Vegan Tempeh Sloppy Joe’s

I was craving a good old sloppy joe the other day, so I decided to improvise. The tempeh here is a good substitute for meat because the texture is crumbly and really holds up during cooking.

Although I normally do not recommend things that are prepackaged, I would suggest using the packet of sloppy joe seasoning here. I tried to make my own seasoning this time, and though tasty, lacked that distinctive sloppy joe flavor. Let me know if anyone has a good recipe for sloppy now seasoning!

Ingredients:
1 package tempeh (I used Trader Joe’s brand)
1 can stewed tomatoes
Half an onion, chopped
1 packet Sloppy Joe seasoning
Bread or bun
Sour cream or cheese, vegan

To make filling, sauté onion until almost translucent. Then add tempeh to pan, crumbling it as you add. Next, add in can of tomatoes then stir in seasoning. Allow mixture to simmer for about ten minutes.

Serve on bread or bun, with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese.

Spring has Sprung

I couldn’t resist taking a photo of these gorgeous flowers. Oh how I love springtime!

Cucumber Lemon Mint Detox Water

This water reminds me of a spa day. I threw in chopped cucumbers, a handful of mint, and the juice of a lemon. Then I added water and chilled in the fridge. I’m not sure of any detox properties but it sure is refreshing!

Taco Salad

Taco Salad is definitely a very Californian dish, and so easy to throw together. I like to set out the ingredients and let everyone assemble their own, but it would also be good tossed together.

Ingredients:
Shredded romaine lettuce
Chopped tomatoes
Chopped green onions
Cooked beans, heated
Guacamole
Sour Cream (I used vegan)
Shredded cheese, optional
Salsa (I used Trader Joe’s brand)
Spices – cumin, garlic powder, salt

Toss the veggies and beans together with the spices. Top with a dollop of guacamole, sour cream, and a sprinkle of cheese. Spoon on salsa as your dressing. Enjoy!

Guacamole

Guacamole, or as I call it, “guac”, is my very favorite food. I can eat it by the bowlful. Some people do not care for avocado, but the California girl in me thinks it goes with anything! Everyone has their own take on guac, but here’s the way I prepare it.

Ingredients:
One large ripe avocado
Two small to medium size tomatoes, chopped
Half of an onion, chopped
One Anaheim chile (optional)
Half of a lime or lemon
Pinch of salt

1.) If using the chile, sear the whole chile over an open flame until the skin starts to slightly wrinkle. Do not let it get too brown. Let cool.

2.) While the chile cools, remove the skin from the avocado. Mash the avocado until slightly chunky.

3.) Mix in onion, tomatoes, salt to taste, and juice of half a lime or lemon into the avocado.

4.) Once the chile is cooled, remove the seeds and stem, chop finely, and mix into avocado mixture.

5.) Serve with chips, salads, soups, on toast… You get the idea.

Vegan Pizza continued

A close-up of the vegan pizza from yesterday…

Vegan Pizza

One of the few things I miss as a vegan is pizza. This vegan version I whipped up satisfies, but I have to admit it isn’t the real thing. It was still tasty though!

Ingredients
Pita bread or flatbread
Tomato sauce
Trader Joe’s brand vegan shredded mozzarella cheese
Various toppings- basil, cilantro, garlic, sliced tomato etc.

1) Spread about a tablespoon of tomato sauce on each flatbread. Sprinkle on cheese and add on desired toppings.

2) Bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is slightly brown.

Mediterranean Feast

I went to the Mediterranean market the other day and was so pleased at all the goodies I discovered.  They had an entire wall of fridges stocked with freshly made meals, and there were many vegan choices! There were lots of rices, eggplant dishes, and soups.  The meat dishes looked delicious as well.  I chose a selection and served them on Super Bowl Sunday.  My family loved them, and although not traditional Super Bowl food, everyone was satisfied.  I have been eating leftovers for days and it is all still yummy! Dessert was simple but delicious, fresh strawberries, dates, almonds in their shells, and sesame pistachio brittle with cardamom.

Sun-Dried Tomato “Chicken” Wrap

Try this tasty wrap for lunch or a light dinner.  Feel free to substitute ingredients with whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients:

Tortilla or Lavash bread

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

1/2 cup Cooked Beans

Cucumber Tomato Salad (Recipe to follow)

Small handful of Spinach

1 Vegan “Chicken” Patty or Veggie Burger Patty

How to:

Spread hummus on tortilla or lavash.  Next, add beans and mash slightly into the hummus.  Layer on the Cucumber Tomato Salad and spinach.  Tear patty into smaller pieces, then scatter throughout the tortilla.  Wrap it up and enjoy!

 

Cucumber Tomato Salad: Just chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and mint.  That’s it!

 

Homemade Granola Bars

My friend gave me the recipe for these and boy were they delicious.  They were pretty easy to make, and I used whatever I had on hand.  I have to dig up the recipe to give you the exact measurements but the basic ingredients are as follows: Rolled oats, a small amount of flour, one egg, honey, brown sugar, and add-ins such as nuts and dried fruit.  The ingredients were mixed together, then baked.  Before they were completely cool, I cut them into bars and wrapped them in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.

Of course, in my opinion, the best part is always the crumbs left in the pan.