Vegan

When you are following a restrictive diet (maybe you are gluten-free, vegan or diabetic), it can be hard to find snacks that are healthy, taste good and are easy to take on the go. I used to buy all kinds of granola bars, dried fruit snacks, protein bars, etc. But eventually I found out I was spending a lot of money on these packaged snacks when I could easily make my own. Not only is it healthier to make your own tasty treats, but it's easier on the wallet too! These superfood granola bites only took 15 minutes to make and before I knew it, I was munchin' away on some tasty bites!

As a vegan, avoiding eggs can be a challenge when it comes to breakfast, but fear not! You can still enjoy your favorite breakfast sandwiches without the eggs. Tofu has always been a great substitute for eggs with its spongy texture and ability to soak up flavors. In this recipe, I use a thin slice of tofu and marinate it in nutritional yeast and spices to achieve an egg-like color and consistency.

This vegetable pot pie will warm your bones on a cold fall day! It has a flaky, chewy crust and a warm, rich filling of vegetables that is guaranteed to make your mouth water. If you don’t want to prepare a full pie crust ahead of time, you could also use premade crust or some puff pastry to save some time. The filling is quick and easy to make, with just a couple basic ingredients of vegetable broth, almond milk and flour that make up the base. Onion, garlic and vegetables come together to round off the filling and give it a nice variety of flavors and textures.

As the days grow colder, I love a good bowl of soul-warming soup. This one will do the trick in a jiffy and is perfect to make when you feel a cold coming on. It does require some time to make, so make sure you start preparing and cooking it at least an hour or two before dinnertime. This recipe should make anywhere from 6-10 servings, so be prepared for leftovers (no worries, they'll taste just as yummy).

Ingredients:

1 large can of vegetable broth

5-7 large carrots (peeled and chopped)

3-4 cups of water

As the cold front begins to roll in, comforting food makes its way to the table. And nothing says comfort food like tomato soup. This is my favorite soup, and quite possibly my favorite recipe. While most creamy tomato soups rely heavily on dairy, I find that you can achieve the same effect based on how you prepare the soup, not just the ingredients you use.

Tofu scrambles are a staple in many vegan diets because of their versatile nature and high protein content. This recipe stands out with the nutritional yeast and spinach which add essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, B12 and more. The onion, garlic and bell pepper add some rich flavors and color without overpowering the dish, making it the perfect way to start your morning. Try it as the filling for a delicious breakfast burrito with the simple addition of some vegan cheese and a tortilla!

Tofu Scramble (Vegan)

This parfait is a nice light treat to enjoy after a big meal! The balance of cool creamy coconut, rich chocolate pudding and chewy granola combine to create a blend of flavors and textures that are unlike any other dessert. With easy ingredients and minimal preparation, no one will ever know that you spent less than hour making this from scratch. Serve it in a tall glass for a fancy affair where you are sure to impress!

Chocolate Pudding Parfait (Vegan)

*Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

1 cup Coconut Cream (chilled)

Aquafaba, also referred to as “bean juice”, is the brine that comes from legumes. Although commonly discarded, it has recently been rediscovered as an excellent addition to almost any recipe and can be used as a substitute for eggs. You can generally use about 3 Tablespoons of aquafaba for every 1 egg, however this may vary. Since it can be used in either a liquid form or a cream form (through heavy mixing), the amount of aquafaba varies depending on the desired consistency. 

As the holiday season approaches, be sure to impress your guests with these quick and easy vegan appetizers! For those of us hosting family and friends for parties or get-togethers, these recipes are a low-stress solution to cooking for a large group. Each of the following recipes requires only a handful of ingredients and a short amount of preparation, but is packed full of great flavors. As always, feel free to experiment with spices and toppings on each of these recipes!

1. Garlic Toast

Ingredients: French-style baguette, olive oil, and garlic.

Drinking juice is a pleasant way to keep your diet packed with nutrients. If you use organic ingredients, you can also avoid absorbing pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that are unfortunately often found in many contemporary food products. A juicer processes the fruits and vegetables you need into an easily digestible and tasty form.