Basil Pesto

My basil plants were out of control so I decided to make up a nice batch of Pesto.  I used it all for the pasta dish but you can certainly save some for a vegetable dipping sauce.

Basil Pesto

2            cups packed fresh basil leaves

2            cloves garlic

1/4         cup pine nuts  (I used Walnuts)

2/3         cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

              Kosher salt and ground black pepper

1/2         cup vegan parmesan

Combine the basil, garlic, and nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.  Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth.  Season with salt and pepper.

If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth.  Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the vegan parmesan.

If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and drizzle remaining oil over the top.  Freeze for up to 3 months.  Thaw and stir in vegan parmesan.

Broccoli and Cashew Cheese-Quinoa Burrito

I modified this recipe slightly by cutting the original 1 cup of Quinoa to 1/2 cup and adding a can of Pinto Beans slightly mashed.  We found these super yummy Spinach Tortillas that are gluten and dairy free by Rudis.

Broccoli & Cashew Cheese-Quinoa Burrito

Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon – adapted

**I used less quinoa and added a can of pinto beans

**Involves soaking Cashews 3-4 hours

Cheese Sauce:

3/4         cup raw cashews

1            clove garlic

1/2         cup unsweetened, unflavored Almond Milk

1/4         cup nutritional Yeast

1 1/2      teaspoons Dijon Mustard

1            teaspoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice

1/4         teaspoon onion powder

1/2         teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

Burrito:

1/2         cup uncooked quinoa

1            15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and slightly mashed

1            teaspoon olive oil

1            clove garlic, minced

1 1/2      cups diced sweet onions

              salt and ground black pepper

3/4         cup diced celery

2            cups diced broccoli florets

3-4         tablespoons chopped, oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, to taste

1/4         teaspoon red pepper flakes

              dash or dashes of your favorite hot sauce to taste

4            soft gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce leaves

Cheese Sauce:  Place the cashews in a bowl and add enough water to cover.  Soak the cashews for at least 3-4 hours, preferably longer if you have time.  Drain and rinse the cashews.

In a food processor or blender, combine the soaked cashews, garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, mustard, vinegar, onion powder, and salt and process until smooth.  The sauce should be very thick.

Burrito:  Cook the quinoa according to the instructions on pkg.

In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat.  Add the garlic and onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.  Season with salt and pepper.  Stir in the celery, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes.  Saute over medium-high heat until broccoli is tender, 10-15 minutes.  Add cooked beans, and hot sauce to taste.  Stir to incorporate. 

Add the quinoa and cheese sauce and stir to combine with the vegetables.  Add red pepper flakes, if desired.  Cook until heated through, 5-10 minutes.  Spoon the mixture onto the tortillas, wrap and serve.

Carob Almond Freezer Fudge

The only thing I did differently was to use Cacao Powder instead of Carob.  I'll be making these to take on vacation!

http://ohsheglows.com/2014/08/05/easy-carob-almond-freezer-fudge-frosty-recipe/

Walnut Cookies

Walnut Cookies

The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions

1            cup shredded coconut ground into fine flour

1/4         cup plus 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons hot water

1            cup walnut halves, half turned into butter ** instructions below

              other half coarsely chopped

1            cup Sucanat – other sugar

1/4         cup peanut oil

1            teaspoon ground ginger

1            teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2         teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2         teaspoon ground allspice

2            teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2         teaspoon fine sea salt

1-1/2      cups whole wheat pastry flour

1/2         teaspoon baking powder

***Walnut Butter:  As a general rule, 1 cup nuts turns into 1/2 cup nut butter. The higher in fat the nuts, the smoother the butter.  If you want crunchy butter, add a handful of extra nuts when you’re almost done with the processing.  Process the nuts with just a little water or oil until desired texture using a blender or food processor.  Process until all the oil is released from nuts, then add liquid as needed.

Directions:

    Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Thoroughly combine coconut with water in a large bowl; the coconut flour will dissolve and form a paste.

Stir in walnut butter and chopped walnuts, sugar, oil, spices, vanilla, and salt.  Sift flour and baking powder on top and stir until combined.

Divide dough using 2 heaping tablespoons per cookie.  Flatten dough on prepared sheets; the cookies will not spread much while baking.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until cookies are golden brown around the edges.  Let cool on sheets for a few minutes until firm enough to transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Makes 12 large cookies.

Classic Potato Salad

I can eat Potato Salad like it's a bowl of ice cream!  I've tried many different styles but I think this one is my favorite.

Classic Potato Salad

2            pounds red new potatoes, quartered

1/4         teaspoon salt

1- 1/4     cups vegan mayo

1            tablespoon yellow mustard

1/2         teaspoon salt

1/4         teaspoon black pepper

1            cup thinly sliced celery (2 stalks)

1/3         cup chopped onion (1 small)

1/2         cup chopped sweet or dill pickles or relish

              paprika (optional)

**I make a day ahead of meal, next morning I add a little more mayo and a bit of Dijon mustard for a bit of extra zip.

In a medium saucepan place potatoes, the 1/4 teaspoon salt, and enough water to cover.  Bring to boiling; reduce heat.  Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, or until just tender.  Drain well; cool slightly.

Meanwhile, for dressing, in a large bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, the 1/2 teaspoon slat, and the pepper.  Stir in the celery , onion and pickles.  Add the potatoes.  Toss lightly to coat.  Cover and chill for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.

If potato salad looks a little dry, add more mayo and a dash of spicy mustard for a kick.