vegan recipe

As a snacker, I graze all day. While veggies and hummus are usually my go to, every now and then I get a craving for something salty. It's tempting to grab a bag of potato chips overloaded in salt and full of carbohydrates. When I get that urge, I opt for kale chips instead. Gluten-free and vegan, kale chips are slightly salty and crisp in texture. They are a healthy treat that takes the guilt out of snacking and allows you to indulge. It's hard not to eat the whole bunch.

If you are in search of a balanced, nutritious dish, then look no further. Comprised of a protein, grain, and greens, Buddha bowls are your answer to a well-rounded meal. Why the name? While this bowl has been called many things, the name “Buddha bowl” refers to the shape. Packed to the brim with some of earth's finest ingredients, the rounded top is compared to that of Buddha's belly. And I assure you it will make your belly just as happy!

Tomato season is officially in full bloom, and apart from making salsas, pasta sauces and BLTs, bruschetta is another great way to serve up this year’s bounty. This recipe is essentially like a Caprese salad on a crostini, which makes for a delicious afternoon snack or appetizer before any summer meal.

Enjoy this departure from the typically heavy and sugary French Toast! With all natural sweeteners like vanilla extract and bananas, you can satisfy your need for weekend brunch and still feel good about it later. The silken tofu in this recipe helps to add thickness to the batter and a little bit of protein to keep you going. For a delicious treat, top it off with some fresh berries and whipped coconut cream!

Ingredients____________________________Supplies___

A lot of kids are already back in school, the sun is beginning to set a little earlier than we think it will, and the shock of how quickly summer is passing by is setting in. You’ll have to kick those end-of-summer blues to the curb though, because the summertime barbecues haven’t come to a close just yet! If you’re looking for an exciting, new dish to add to your Labor Day food festivities, I’ve got just the recipe for you.

These stuffed peppers are a great veggie entrée or side when you’re grilling! Cheesy and savory, both vegans and omnivores are sure to love them. Clean-up is easy for this one too, since all you’re cooking in is a bit of foil. The peppers are surprisingly filling, so you can serve them on their own or cut in half as a side dish; I like to pair them with rice, cous cous or mashed potatoes. As always, feel free to experiment with different sauces, spices and vegetables to make them your own!

*Makes 4*

Ingredients & Special Supplies

Veggie Sushi Roll (Vegan)

*Serves 2-4 people

Summer is the perfect time for sushi; with no oven needed, you can stay cool in the kitchen and still create a tasty meal. This recipe will give you the basics to make cut rolls, known as Maki, which is the type of roll that we traditionally think of as “sushi”. You can put anything you like as the filling, but for this recipe I used avocado, cucumber, and carrot. Feel free to experiment with sauces, too! Mixing Sriracha with some vegan mayo creates an excellent spicy topping or dipping sauce.

This sandwich is a staple that is so easy to make and perfect to cool off with in the middle of a hot day. The hummus adds a bit of protein and creaminess to complement the crisp and cool veggies, while also giving you an opportunity to experiment with different flavors.

Healthy Chocolate Smoothie *Vegan Recipe*

(Serves 4)

Looking for a tasty treat to cool off with that isn’t packed full of sugar? Give this smoothie a try! It’s quick and easy to make, but oh-so-satisfying. The rich cocoa powder, cinnamon and subtle sweetness of maple syrup may taste like an indulgence, but this smoothie is packing some real protein and nutrients; silken tofu, banana and almond milk all come together to make the perfect start (or end) to your busy summer days.

Ingredients:

This is a basic but tasty recipe that you can spice up with your own flavors and add to almost any meal. For the butter, I use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks which is available at most grocery stores. I also like to throw in some oregano, rosemary and thyme for a savory taste, but feel free to experiment with whatever you like! They are perfect as the base for your favorite biscuits and gravy recipe, as a side dish, or enjoy them on their own with a cup of tea or coffee.