January 6, 2025January 6, 2025 by betsy

Gingerbread Mug Cake (vegan & plant-based with gluten-free option)

I created this recipe–which cooks for only 2 minutes!–on a recent Sunday morning at the end of our winter break. It was on the heels of having just created, if I do say so, The Best, Moistest Gingerbread Loaf as a gift. I was still craving holiday flavors and pretty sure I couldn’t trust myself with a whole loaf in the house. So, this was the perfect, spicy answer.

The texture is a little different because of cooking in the microwave–similar to a bread pudding–but the flavor is virtually identical.

Before I could photograph it, the Cocowhip started to melt and I was momentarily disappointed. But then I thought, “That’s how it really looks: warm and pleasantly melty.”

Gingerbread Mug Cake (vegan & plant-based with gluten-free option)

Yield: 1 serving (easily mutiplies)

1 tablespoon vegan butter
1/4 cup gluten-free 1:1 baking mix or all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated stevia or natural sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allsice
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
Pinch sea salt if vegan butter is unsalted)
2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder dissolved in non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon dark molasses
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes:
2 tablespooons Silk vanilla Greek yogurt or Cocowhip (feel free to use your favorite brands, but I love these)
1 tablespoon chopped or halved walnuts or pecans

In microwave-safe mug, cup, or very small bowl, melt butter and swirl around sides. In another small cup or bowl, use a fork or mini whisk to combine all remaining ingredients until a smooth batter forms. Transfer to buttered vessel, gently smooth top, and microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds, just until top is set. Serve warm topped with Silk vanilla Greek yogurt or Cocowhip and nuts, if desired.

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January 2, 2025January 2, 2025 by betsy

The Best, Moistest Gingerbread Loaf (vegan & plant-based with gluten-free option)

The Best, Moistest Gingerbread Loaf (vegan & plant-based with gluten-free option)

Craving gingerbread, I studied recipe after recipe before making a loaf as a foodie friend’s Christmas gift. She live it, but, just tasting the batter, I thought it could be improved. I wanted more spice (so I added allspice and black pepper), more richness (I added a small amount of melted vegan butter along with the oil), and better balance for the tanginess from the applesauce (I added espresso powder). Honestly, it is perfection…and I hope you agree!

I had visions of swathing it in orange-bourbon-cinnamon cream cheese frosting, maybe with a hint of molasses, and, while that would be delicious, it needed nothing but a cup of tea on the side!

Notes:
A half recipe fits perfectly in a mini loaf pan (5¾” x 3¼”). Shorten baking time to about 35 minutes.

Discovering I was out of baking powder during one of my test batches, I looked up a substitute, it worked perfectly, and I included it below as an option.)

Recipe

2 1/4 cups 1:1 gluten-free baking mix (like Bob’s Redmill; I am not gf, but prefer it in rustic baked goods) or unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (I prefer dark brown)
2 teaspoons baking powder (or sub 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg (fresh grated if possible)
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground back pepper
1 cup non-dairy milk (I prefer unsweetened soymilk)
Optional (but recommended): 1 to 2 teaspoons espresso powder)
1/2 cup molasses (use blackstrap only if you want a very pronounced flavor)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted (I use Myokos)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a standard loaf pan (4.5 x 8.5″ or 5 x 9″). Place all dry ingredients in large mixing bowl: baking mix, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Whisk together and make a well in center. Dissolve espresso powder in non-dairy milk, if using. Into well, pour all wet ingredients: non-dairy milk, molasses, applesauce, oil, vegan butter, and vanilla, and whisk into dry ingredients just until all lumps dissolve. Transfer into prepared pan, gently smoothing top. Bake 55-60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted deep into center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Invert onto plate and then onto wire rack so top is up. Cool slightly or completely before slicing. Reheat slices a few seconds in microwave, if desired.

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December 25, 2024December 26, 2024 by betsy

Beer Bread with Optional Christmas Tree Garnish (vegan & plant-based)

Yield: 12-16 servings

Beer Bread for Christmas…and Beyond! (Vegan & Plant-based…of course!)

If you are still in the Christmas spirit, you can whip up this beautiful and delicious no-rise yeast-free bread in about 45 minutes with most of that baking time.

If not, you can transform the rosemary garnish into a branch with berries all winter or with vegetable flowers come warm weather.

Plus, the bread is just as crave-worthy with no garnish at all.

I had seen these breads on Pinterest, but didn’t want the rise time even of focaccia. I remembered beer bread, which is typically baked in a loaf pan for about 50-60 minutes, and decided to press it into a square pan, more like focaccia, and shorten the baking time.

I also added garlic powder to the mixture and changed the amount of butter I had seen in several recipes, from 1/4 to 1/2 cup, to 6 tablespoons. Some melted it and used in the bottom and over the top, some sliced it over the top. I melted it and used 2 tablespoons in the bottom and 4 over the top.

With a flavor and texture reminiscent of a sourdough biscuit because of the fermentation of the beer and all the butter, I find it irresistibly tasty and easy.

Next time, I would add the garnish about halfway though so it doesn’t get crispy and take on a hint of that Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree look.

Note: I actually found fresh currants at Harris Teeter for the ornaments, but you can use halved grape tomatoes, peppedew peppers, red bell pepper pieces, sliced black olives, etc.

However you garnish or not, enjoy all year long!

Beer Bread

6 tablespoons vegan butter
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1-12 ounce beer (Barnivore lists vegan beer)

Optional Christmas Garnish: fresh rosemary stalks, fresh red currants, halved grape tomatoes, peppedew peppers, red bell pepper pieces, black olive slices, etc.

Turn oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in pan–8-inch round or square–and place in oven to melt while it preheats.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and sea salt with a fork. Drizzle in beer, stirring with a fork, until a smooth dough forms.

Transfer all but 2 tablespoons melted butter to a small cup or ramkin. Transfer dough into prepared pan and smooth with fingers. If not garnishing, pour or brush remaining butter over the top and place in oven for thirty-five minutes or until lightly golden brown.

If garnishing, do not pour butter over the top. Bake about 20 minutes; remove from oven; arrange rosemary stalks in a Christmas tree shape; place fresh red currants, halved grape tomatoes, peppedew peppers, red bell pepper pieces, sliced black olives, etc. as ornaments; brush and dab butter over the top; and bake for remaining 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Cool slightly, slice, and serve right away. Cover any leftovers tightly.

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December 15, 2024December 26, 2024 by betsy

Cheesy Creamed Spinach (vegan & plant-based healthful decadence)

I created this flavorful holiday-colored recipe last year for a Christmas brunch, and plan to reprise it this year, maybe with a sprinkle of pomegranate arils on top.

Cheesy Creamed Spinach

1 tablespoon olive oil or plant-based butter
1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
Pinch sea salt
1/4 cup water
2 large cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves, processed in batches, until finely chopped (process and add as onions are finishing their sauté)
1 tablespoon flour whisked with 1 tablespoon cold water in a small container to make a slurry-paste
1/2 cup (4 ounces) Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese (Plain or Smoked)
2 ounces plant-based cheese of choice (such as smoked gouda slices, torn into pieces, or shredded parmesan)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or 1 more ounce plant-based cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional garnish: sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme

In large skillet, bring olive oil to shimmering over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of sea salt, and sauté for about a minute. Add water, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until water evaporates and onion is very tender, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté, stirring, for another 30 seconds to a minute.

Reduce heat to medium-low, process first batch of spinach leaves, and add to skillet, stirring well. When wilted, add second processed batch, and continue until all spinach is used. It will take about 3 to 4 batches in a large food processor.

Cook, stirring frequently, until most of moisture is released and evaporated. Add flour slurry-paste, stir well, and cook for a couple minutes, raising heat if desired. Add dollops of Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese and the plant-based cheese of your choice, cooking, and stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Stir in nutritional yeast, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Serve immediately garnished, if desired, with a sprig of herbs, or cool, cover tightly, refrigerate until serving time, and reheat for 2 to 3 minutes in microwave.

*Created exclusively for #Tofutti Brands, Inc.

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November 27, 2024December 26, 2024 by betsy

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Orange-Maple Vinaigrette (vegan & plant-based)

Vegan Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Orange-Maple Vinaigrette

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Best. Thanksgiving. Salad. Ever.

Here, I combined most of my favorite seasonal ingredients into one scrumptious salad that happens to be low fat–with no added oil–and oh-so-low calorie.

12 ounces shaved Brussels sprouts
12 ounces diced butternut squash
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup pecan haves, roasted for 5 minutes at 350 degrees or until lightly toasted
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 1 large orange
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Prrheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread brussels sprouts and butternut squash on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes or until slightly caramelized. Place in a large bowl, add dried cherries and pecan halves, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk together orange juice, vinegars, and maple syrup, drizzle over salad, and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate until serving time if necessary. Best served slightly warm or at room temperature.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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July 1, 2024June 27, 2024 by betsy

Best Spoonbread (vegan & plant-based)

Best Spoonbread

Yield: 8 servings

If you are in search of the perfect plant-based spoonbread, look no further! Aquafaba and a teaspoon of baking powder replace eggs for a spoonbread with a creamy consistency inside and a crispy crust around the edges. Plant-based butter and sour cream, creamed corn, and corn kernels combine to create a flavor-packed dish with a heavenly texture that will be your go-to side at summer barbecues and a staple at family dinners and holidays throughout the year.

1/2 cup aquafaba from chickpeas

1/2 cup melted vegan butter

1 cup vegan sour cream, e.g. Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream

1-16 ounce can creamed corn

1-8.5 ounce box Jiffy “Vegetarian” Cornbread Mix (actually vegan)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1-16 ounce can golden corn, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or casserole dish with nonstick spray. In bowl of electric mixer, whip aquafaba on medium-high until soft peaks just begin to form, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add melted butter, sour cream, and creamed corn and beat on low speed until well combined. Add cornbread mix and baking powder and beat again on low speed just until combined and mixture is smooth. Add corn kernels and stir in by hand or mix one final time on low speed until corn is evenly distributed. Transfer mixture to prepared dish and bake for approximately one hour or until golden brown, slightly crispy around edges, and set.

December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 by betsy

Simple Sour Cream Pesto Dip (vegan & plant-based/g-f)

Yield: approximately 1 1/2 cups

If, like me, you find yourself in need of an appetizer to take to a party–or just want to treat yourself or your family–but have little time and want to avoid a trip to the grocery store, this simple, speedy, and flavorful dip may be the answer. Plus, it sports holiday colors–though it is tasty all year–and is carnivore approved!

1 cup Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream (or 3/4 cup Better Than Sour Cream + 1/4 cup Better Than Ricotta
1/4 cup plant-based pesto
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup finely sliced or snipped green onions (approximately 1 large or 2 medium)
Garnish: a couple teaspoons thick balsamic vinegar (fig flavored is nice), a couple tablespoons finely sliced or snipped green onion, pinenuts, etc. I like to finish with a “flower” made from the trimmed end of a red bell pepper, as in photo.
Accompaniments: red bell pepper strips, cucumber slices crackers, bagel chips, etc.

Stir all dip ingredients together with a fork in a small-medium bowl. Transfer to serving bowl, drizzle with balsamic, sprinkle with green onion and pinenuts if using, and add optional bell pepper flower. Serve immediately with desired accompaniments, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

December 12, 2022December 12, 2022 by betsy

FREE eCookbook! Quick & Easy Entertaining: The Holiday Edition (vegan & plant-based)

As many of you know, Tofutti hired me last spring to create tasty content for them, a side hustle made for me if there ever was one!

I also love my day job as an art teacher in the Upper School at Norfolk Academy in Norfolk, VA, so when school let out last June, I went on a recipe development bender over the summer. You can access those recipes which have been published on the Tofutti site’s recipe blog. But there are many more in the can, as they say!

I backed off my flurry just a little once school started back in August but, for the most part, I have continued to create recipes, stage and photograph the finished dishes, and work on various special projects of which this eCookbook is my favorite.

Please note that, while I am paid a contract fee by Tofutti, the eCookbook is NOT monetized, so I am not promoting it for $$. Rather, I love these recipes, think the book is so beautiful to page through, even digitally, and wanted to share with you.

In Quick & Easy Entertaining: The Holiday Edition, you will find

Mex Chex Mix
Cream Cheese Pecan Balls
Turnip Greens, Red Beans & Vegan Sausage Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash, Arugula & Candied Pecans
Savory Vegan Sausage & Rice-Stuffed Microwave Baked Apples
Oatmeal Streusel-Stuffed Microwave-Baked Apples
Mini No-Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecakes
Mini No-Bake Pomegranate Cheesecakes

To access your book, simply click on the link below which will take you to a pretty page where you enter your email address and submit. You will receive your eCookbook via email right away. And, not to worry: you will NOT be inundated with email from Tofutti…or me!

Quick & Easy Entertaining: The Holiday Edition 2022 (mailchi.mp)

Once you have downloaded the eCookbook, you could certainly send it to friends, but we would love it if you would send them the link so that we know how many people are accessing it. And please share on your social media. The more the merrier.

We’d love to know what you think, as well as what other cookbook topics might interest you. We hope you love this little gift from us to you.

Cheers!

~Betsy

November 29, 2022November 29, 2022 by betsy

No-Yeast Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls (vegan & plant-based)

Yield: a baker’s dozen + 1 (approximately 14 rolls)

For some of us, it is always pumpkin spice season. But if you are more of a traditionalist, it is November, so ’tis the season to start your morning on a roll, a Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll.

These glistening golden spirals boast ideal proportions of spicy pumpkin filling, rich caramel-y glaze, and dough made tender and a hint tangy with Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream to balance the sweetness.

Our no-yeast cinnamon rolls are ready in a flash for weekend or holiday breakfasts that everyone will gobble up. In fact, they are so easy and quick to prepare, you might find yourself rolling them out on a chilly weekday morning.

Visit Tofutti at the link above for this recipe–and many more–which is also included here, in case the link becomes broken.

1/2 cup non-dairy milk

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream

4 tablespoons vegan butter

1/3 cup pureed pumpkin (not pie filling)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or substitute mostly cinnamon plus a pinch ginger, nutmeg, and allspice)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Pumpkin Spice Glaze (recipe follows)

Optional Garnish: toasted pecan halves

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Grease a 9-inch round baking dish, preferably ceramic or glass, and set aside. In a small cup, whisk together non-dairy milk and vinegar; set aside to curdle. Place flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in large bowl of food processor and pulse a couple times to combine. Or mix dough by hand in large mixing bowl. Add curdled milk and Better Than Sour Cream and pulse until it comes together as a ball. If mixing my hand, stir with a fork until a uniform dough is formed. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead a couple times, and roll into a 10 x 14” rectangle with a floured rolling pin. (This size creates the best ratio of dough to filling.) In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin, both sugars, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Reserve 1/4 cup to make glaze and spoon the rest down the center of dough rectangle. Spread to within 1/2-inch of border. Roll up, jellyroll, fashion, staring at one long side. If filling squeezes out as you roll, just scoop up excess with a spoon and add to the reserved mixture. With a serrated knife, cut roll into 14 one-inch-thick slices and place, spiral up, in concentric circles in prepared dish, leaving a little space in between. Bake 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Pour and spread glaze over top, garnish if desired with pecan halves, and serve immediately.

Pumpkin Spice Glaze

¼ cup reserved pumpkin spice filling

3/4 to 1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/8 teaspoon almond extract

1 or more tablespoons non-dairy milk, as needed

Whisk together reserved pumpkin spice filling, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract, adding additional powdered sugar and non-dairy milk, as needed, to reach desired consistency. It should be thick, but pourable.