Cups Sugar
1 ½ Tsp Baking Powder
½ Tsp Baking Soda
½ Cup Apple Sauce
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
½ Tsp Salt
1 ½ Cup Soy Milk + 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions:

-Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
-Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Soy Milk and set aside to create buttermilk.
-In another bowl, combine dry ingredients and whisk or mix together.
-Add in Earth Balance (Butter), Vanilla, Applesauce and stir together to combine.

20180903_104608a
-Last stir in milk mixture and combine, do not overmix.

20180903_104746a
-Grease loaf pan with Earth Balance/Flour or vegan cooking spray if you prefer. I used a 1.5-quart glass loaf dish.
-Add mixture to prepared loaf dish and bake for 1 hour.

20180903_105208a

Check with a toothpick, be sure it comes out clean. Enjoy!

20180903_115331a

Vegan Pound Cake

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

3 ½ Cups All-purpose Flour
2 Cups Vegan Butter (Earth Balance) or 1 lb
2 Cups Sugar
1 ½ Tsp Baking Powder
½ Tsp Baking Soda
½ Cup Apple Sauce
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
½ Tsp Salt
1 ½ Cup Soy Milk + 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions:

-Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
-Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Soy Milk and set aside to create buttermilk.
-In another bowl, combine dry ingredients and whisk or mix together.
-Add in Earth Balance (Butter), Vanilla, Applesauce and stir together to combine.
-Last stir in milk mixture and combine, do not overmix.
-Grease loaf pan with Earth Balance/Flour or vegan cooking spray if you prefer. I used a 1.5-quart glass loaf dish.
-Add mixture to prepared loaf dish and bake for 1 hour. Check with a toothpick, be sure it comes out clean. Enjoy!

Vegan Bolognese

Leave a comment

Vegan Bolognese
(Makes one large pot) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free

IMG_2055a

There are times when quick and easy recipes are the only feasible option. There are also times when a labor of love is much needed and super easy. Last Sunday, we were just lazing around, the perfect day to make this Bolognese. This recipe cooks for a long time but requires little attention – except when you have to keep stirring (think Goodfellas ). The time is needed to develop the delicious flavors. Plus an added bonus – it fills your home with a wonderful smell. It’s little a bowl of warm soup. Versatile. Warm. Appetizing.
Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 medium Sweet Onion, chopped
3 Celery Ribs, chopped
2 large Carrots, chopped
2 Tbsp Garlic, minced
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
12 Fresh Basil leave, chiffonade/chopped, divided
1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 (28oz can) Diced Tomatoes
1 (28oz can) Crushed Tomatoes
5 Fresh Vine Tomatoes
1 Red Pepper, diced
10oz (2 ½ Cups) Walnuts
2 Tbsp Liquid Smoke
1 (25oz can) Dark Red Kidney Beans
1 Tsp to ½ Tbsp Ground Cumin
1 Tbsp Paprika
1 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tbsp Sugar (or to Taste)
1 Tsp Course Ground Pepper
½ Tbsp Salt
(Add Sugar, Salt, Pepper to taste)

Directions:

-Heat Extra Virgin Olive Oil over medium/high heat.
-Add Red Pepper Flakes and Garlic, sauté for 1 minute.

20181028_170324
-Add Onion, Celery, Carrots and heat for about 3 to 5 minutes.

20181028_170936-Add half of the chopped Basil and stir to incorporate, then place the Vine Ripe Tomatoes on top of the mixture. Do Not Stir – We are only placing the tomatoes on top to steam them. Cover, reduce heat to low and steam for about 10 minutes.

20181028_172502a

-After 10 minutes, uncover mixture remove tomatoes and set aside until they are cool to the touch.

20181028_173053
-Add canned Tomatoes (Crushed/Diced). Keep the pot over low heat while preparing whole tomatoes. Peel whole tomatoes when they are cool.

20181028_162553

-In a small bowl add Whole (peeled) Tomatoes along with Kidney Beans. Mash together – you can crush together with your hands or a potato masher will do. Add this tomato/bean mixture to pot.

20181028_173746
-Stir in Liquid Smoke, Salt, Pepper, and Sugar. (At this point, I am roughly 45 minutes into cook time).

20181028_162757
-Add Walnuts and stir all together. Cover with lid partially and continue cooking over low heat. (I break down the walnuts with my fingers so the pieces are not too large).

20181028_175134
-Keep stirring and keep simmering about 45 minutes.
-During the last 10 minutes, I add the remaining Basil, Paprika, Cumin and adjust Salt, Pepper, Sugar to taste also.

Vegan Bolognese

  • Servings: Makes 1 Large Pot
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Credit: veganrescue.com

Ingredients:

1 medium Sweet Onion, chopped
3 Celery Ribs, chopped
2 large Carrots, chopped
2 Tbsp Garlic, minced
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
12 Fresh Basil leave, chiffonade/chopped, divided
1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 (28oz can) Diced Tomatoes
1 (28oz can) Crushed Tomatoes
5 Fresh Vine Tomatoes
1 Red Pepper, diced
10oz (2 ½ Cups) Walnuts
2 Tbsp Liquid Smoke
1 (25oz can) Dark Red Kidney Beans
1 Tsp to ½ Tbsp Ground Cumin
1 Tbsp Paprika
1 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tbsp Sugar (or to Taste)
1 Tsp Course Ground Pepper
½ Tbsp Salt
(Add Sugar, Salt, Pepper to taste)

Directions:

-Heat Extra Virgin Olive Oil over medium/high heat.
-Add Red Pepper Flakes and Garlic, sauté for 1 minute.
-Add Onion, Celery, Carrots and heat for about 3 to 5 minutes.
-Add half of the chopped Basil and stir to incorporate, then place the Vine Ripe Tomatoes on top of the mixture. Do Not Stir – We are only placing the tomatoes on top to steam them. Cover, reduce heat to low and steam for about 10 minutes.
-After 10 minutes, uncover mixture remove tomatoes and set aside until they are cool to the touch.
-Add canned Tomatoes (Crushed/Diced). Keep the pot over low heat while preparing whole tomatoes. Peel whole tomatoes when they are cool.
-In a small bowl add Whole (peeled) Tomatoes along with Kidney Beans. Mash together – you can crush together with your hands or a potato masher will do. Add this tomato/bean mixture to pot.
-Stir in Liquid Smoke, Salt, Pepper, and Sugar. (At this point, I am roughly 45 minutes into cook time).
-Add Walnuts and stir all together. Cover with lid partially and continue cooking over low heat. (I break down the walnuts with my fingers so the pieces are not too large).
-Keep stirring and keep simmering about 45 minutes.
-During the last 10 minutes, I add the remaining Basil, Paprika, Cumin and adjust Salt, Pepper, Sugar to taste also.

 

Here are some ideas for your Bolognese Sauce!

You can add to Pasta, Spaghetti Squash or make Quesadillas – check these out!

The pastabilities are endless! Try it on Gnocchi too.

IMG_2048

–

IMG_2051a

–

 

I used vegan sour cream and salsa for the quesadillas.

Vegan German Chocolate Cake Cookies

3 Comments

Vegan German Chocolate Cookies
(Makes about 3 dozen)

IMG_1796

With the holidays here it is definitely cookie season! Seth challenged me for his birthday to make a German Chocolate Cookie and I delivered. I made larger cookie too so we can put candles; it was extremely decadent. This cookie was so delightful and is highly recommended. Even if you are one of those people that dislike the texture of coconut, I used finely shredded coconut and it really makes the difference. The coconut cream icing is so smooth and can definitely be used to make other treats – which I plan on exploring. A must try for the holiday if you are looking for something different and unique. Definitely a must try. Enjoy! Happy Holidays!!!

Ingredients:

For the icing:
1 (15oz can) Cream of Coconut
1 (13.5oz can) Coconut Milk
1/3 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Whole Pecans, crushed
1/4 Cup Coconut Shreds, finely shredded

IMG_1774

Directions:

-Combine cream of coconut, coconut milk and sugar over high heat. Heat for 3 ½ minutes mixture will bubble up.
-Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for a total of 45 minutes (uncovered).
-Liquid will be significantly reduced (which essentially is what evaporated milk is).
-Remove from heat and add the chopped/crushed pecans and coconut shreds.
-Allow to cool completely before topping cookies.
-Short on time – I transfer to a glass bowl and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.

(Note: I only used 1 Cup of this cream mixture for the cookies)

For the cookie:
3/4 Cup Butter Flavored Crisco
1 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp Pancake Syrup
1/2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
3 Tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer (powder only)
2 Tbsp Warm Water
1 1/4 Cup All-purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
1/2 Cup Non-Dairy Chocolate Chips

IMG_1777

Directions:
-Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
-Blend together the Crisco, brown sugar, syrup, vanilla extract together with an electric mixture until smooth.
-Add dry ingredients and gently stir in together until incorporated.
-Add in the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
-I used a cookie scoop for easy and exact measurements. However, if you do not have one, scoop about a tablespoonful and drop onto the cookie sheet. Distribute about 3 inches about – I typically do 3 by 4 in a row.

IMG_1776
-Bake for about 9 minutes, check after 8 minutes if you want them very chewy and soft.
-Let them cool on the cookie sheet before transferring to the wire rack. Be sure to cool completely before assembling.

For the Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
3 Tbsp Soy Milk

IMG_1779

Directions:
-Heat chips and soy milk in the microwave for 1 minute mixing in between.

To assemble:
-Spoon coconut cream mixture onto cookies and drizzle with melted chocolate.

IMG_1822

IMG_1826

Vegan German Chocolate Cookies

  • Servings: 3 dozen
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Print

Ingredients:

For the icing:
1 (15oz can) Cream of Coconut
1 (13.5oz can) Coconut Milk
1/3 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Whole Pecans, crushed
1/4 Cup Coconut Shreds, finely shredded

Directions:

-Combine cream of coconut, coconut milk and sugar over high heat. Heat for 3 ½ minutes mixture will bubble up.
-Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for a total of 45 minutes (uncovered).
-Liquid will be significantly reduced (which essentially is what evaporated milk is).
-Remove from heat and add the chopped/crushed pecans and coconut shreds.
-Allow to cool completely before topping cookies.
-Short on time – I transfer to a glass bowl and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.

(Note: I only used 1 Cup of this cream mixture for the cookies)

For the cookie:
3/4 Cup Butter Flavored Crisco
1 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp Pancake Syrup
1/2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
3 Tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer (powder only)
2 Tbsp Warm Water
1 1/4 Cup All-purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder

Directions:
-Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
-Blend together the Crisco, brown sugar, syrup, vanilla extract together with an electric mixture until smooth.
-Add dry ingredients and gently stir in together until incorporated.
-I used a cookie scoop for easy and exact measurements. However, if you do not have one, scoop about a tablespoonful and drop onto the cookie sheet. Distribute about 3 inches about – I typically do 3 by 4 in a row.
-Bake for about 9 minutes, check after 8 minutes if you want them very chewy and soft.
-Let them cool on the cookie sheet before transferring to the wire rack. Be sure to cool completely before assembling.

For the Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
3 Tbsp Soy Milk

Directions:
-Heat chips and soy milk in the microwave for 1 minute mixing in between.

To assemble:
-Spoon coconut cream mixture onto cookies and drizzle with melted chocolate.

Carrot and Beet Salad

2 Comments

Carrot and Beet Salad
(Serves 8-10) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Raw

IMG_1748

I wanted to share a quick raw recipe with you all… just in case you need a last minute side for tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving!!

I have been making several raw recipes lately since Seth has been eating only raw dinners for the last few weeks. So I dare to create more raw recipes. I won’t get deep into how life has been. I will just say that new job plus higher learning equals life around me pausing or rather coming to a complete halt. I can admit at least that it has pretty much consumed me. I know I have been gone awhile but with Thanksgiving tomorrow I have been inspired…plus mom pseudo-scolded me a few weeks ago for not posting in a long time. That has been in the back of my mind.

I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving tomorrow with family, loved ones, old friends and new friends. This recipe is very fresh, crunchy and healthy! Enjoy!

IMG_1739

Ingredients:

2lbs Carrots (about 14), Shredded

IMG_1728

2 Beet roots, washed and julienned

IMG_1735

1 large handful Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1/4 Cup Canola Oil
Juice of 1 Lemon
1/4 Tsp Course Black Pepper
1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt
1/2 Tsp Cumin
1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Tsp or a Pinch Ground Ginger
1/4 Tsp or a Pinch Ground Celery Seeds
1 Tbsp Raw Honey or Agave Nectar

Directions:

-Wash and shred the carrots – I used a box grater.
-Wash and julienne the beets – I used a mandoline julienne blade.
-Wash and chop cilantro.
-In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, seasonings.
-Combine together all ingredients and toss together. Refrigerate any unused portion. Enjoy!

Raw Carrot and Beet Salad

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

2lbs Carrots (about 14), Shredded
2 Beet roots, washed and julienned
1 large handful Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1/4 Cup Canola Oil
Juice of 1 Lemon
1/4 Tsp Course Black Pepper
1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt
1/2 Tsp Cumin
1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Tsp or a Pinch Ground Ginger
1/4 Tsp or a Pinch Ground Celery Seeds
1 Tbsp Raw Honey or Agave Nectar

Directions:

-Wash and shred the carrots – I used a box grater.
-Wash and julienne the beets – I used a mandoline julienne blade.
-Wash and chop cilantro.
-In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, seasonings.
-Combine together all ingredients and toss together. Refrigerate any unused portion. Enjoy!

Vegan Peanut Butter Balls

6 Comments

Vegan Peanut Butter Balls
(Makes about 15 Balls)

IMG_1310

Happy June everyone! Honestly, I wrote this recipe out back in April!!! This recipe is slightly different than the usual ones you may see using rice cereal. This unique recipe uses my secret ingredient (sugar cones), which gives it a little bit of a crunch and adds to the sweetness.

IMG_1308

Ingredients:
1 Cup (creamy) Peanut Butter
1 Stick of Earth Balance (vegan butter) or ½ Cup, melted
3 Sugar Cones, crushed (place in sandwich/ziplock bag and crush with rolling pin)
1 ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions (For Peanut Butter):
-Melt butter first then add the peanut butter and vanilla until creamy.
IMG_1280
-Gently mix in the crushed sugar cones and powdered sugar until combined.
IMG_1286
-Place in the freezer for about 10 minutes while you prepare the chocolate for easier handling.
IMG_1288
-Roll peanut butter into balls.
IMG_1291

Chocolate Ingredients:
1 ½ Cup Vegan Chocolate Chips (I use Enjoy Life brand)
2 Tbsp Soy Milk (or any other non-dairy should work fine)
1 Tbsp Earth Balance (vegan butter)

Directions (For Chocolate):
-Combine all ingredients over a double boiler (for a better consistency) until smooth. Or you can microwave for about two minutes stirring in between.
-Drizzle melted chocolate mixture over peanut butter balls and place back in the freezer for 10 minutes (I am impatient or refrigerate overnight. Enjoy!
IMG_1295

–

😊

IMG_1307

Vegan Peanut Butter Balls

  • Difficulty: very easy
  • Print

Ingredients:
1 Cup (creamy) Peanut Butter
1 Stick of Earth Balance (vegan butter) or ½ Cup, melted
3 Sugar Cones, crushed (place in sandwich/ziplock bag and crush with rolling pin)
1 ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions (For Peanut Butter):
-Melt butter first then add the peanut butter and vanilla until creamy. Gently mix in the crushed sugar cones and powdered sugar until combined.
-Place in the freezer for about 10 minutes while you prepare the chocolate for easier handling.
-Roll peanut butter into balls or mold into desired shape, like eggs for Easter!

Chocolate Ingredients:
1 ½ Cup Vegan Chocolate Chips (I use Enjoy Life brand)
2 Tbsp Soy Milk (or any other non-dairy should work fine)
1 Tbsp Earth Balance (vegan butter)

Directions (For Chocolate):
-Combine all ingredients over a double boiler (for a better consistency) until smooth. Or you can microwave for about two minutes stirring in between.
-Drizzle melted chocolate mixture over peanut butter balls and place back in the freezer for 10 minutes (I am impatient or refrigerate overnight. Enjoy!

Cabbage Savage

7 Comments

Cabbage Savage
(Serves 6-8) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free

img_1196

This cabbage has a slight kick but you can add/adjust as needed. It is super addicting – hence the name… this cabbage is fierce.

I watched some new documentaries recently that I will update on my list. Netflix has some great documentaries and not just the food ones. I watched The Human Experiment and Plastic Paradise. Not only are GMO’s a concern for us but what about the other countless “invisible” toxic chemicals that we are exposed to? It’s no wonder there has been such an increase in: cancer, dementia, autism, obesity, etc. It seems we are really dropping the ball here. It’s like a question of what came first, the chicken or the egg… except it’s more like, the chem industry or the pharm industry.

Ingredients:
1 Head Green Cabbage, cleaned and chopped/shredded (I just use my knife)
1 Tbsp Canola Oil
3 Tbsp Earth Balance (vegan butter)
½ Tbsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
2 Tsp Minced Garlic
2 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Course Black Pepper
½ Tsp Chili Powder
½ Tsp Tarragon

Directions:
-Clean and shred cabbage then set aside. I just slice it up on my cutting board. Be sure to remove the outer thick leaves and quarter/core before shredding and washing.
img_1171
-In a large pot, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add red pepper flakes and minced garlic and heat through for about 1-2 minutes. (Be careful it can quickly burn).
-Add Earth Balance butter and cabbage. Cover and let it cook down for about 10 minutes.
-Stir after 5 minutes so it all sautés and begins to cook evenly.
img_1183
-After 10 minutes stir again and add seasonings: salt, pepper, chili powder and tarragon. Cover and continue cooking.
I cook for a total time of about 20 minutes and then I turn off heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before serving – but keeping the lid on. Enjoy!
img_1187

Simple Berry Smoothies

7 Comments

Simple Berry Smoothies
(Serves 4) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Raw, Soy-Free

img_1157

Umm… Happy New Year! Is that inappropriate since it’s now the 20th? Well, maybe not since this is the first time I’m saying hello for the New Year. What a blur it’s been since my last post. Life, right?

I ran into a woman at the grocery store this evening, which may have prompted this very post. As I’m walking up to the natural section, there is a woman standing there. She reaches for the Daiya cheese then hesitates and placed it back. I walked up and grabbed the Daiya and also the Better than Sour Cream because it’s taco night tonight! After watching me grab the cheese she then asks if it was any good. I replied and then proceeded to rattle off several other products I thought were good! I’m pointing and grabbing: So Delicious – yogurts, Vegenaise (mayo), Earth Balance (butter) and all the ice creams that are available! She may have thought I was a bit crazed given how hyper I quickly became on the subject. Hey it’s not every day I run into someone in person that is actually interested in vegan food or food products. She said her church was trying out veganism this month; to which I exclaimed Veganuary!?! She said yes and thanked me. I let her know about this blog and went on my way. Sometimes it’s the little things or rather the chance encounters that spark or motivate. Happy New Year and Happy Veganuary all! Make it another great one. As always… enjoy! The smoothie, of course. 😋

I love serving these in stemless wine glasses…
img_1160

Ingredients:
3 Cups Frozen Berries (I used a mixture of Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries and Blackberries)
½ Cup Orange Juice
2 Cups Almond Milk (I used my favorite Almond/Coconut Blend)
2 Tbsp Honey or Agave Nectar
Handful of ice, optional (depending on if using fresh or frozen fruits)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in blender or high-speed blender (like a Nutribullet or Ninja).
img_1152

Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

3 Comments

Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
(Makes about 3 Dozen)

img_1035

How about a perfect cookie for the holiday! If you need a little something for yourself or to give as a gift, have I got the perfect cookie for you. This cookie is very decadent and will bake to gooey perfection. And…Who can’t resist the look of a crinkle cookie? Doesn’t it look like winter, as if the snow just collected right on top of them? 😊
I hope you try this one, it is so simple. I place them in the freezer to harden up a bit, mostly because I’m too impatient to wait 2 hours in the fridge or overnight. However, you can certainly make these ahead and skip the freezer part, by storing them in the fridge instead. I reference it makes about 3 dozen because I made exactly 35 cookies. When I wrote this recipe out I anticipated 1/2 cup of chocolate chips but ended using only 1/4 cup. Hope you enjoy!

img_1046

Ingredients:
2/3 Cup Earth Balance (vegan butter), softened –room temp.
2/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Sugar
2 Tbsp Applesauce
2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2/3 Cup Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Baking Soda
¼ Tsp Salt
¼ Cup Mini Chocolate Chips (I use Enjoy Life brand)
½ Cup Powdered Sugar

Directions:
-Oven should be pre-heated to 375 degrees F.
-In a bowl cream together butter (E.B.) and both sugars-brown/granulated. I beat at low speed with my hand mixer until mixture is creamed together.
img_0990
-To the sugar mixture add: vanilla extract and applesauce then cream together again until combined.
-In a separate bowl – sift (or I prefer to just whisk) together: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder/soda and salt until combined.
img_0998
-Add wet mixture to dry mixture and slowly combine – I found that using a silicon type spatula works the best.
The mixture should look creamy like icing.
img_1006
-Cover with plastic wrap and place mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes.
-Spoon out about a tablespoon or use a small cookie scoop (works the best) into the palm of your hand.
img_1008
Make a small well or hole with your index finger. Add the chocolate chips and seal together.
img_1015
Roll to form a ball.
img_1012
Place your powdered sugar in a separate small bowl. Finally, roll your cookie dough ball into the sugar.
img_1013
-Bake for 7-8 minutes to perfection. Cookies will be soft chewy and gooey in the center.
I’ve baked for as long as 11 minutes for a crisper cookie.

img_1039

Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

  • Servings: 3 Dozen
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Credit: http://www.veganrescue.com

Ingredients:
2/3 Cup Earth Balance (vegan butter), softened –room temp.
2/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Sugar
2 Tbsp Applesauce
2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2/3 Cup Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Baking Soda
¼ Tsp Salt
¼ Cup Mini Chocolate Chips (I use Enjoy Life brand)
½ Cup Powdered Sugar

Directions:
-Oven should be pre-heated to 375 degrees F.
-In a bowl cream together butter (E.B.) and both sugars-brown/granulated. I beat at low speed with my hand mixer until mixture is creamed together.
-To the sugar mixture add: vanilla extract and applesauce then cream together again until combined.
-In a separate bowl – sift (or I prefer to just whisk) together: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder/soda and salt until combined.
-Add wet mixture to dry mixture and slowly combine – I found that using a silicon type spatula works the best.
The mixture should look creamy like icing.
-Cover with plastic wrap and place mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes.
-Spoon out about a tablespoon or use a small cookie scoop (works the best) into the palm of your hand. Make a small well or hole with your index finger. Add the chocolate chips and seal together. Roll to form a ball. Place your powdered sugar in a separate small bowl. Finally, roll your cookie dough ball into the sugar.
-Bake for 7-8 minutes to perfection. Cookies will be soft chewy and gooey in the center.
I’ve baked for as long as 11 minutes for a crisper cookie.