December 15, 2024December 15, 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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December 14, 2024December 15, 2024 by betsy

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars or Tart (vegan, plant-based & gluten-free)

This was my contribution to our Friendsgiving at our dear friend and neighbor’s with her family and my bew favorite dessert.

But, I didn’t want dessert after our lunchtime feast, so I took some with us on a 90-mile drive to our weekend home in Southern Shores, NC, and enjoyed it the next day.

It travels well and is just as delicious plain with coffee or gussied up as a full-on dessert with plant-based ice cream or whipped topping and caramel sauce. Similarly, you can bake it in a straight-sided baking dish or a fluted tart pan for a fancier presentation.

For the Gluten-Free Crust:
2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking mix
¼ cup natural sugar
½ cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter)
Pinch sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, allowing paper to hang over edges. Or use a tart pan sprayed with non-stick spray. In medium bowl, combine baking mix, sugar, and pinch sea salt. Add the melted coconut oil or vegan butterand stir the mixture with a fork until it forms a crumbly but moist dough. Press dough into bottom of prepared pan, spreading evenly with fingers or, my preference, bottom of a sturdy glass sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. The edges may not turn golden, especially if using coconut oil.

For Pecan Filling:
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoon water in small cup or bowl (flax egg)
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan pieces
1/2 cup or so pecan halves
Pinch sea salt
Toppings: plant-based vanilla or butter pecan ice cream, plant-based caramel sauce, and/or plant-based whipped topping, like Cocowhip

In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, and coconut milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer. Reduce heat and simmer 3 to 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Whisk cornstarch into flax mixture to create a smooth slurry. Whisk slurry into syrup mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a caramel-like consistency. Stir in pecan pieces, bourbon, vanilla extract, and pinch sea salt. Pour filling evenly over crust, using a wooden spoon or spatula to spread the pecans out evenly. Arrange pecan halves over top (I think diagonal rows are pretty). Bake 25 minutes, or until pecan filling is set and edges are slightly bubbling. Cover loosely with foil after 20 minutes if pecans are becoming too dark (so far, not necessary when I prepare them). Remove from oven and cool completely in pan. If using a tart pan with a removeable bottom, release by pressing on bottom from underneath and lifting out. Or lift them out of pan using parchment paper overhang.

Cool slightly or completely, cut into bars with a sharp knife, and serve topped as desired.

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November 28, 2024November 29, 2024 by betsy

Pimento Cheese with Smoked Almonds & Scallions (vegan & plant-based)

Though you can leave it out, the recommended secret ingredient in this luscious pimento cheese spread–is…wait for it…riced cauliflower!

Why you ask? This recipe I used to love tastes like too much of a good thing to me now, including salt. The cauli stretches the spread, making it less rich and salty while adding texture without changing the irresistible tangy and smoky flavor. But feel free to make it without if desired.

I enjoy it on celery sticks, crackers, or, here, cooked sweet potato rounds.

Pimento Cheese with Smoked Almonds & Scallions (vegan & plant-based)

8 ounces shredded plant-based cheddar-style cheese
Optional: 10 ounces frozen riced cauliflower, cooked according to package directions, and cooled
1-4 ounce jar diced pimentos, drained
3/4 cup smoked almonds, finely chopped
1 bunch scallions or green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
3/4 cup plant-based mayonnaise, or to taste for desired texture
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch sea salt if needed
Freshly ground black pepper to taste (I like lots of pepper)

In large bowl, stir together all ingredients until completely combined. Adjust mayo and seasoning as desired. Refrigerate, covered, until serving time.

Note: The spread in photo was made without pimentos, as I didn’t have any, and it was still delicious.

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November 27, 2024November 27, 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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November 3, 2024November 10, 2024 by betsy

Healthier Banana Pudding (plant-based & vegan)

Healthier Banana Pudding (plant-based & vegan)
Yield: 2 servings

Made with Silk brand Greek yogurt–so thick, creamy, tangy, not too sweet, and loaded with protein–this dessert is quick, easy, tastes indulgent, and is fun to serve and eat.

2-5.3 ounce containers plant-based Silk Greek style vanilla yogurt (make sure it is Greek style)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
2 bananas, thinly sliced; reserve 2 slices
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons non-dairy whipped topping Cocowhip

In small bowl, stir together yogurt, sugar, and extracts. *Spread 1/3 yogurt mixture in small clear bowl, top with one sliced banana. Repeat both layers, spread with the last third of yogurt, and then with 1/2 cup non-dairy whipped topping. Top with a dollop of 2 tablespoons more non-dairy whipped topping, 1 tablespoon plant-based graham cracker crumbs, and garnish with reserved 2 slices banana and nuts if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time.

*Alternatively, prepare in two clear glass bowls or glasses, like a martini glass or Mason jar. And consider arranging some of the banana slices against the sides of the glass bowl as in the photo below.

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September 22, 2024December 19, 2024 by betsy

Best Pumpkin Banana Bread (vegan/plant-based + gluten-free option)

Luscious in texture, gently spicy and molasses-y in flavor–without molasses (except in brown sugar)–this stir-together one-bowl treat will keep you warm all winter.

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, struesel topping, or plant-based cream cheese frosting, but I think all it needs is a cup of chai tea…and maybe some Silk vanilla Greek style yogurt.

Pumpkin Banana Bread

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 medium banana, peeled (and mashed, if not using electric mixer)
1/2 cup organic granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking mix (make sure it is 1:1) or unbleached all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a standard 5 x 9″ loaf pan. In large mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients except flour until completely combined. (If using an electric mixer, beat pumpkin and banana together until smooth and creamy. Then add remaining ingredients except flour and blend on medium-low until completely combined.) Next, add flour one half-cup at a time, stirring or mixing just until incorporated. Transfer to prepared pan, gently smoothing top. Bake 55 to 60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pan. Remove from pan and let cool on wire rack covered with a dish towel.

Note: It will slice nicely warm if made with all-purpose flour, but if made with gluten-free flour, slice when it is just barely warm to the touch, or it will tend to break apart a bit.

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September 21, 2024September 24, 2024 by betsy

Creamy Hot Chili Crisp Alfredo (vegan/plant-based)

Photo note: I didn’t bother to stage a photo because we wanted to dive in on a Friday night at the end of a full week. So this shot is of a real dinner on a real table: rustic but lovely enough for company. And the flavor will send you!

Inspired by a vegetarian dish in the New York Times, this creamy, decadent-tasting, and nutritional powerhouse of a one-dish meal became an instant go-to using my favorite condiment: hot chili crisp! And it is vegan and plant-based, natch.

I subbed coconut milk + cornstarch for cream and vegetables for the pasta–spiralized butternut squash and riced cauliflower–along with the spinach. Feel free to use the vegetables of your choice or even cooked pasta (about 2 cups) as in the original recipe. I am just not a big pasta fan, yet I wanted the look, so I use the spiralized squash; zucchini would be nice, too. And, I use frozen vegetables to avoid food waste from unintentional spoilage.

Creamy Hot Chili Crisp Alfredo (vegan & plant-based)

1 tablespoon plant-based butter
2 tablespoons hot chili crisp (found in jars in Asian section of international aisle in grocery store or Asian markets)
1-13.5 ounce can lite coconut milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 to 4 ounces fresh baby spinach
12 ounces frozen spiralized butternut squash, cooked according to package directions (I microwave)
10 ounces riced cauliflower, cooked according to package directions (I microwave)
1/3 to 1/2 cup plant-based parmesan or feta (I like Follow Your Heart)
Optional garnishes: more parmesan/feta and pinenuts, toasted or not

In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in hot chili crisp. Lower or raise heat as necessary throughout cooking process. Whisk in half coconut milk. Whisk cornstarch into remaining coconut milk in can and whisk into mixture in skillet. Heat through. Add cheese and stir until almost melted. Add spinach and stir until wilted and distributed. Gently fold in noodles and cauliflower and cook, stirring, until heated through. Serve in bowls garnished as desired.

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July 30, 2024September 21, 2024 by betsy

Quick “Overnight” Oats: Ready in Under 1 Hour (vegan & plant-based)

Note: you don’t want to do this too often because, unless you soak raw oats about 12 hours, they can be difficult to digest, causing bloating and building up in your system, as well as preventing the absorption of key minerals.

I woke up craving so-called “overnight” oats. But I wanted this vegan and plant-based treat today, not tomorrow!

Surely, I thought, I could speed up the softening process by heating the soymilk (or almond, oat, etc) and still not turn the oats into a bowl of gruel. Indeed I could!

How It Works: My Simple Method

A loose recipe follows but, essentially, just heat non-dairy milk barely to a simmer in the microwave–about 60-90 seconds on high–or stovetop, stir in oats, sweetener if desired–I use granulated stevia–and pinches of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice.

At this point, you can also stir in fresh or frozen fruit or canned pureed pumpkin, a couple tablespoons cocoa powder or 3 tablespoons of peanut butter. Layer mixture with plant-based yogurt–I like Silk vanilla Greek style–and more fresh or frozen friut in a glass container for a pretty presentation. I use mugs, Mason jars, or even martini glasses, depending on my mood.

Pop in the fridge and leave for an hour–45 minutes if pressed or starved–while you get ready for work, school, or just the rest of your day, garnish if desired with a few nuts, like slivered almonds or pecans (especially good with pumpkin), and maybe a mint sprig if you want to get fancy. Then enjoy this creamy, textured nutritious treat that tastes like dessert, but will keep you satisfied for hours!

Quick “Overnight” Oats

Yield: 2 servings (1 if you are famished; easily mutiplies)

3/4 cup non-dairy milk

1 to 1 1/4 cup old fashioned oats or slightly more to absorb virtually all liquid

Optional: 1 tablespoon sweetener (I use granulated stevia)

Pinch ground cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, etc.

If making pumpkin spice oats: 1/4 cup canned pureed pumpkin

If making PB&J: 3 tablespoons peanut butter

If making brownie: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and a little more sweetener

1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries or diced fruit

3/4 cup non-dairy yogurt, any flavor (I especially like Silk vanilla Greek style)

Optional garnishes: 2 tablespoons chopped or slivered nuts (or about 4 pecan halves), additional berries or fruit, mint sprigs, sprinkle of ground spice

Heat non-dairy milk barely to a simmer in the microwave–about 60-90 seconds on high–or in a pan stovetop, stir in oats to drsired thickness, sweetener if desired, pinches of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice, and optional pureed pumpkin. If using berries or fruit, stir in half and reserve remainder. In 2 small glass serving containers (mugs, jars, or martini glasses), place 1/4 oat mixture in bottom of each, top with 1/4 yogurt, 1/4 remaining fruit (about 1 tabkespoon each), and repeat. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour, garnish as desired, and serve.

July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by betsy

Best Pumpkin Brownies (vegan & plant-based)

These are possibly the fudgiest and moistest brownies you will ever devour, but with a slight tender crunch from the optional chocolate chips and nuts. Plus they are just the right thickness. And its a simple recipe to memorize because all the amounts are either “1/2” or “1” (except the baking powder).

Sublime on their own, they are downright irresistible with a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream, non-dairy whipped cream, or a glass of ice cold non-dairy milk.

Best Pumpkin Brownies (vegan & plant-based)
Yield: 9 brownies

1/2 cup canned pureed pumpkin
1/2 cup neutral vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup natural sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Optional about recommended: 1/2 cup plant-based semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Optional but recommended: 1/2 cup pecan, hazelnut, or walnut pieces

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan, line with a wide strip of foil or parchment paper Slightly extended over edges., and lightly oil again. In a large bowl, combine all wet ingredients until smooth with a whisk. Add all dry ingredients except chocolate chips and pecans, and whisk until completely combined. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using. Transfer batter into prepared pan and lightly smooth top. Bake twenty minutes or until set on top and slightly pulling away from edges of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack and then tightly cover until serving time.