BREAKFAST GRANOLA BARS

BREAKFAST GRANOLA BARS

So last night my boyfriend and I had a sweet tooth but weren't sure what to make. I had tons of nuts and peanut butter so i figured I'd make some granola bars. He had a weird request though, Cheerios! My boyfriend LOVES cheerios. So I figured I'd be able to make something good! This was definitely a "whatever you got in your pantry" kind of dessert but its great for taking to work and munching in the morning as well! Try experimenting by putting your favorite cereal in it or maybe some agave syrup instead of jam. Its basic, easy and good for you:)

Recipe

1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup graham flour
1/2 cup cheerios
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup cranberries
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons jam
1 tablespoon almond fresh coconut milk
2 tablespoons earth balance butter, melted
1 cup peanut butter, smooth

Steps

Preheat your oven to 325 F

Combine all ingredients (quick oats-sugar) in a large bowl. Stir together well. Once mixed, add your jam, almond milk, earth balance and peanut butter. Your mixture should begin to form into a big ball. If its too dry you can add more milk or agave syrup. The more sticky stuff you put in it the better they will stay together! Stir it together very well, pushing it down while you're doing this to help make the mixture stick together well.
Rub some earth balance on a baking dish so your granola bars don't stick. Pour your entire mixture into your dish and begin to press it down with a spatula. Continue to press your granola bars for 10 minutes.
 Make sure theres lots in all the corners and edges. The longer you press them the better your granola bars will stick together so keep going as long as you can! Once your granola bars are packed enough sprinkle something on top to finish it. I used coconut shreds. 
Give them one more push to make sure all the coconut will stay on your bars and put it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before you eat. If its still steaming let it sit longer. If you cut it to soon your bars will fall apart! If you want them  to stay together really well don't cut them that night. Leave them in the dish and refrigerate overnight. Theres no way they will fall apart after that. Enjoy:)

VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES

VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES

I loveee me some peanut butter. I used to make cookies with my parents all the time when I was little so naturally it was one of the first things I made and mastered when I went vegan. These are a simple, quick, delicious recipe. I try to avoid using a lot of sugar and butter at all times when baking if I can. I like trying to make my desserts somewhat healthy. So I hope you enjoy these awesome peanut butter cookies.

RECIPE

Makes 9

1 cup unbleached white flour

1 cup organic quick oats

1/4 cane sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup natural peanut butter

3 tablespoons earth balance, melted

1/4 cup almond fresh coconut milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

* you can add coconut, raisins or almonds for extra flavour. I added 2 tablespoons shredded coconut

STEPS

Preheat your oven to 350 F.

Lightly grease a baking pan with butter.

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together well. Create a well in the middle and add your peanut butter, earth balance, almond milk and vanilla. Stir together with a spatula for 5-7 minutes or until completely mixed together. All your flour should be absorbed so if its not add tablespoons of milk one at a time till it is. Once your ball of cookie dough is formed use a large spoon to scoop out some of your cookie dough. It should be around the size of a golf ball. Roll it into a ball in your hand. This helps your cookies for forming better and not crumbling. Flatten it out with your hand into a round disc and repeat nine times. Place your cookies onto your baking pan and pop them in the oven! Bake for 10-12 minutes.

CREAMY SWEET POTATO COCONUT CURRY SOUP

CREAMY SWEET POTATO COCONUT CURRY SOUP

Soup season is here and I've  been enjoying it the right way! Blending soups is my new favorite thing. It helps make the perfect consistency for a soup and its wayyy quicker then waiting for all those big vegetables to cook. I just kind of made this soup up to with all the ingredients in my pantry/fridge. Its that easy! Be creative with what you add and experiment! This recipe is pretty much fail proof. Have fun:)

My hot sauce heart did not work out that time. hahah.

Recipe

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large orange yam cubed

4 potatoes, cubed

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 purple onion, diced

1 piece of ginger, minced

1/2 red pepper, diced

1 broccoli head

1 cup multi colored carrots, diced

4 mushrooms, diced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup coconut milk

2 teaspoons turmeric

2 teaspoons curry spice

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

2 tablespoons nutritrional yeast

1 teaspoon salt

Couple of drops of liquid smoke

Steps
In a large pot add your olive oil and set at low-med heat. Saute garlic and onions for 2 minutes. Add the rest of your vegetables and saute for 5 more minutes. Peel, wash and cut your yams and potatoes. Add them to your pot then add your vegetable broth and coconut milk. Stir together well and bring to a low boil. Add your spices and allow to cook on low-med heat for 15 minutes or until your potatoes and yams are soft. Once its cooked, divide into half and blend the first half. Add back to your pot and blend the second half. The blending consistency is totally up to you! Add your other half and stir together well. Heat for another 5 minutes on a simmer and serve. :)
                                         

"CHEEZY" BROCCOLI SOUP

"CHEEZY" BROCCOLI SOUP

Today is the first day of Fall so I figured my soup was a suitable post. Plus we had it for dinner last night haha. It was amazing! First time I've ever made a quick soup and a blended one. This recipe is super filling and healthy as well extremely easy to make. I was really pleased with the way it turned out. Next time I'm making bread bowls.

Recipe

makes 4 servings

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 white onion, chopped

4 mushrooms, sliced

2 heads of broccoli

1 head cauliflower

2 celery stalks, chopped

6 red skin potatoes, peeled, cut

2 carrots, sliced

3 cups vegetable broth

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

handful of fresh thyme

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon chili spice

4 tablespoon nutritional yeast

1 piece of Daiya sliced cheddar

For the CHEEZE sauce I used the same one that I use for my COCONUT CREAM MAC N CHEESE recipe but I used a whole can of coconut milk instead of a half to make it more creamy. I also add 2 tablespoons of spicy mustard to add to cheezy taste for the recipe. See my recipe:) 

In a large pot add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and turn on to low-med heat. Add your garlic, onion and mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Next add your broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrot and potatoes. Stir together and cook for another 5 minutes. Add your vegetable broth and spices. Bring to a low boil. Once its boiling add your daiya to melt it in. Cook for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft enough to poke with a fork. 

While that's cooking you'll have time to make your cheeze sauce. 

Once your soup is ready and your potatoes are soft enough its time for blending! Separate your soup into two bowls. *Its way too hard to get the right consistency you blend both at the same time.* Blend the first bowl. I left mine a bit chunky and it was perfect that way. I barely blended it for thirty seconds. If you want yours creamier blend it for longer! This part is totally up to you:) Once you've blended both parts combine them again in your pot and add the entire cheeze sauce to the soup. Stir together really well!!

ENJOY!

VEGAN GRAVY

VEGAN GRAVY

I thought I'd do something easy tonight for my recipe. This is just a simple quick vegetable gravy recipe. We ate ours on mashed potatoes but it would work great to bake with seitan like a vegan steak or on steamed vegetables. Have fun trying it with different things:) Happy cooking.

Recipe

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon canola oil

3 mushrooms, diced

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (theres a link to the broth I used. Pacific Foods:) 

4 tablespoons garbanzo bean flour (theres a link to what I use. Bob's Red Mills)

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

a pinch of fresh thyme

2 drops of liquid smoke

dash of salt

In a medium sized pot heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil on low-med heat. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add your vegetable broth then mushrooms and stir together well. Add your garbanzo bean flour - salt. Stirring while adding ingredients. Bring mixture to a low boil for 2 minutes then bring it down to a simmer. Continue to stir this entire time. Your mixture should be getting thicker by now. If its not add 1 more tablespoon of garbanzo bean and 1 more tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Continue to add until desired consistency. Allow your gravy to thicken for 5-10 minutes on min heat. Stirring occasionally. Once your gravy is nice and thick you'll notice it'll bubble a bit in the pot. Remove from heat and prepare to serve!!

VEGAN POT PIES

VEGAN POT PIES

I was so excited to try and make these for this first time ever. Pot pies are amazing and these turned out so good. The stew I made to put inside the pies were even so good we just ate the leftovers on the side. The pastry was buttery and light. Just like it had eggs but I think its all the earth balance I used. :) A little bit time consuming but certainly a challenge that is rewarded!

Its also an awesome hearty meal after a cold day:) Enjoy!

RECIPE
Makes 3

DOUGH
1 1/2 cups unbleached organic white flour
1/2 cup organic whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon organic baking powder
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon rosemary
4 tablespoons earth balance, melted
a splash of almond milk
1/4 cup cold water (add 1 tablespoon of cold water if your dough is too dry)

FILLING
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 white onion, diced
1/2 a shallot, minced
4 mushrooms, diced
4 carrots, cubed
3 celery stalks, cubed
4 potatoes, cubed
1 can of peas
Handful of green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons garbanzo beans flour
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 teaspoons rosemary
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 tablespoons earth balance
2 cups vegetable broth
dash of salt
dash of pepper


STEPS
Preheat your oven to 375 F.
Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl with a fork.  Make a little well in the middle. Melt your earth balance in a measuring cup and add it to your mixture in the well you made. Next add the water and almond milk and stir together to form a dough.
You can add tablespoons of water one at a time if your mixture is still a little dry.Your dough should be smooth, non sticky and firm. Knead the dough for five minutes on a lightly floured surface. Wrap the dough with plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.

For your filling you need a large frying pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Cut up all your vegetables and add them in the order above except the potatoes. Saute for five minutes. Next add your spices, vegetable broth, potatoes, flour and peas. Stir together until well mixed and bring to a boil. Once its boiling bring it down to low-med heat and stir in your earth balance. Allow filling to thicken for 10 minutes.

This is what it should look like when its done.

Once your filling is ready its time to roll out your dough. Prepare a lightly floured surface again. Start to roll your dough out into a long thin rectangle.

The pastries for these really don't need to be thick so roll your dough out as thin as you can make it without it breaking of course. If helps if you roll it out in one large piece. Then cut that piece in half and roll each half. Then cut those pieces in half and roll them again. This helps you make sure the dough is a uniform size. Place your foil tin for baking your pie upside on your dough to make sure its big enough. You should leave a little extra around the rim to make a crust. Rub earth balance on the sides of your foil to ensure it doesn't stick and place your dough over the pan gently pressing it against the sides with your fingers to form crust. Once the dough is fitted nicely in the pan take a big spoon full of your filling and place it inside. Fill until you're just about to the top of your pie crust but be careful not to overfill or your pie will burst! Use excess dough from making the bottoms and roll it out again to form the top. Place top of pastry over filling and press the sides with your fingers lightly to form pie crust completely.

This is them prior to baking. Make sure you poke some holes in the top to release steam! Bake for 30 minutes and enjoy!

SWEET POTATO BLACK BEAN BURRITOS

SWEET POTATO & BLACK BEAN BURRITOS

W/ YVES GROUND CHICKEN

It was Mexican food night at our house! We went all out. These were amazing. The picture slightly does justice. I decided to add yves ground chicken for fun because I had half a pack from our pizzas the night before. The recipe is just as good with just beans and veggies. :) I even bought taco seasoning this time. I usually just make my own. Anyways happy vegan mofo!

Enjoy!

RECIPE

For rice

1 cup rice

2 cups water

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

2 tablespoons earth balance buttery spread

Sweet Potato

1 whole sweet potato, cubed

1 pot w/water to boil potatoes

Olive oil

Taco seasoning

Pinch of salt

Bean mixture

1 can black beans

1 can corn

4 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 teaspoon of fresh thyme

Vegetable mixture

1/2 purple onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 crimini mushroom, diced

1/2 yellow pepper, diced

1/2 package yves veggie ground chicken

Combine 1 cup of rice in 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Place lid on top. Bring to a low boil on medium-high heat then reduce to low-med and cook for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Stirring occasionally. Add 2 tablespoons of earth balance buttery spread to add flavour and help keeping your rice from sticking once its done!

Now thats going its time to get your potatoes ready. Preheat your oven to 350 and get a baking pan. Oil the pan with olive oil. This is for baking your sweet potatoes. Prepare a small pot with some boiling water for your potatoes. Cube your sweet potato. Once the water is boiling add your potatoes and boil for 4 minutes. Drain your potatoes and place them onto your pan. Brush them with some more olive oil so the top get crispy and sprinkle some taco seasoning and salt on top. Pop those in the oven. Stirring occasionally. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes or until your sweet potatoes are crispy. 

Cut all your desired vegetables for your burritos. Get a frying pan on medium heat with some canola oil ready to fry your beans and corn. Once the pan is hot add your beans and corn and spices. Let them fry while your vegetables and potatoes cook to add flavour and make them nice and soft. Get another larger frying pan prepared with canola oil on medium heat. Add your garlic, onion, peppers and mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Add your ground chicken and spices. Fry for another 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

Next cut up any toppings vegges. My boyfriend and I did kale, stuffed olives, cherry tomatoes and alfalfa sprouts. 

By this point your rice and potatoes should be pretty much done as well as your veggies. Heat your tortillas and BAM. Dinner is served! Happy vegan living everybody:)

VEGAN QUICHE

VEGAN QUICHE

This was my first attempt at making vegan quiche and it was such a success!! This recipe is amazing. I think the crust could maybe use some work but overall I was pretty pleased. It was even better the next day after we left it in the fridge. It seriously tasted/was the texture of a real quiche. I haven't eaten them in years but I can still remember because they were one of my favourite foods. Its got all the traditional veggies a quiche does and even with a little twist! I added leek and red pepper. Top if with your favorite daiya flavour and viola! Have fun baking my vegan quiche!

RECIPE

makes 1 quiche

For filling:

Olive oil

1 leek, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, diced

1/4 purple onion, diced

4 crimini mushrooms, sliced

1/2 tomato, thinly sliced

1/2 red pepper, diced

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

a big handful of fresh spinach

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Handful of daiya cheese (I used pepper jack shreds)

For tofu:

350g package of organic tofu

4 tablespoons nutritional yeast

5 tablespoons almond milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

pinch of turmeric

For crust:

2 cups whole wheat flour

4 tablespoons dried herbs (thyme, basil, oregano)

1 teaspoon black pepper

115ml water

2 tablespoons olive oil

STEPS

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a round glass or tin foil pan. Anything around 20 cm works. First combine all your flour, herbs and pepper. Stir together. Add water then olive oil. Mix together until dough forms. If your dough is too dry add a teaspoon of water. Make a clean, lightly floured area for your dough to be placed on. Next knead your dough for 5 minutes. It should be tough and doughy but not sticky. It should be smooth enough for your to knead and mould though. Roll your dough out. It should be big enough to fit in your pan and create a crust around the outside. Place it in your oiled pan and press the edges lightly with fingers around the sides to form your crust. Make sure its tall enough that its to the top of your pan. Its okay if its not perfect but it needs to fit all your filling! 

Next is your filling. Cut, slice and dice all your vegetables. Get a frying pan and lightly oil with olive oil. Heat to med-low heat. This is to saute your vegetables. Once all your veggie are cut add to the heated pan Add them in order doing the spinach and basil last. Saute for 5 minutes.

 (This recipe is for one I just made two                                                                                                   anyways haha)

Next is your tofu mixture.
Add all ingredients to your blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the tofu mixture into a bowl. Add your sauteed vegetables to the mixture and stir together well. Pour your mixture into your crust and smooth the top with a spoon so it looks pretty. Sprinkle a handful of daiya on the top. Put in the in oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is slightly brown and crispy.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy:)

CARROT CAKE WITH STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

CARROT CAKE

WITH STRAWBERRY

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Hello again! Vegan Mofo day 15 and I thought I'd post my carrot cake. I loved carrot cake as a kid and this recipe is just like the non vegan kind I used to have. I did originally just get regular white frosting mix to put on the first cake that you'll see but then I decided to get creative and make my own icing recipe! This recipe is good for making double layered carrot cakes or just two if you have tons of mouths to feed! I tried it both ways because I was decorating my cakes for fun. This is also the most sugar I have used in any of my recipes. If you don't like using alot of sugar in your recipes like me substitute 1/4 cup of your sugar for 2 tablespoons of agave syrup. Its more natural and healthy for you than regular sugar. Its also raw! I hope you like this healthy recipe:) See you mofos later.

CAKE RECIPE

2 1/2 cups unbleached white flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons flax seed, ground

3/4 cup warm water

3/4 cup organic white sugar (there's a link to the sugar I use)

1/4 cup of earth balance buttery spread, melted (theres a link to the butter)

1/4 cup of almond milk(theres a link to the milk)

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups carrot, shredded

1 cup walnuts, chopped

FROSTING RECIPE

1/2 container of daiya strawberry cream cheese

1 cup of powdered sugar (wholesome sweeteners of course)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup almond milk

1/4 cup earth balance buttery spread

*add cornstarch if your mixture is too runny

STEPS

Preheat your oven to 350. Grease two 8x8 pans with vegan margarine. Shred two cups of carrots. In a small bowl sift together all your dry ingredients (flour to salt). In a larger bowl whisk together your flax seed and warm water. Whisk until its completely mixed in. Add your sugar and oil and beat together well. Next add your shredded carrots and vanilla. Once everything is stirred together you can slowly start to add your dry ingredients. Stir it occasionally while adding. Whisk together until mixture turns into a batter. The consistency should be thin enough so you can pour it off into your pans so if its not runny enough add some more milk! Stir in your walnuts and pour the batter into two equal parts in your prepared pans. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Now while thats baking you have time to make your frosting. Combine the cream cheese and melted butter with a fork. Stir together well then add the cinnamon, vanilla and almond milk. Beat together until completely mixed together then begin to add your sugar slowly while mixing. Stir together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You'll be able to tell when its ready haha. Pop it in the fridge until your cake is ready. Once your cake is ready take its out and test it with a toothpick. Make sure it comes off clean. Let it cool for ten minutes then have fun decorating!

I decorated my cakes with cut almonds, walnuts, strawberries and shredded carrot. Coconut or raisins would be amazing too. Get creative and make them look pretty thats the best part:)