Monday, December 17, 2012

Make me a sandwich.

Yummy Asian Tofu sandwich on gluten free bread! Recipe coming soon!

Progress?

If you know me (and eat with me) you know that my venture into veganism hasn't been easy. Vegetarianism was a cinch, but my taste buds have proven to overpower my will at times, especially when it comes to eggs. I'm newly inspired and committed to my transformation process now and would love feedback on these recipes or links to blogs/websites where you've found recipes you love and have tried!

This is such a great way to keep articles and recipes all in one spot so please share!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tofu Lettuce Wraps

This week I had dinner at the home of a very lovely couple. They hooked me on a brand new dish I'd never even thought to make! Tofu Lettuce Wraps :)

I spun it a little (as I do everything) in my own way but my taste buds are very thankful for the inspiration!

You'll need:


Green Leaf Lettuce
1 block Organic Firm Tofu
1 Zucchini
1/2 Lemon
1/2 c. of Corn (more or less to taste)
Garlic to taste (I used about 7 cloves but I'm a bit of a garlic freak and they were pre-roasted so they weren't as potent)
Soy Sauce
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sriracha
(Spicy Mustard...I didn't use this time but wished I had)
Ginger
Salt
Pepper

I got my corn and garlic from an anti-pasta bar at the market but you could also use regular cob corn and raw garlic.

Here goes!


1.Add soy sauce and 1/4 lemon juice to a wok  or skillet and allow to heat
2. Cut Zucchini into fourths and add to wok
3. Let Zucchini cook for a minute or two and add corn and garlic, stir
4.In a separate skillet add soy sauce, the rest of the lemon juice and diced tofu
5.Mash tofu and scramble as you would an egg, it can be as chunky or smooth as you like
6. Add ginger and sriracha to taste


7. Once tofu has warmed, add it to the veggie mixture and let simmer until hot
8. Rinse and separate lettuce


Ta Da!!  Yummy, healthy lettuce wraps!

I added the sweet and sour sauce and sriracha into each lettuce wrap as I wanted...the sweet/spicy flavor was awesome! So tasty, I definitely ate WAY too much!

** You could have a side of brown rice with hoisin or sweet and sour OR Brussel sprouts and potatoes like my super cook friends served**

Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Avocado Pasta Sauce

Tonight I rummaged the pantry and found everything I needed to make creamy avocado pasta sauce! You'll need:

1/2 lemon
1 avocado
Parsley
Basil
Spinach
Black olives
2tbsp olive oil
Salt
Pepper

I didn't use a food processor so it was a slight time suck but still very easy!

Put the juice of one half lemon into a mixing bowl and whisk together with spices to taste and olive oil. Peel, pit and mash the avocado until very smooth. Whisk avocado with lemon mix the chip spinach and olives finely and add. Mix in the pasta, add a bit of crushed red pepper and there ya go! :) Delish!




Monday, November 26, 2012

Vegan Pesto and Asparagus

Most store bought Pesto has Parmesan cheese in it, which I try not to eat, so I decided to make my own!

You'll need:

Basil
Garlic
Yellow Onion
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
A food processor
Any type of past you like, preferably without an egg base
Sun dried tomatoes
Asparagus


9 ingredients for an entire meal? Not bad!

Cook the pasta as the box instructs. As the pasta is cooking, cut the asparagus (just the white ends) and coat in olive oil, salt and pepper on a cookie sheet. bake for about 15 minutes on 350.

For the pesto:
in a food processor combine basil, garlic cloves to taste, olive oil, salt and pepper

I always estimate on my measurements and typically add to taste since I like stronger tastes then most but here is a guideline:
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Some people add pine nuts or walnuts as well, I didn't this time.
In a separate pan i sauteed the sun dried tomatoes and yellow onion until the tomatoes were slightly blackened.

Drain the pasta and add the pesto sauce on top (don't be alarmed if it isn't creamy like most pesto, the lack of cheese means it won't be) and sprinkle sun dried tomatoes and onion to taste. Have some baked asparagus on the side and enjoy!


Sweet Breakfast

People don't pay much attention to breakfast but I recently helped make a fantastic Sunday Funday Brunch and my vegetarian/vegan contributions were pretty tasty!

Super Simple Fruit Salad:
As a vegetarian (aspiring vegan) and someone without much of a sweet tooth, i often forget about fruit. This sweet salad made me happy I remembered fruit for this brunch.
Banana, Strawberry, Grapes and Orange Juice

Vegan Waffles:
I skimped a bit and bought a freezer version of these yums. You can look for the "vegetarian/gluten free" section in your local grocery store and find any number of brands with dairy and egg free waffles. I put a very small amount of Agave and Justin's Peanut Butter on the waffles. I will be learning how to make my own vegan waffles and I'll share that soon!
Lastly I added a side plate of whole grapes and watermelon...just because I love them so much!