Curried Veggie Soup

1 bag pearl onions
1 bag frozen cauliflower/broccoli blend
1 bag peppers and onions blend
1 tbs garlic powder
2 bay leaves
1 tbs dried Thai basil
2 tbs lime juice
1 can chicken stock
1 can coconut milk
salt and pepper to taste

Cook on low in slow cooker for 2-4 hours.
Great with leftover chicken or shrimp.  Or, you can dress is up with sauteed shrimp and scallops.

Slow Cooker Eye of Round Roast

1 frozen eye of round roast
1 bag frozen yellow squash
1/4 c Worchestershire sauce
3 tbs port
2 onions, quartered
3 tbs crushed garlic
3 tbs Montreal steak seasonings

Throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low.

Healthy, Tasty Banana Bread

1 c nut flout
1/2 c whole wheat
1/2 c oat flour
1/4 c flax seed meal
1 tsp baking powder
Nutmeg and allspice to taste (about 1 tsp each)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c oil
3 eggs
1/2 c brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract


Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.  Beat eggs for about 2 minutes, then mix in sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.  Beat for a few minutes, then mix in bananas and dry ingredients.  Bake at 350F for 55 minutes.

Dairy-Free Pancakes

1 c oat flour
1 c white whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
allspice
cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 c almond milk
1/2 c olive oil
2 eggs
1/4 c brown sugar

ix together flours, spices, baking soda, salt.  Set aside.  In another bowl, whip together eggs, almond milk, oil, and sugar.  Mix in the dry ingredients.  Cook on griddle.

Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

2 tbs dry Ranch mix
1 c olive oil mayo
1 c almond milk
2 tbs white wine vinegar (more to taste or preferred consistency)

Mix this vigourously with a fork.  Add vinegar until its your preferred consistency.

Ranch Dressing Spice Mix

2 tbs Montreal Steak Seasoning
2 tbs dried dill
1 tbs thyme
1 tbs garlic

Mix and store in an airtight jar.

I use this for a dairy free Ranch dressing or dip, which is fantastic.

Spinach in a Hurry (Green Smoothie)

I've been stocking up on healthy, dairy-free snacks in preparation for the arrival of the new baby.  I found several versions of this on Pinterest and had to give it a try.

1 bag frozen spinach
3/4 c peanut butter
1/4 c cocoa powder
1 c almond milk (or more depending on texture)
(3 servings)

Puree until smooth.  I did mine in a food processor, because I thought my hand might vibrate off if I used my trusty old stick blender.  I added most ingredients until it tasted just right, then split it into three jars for the freezer.  They thaw pretty well in just about 30 minutes (about the time it takes me to get lunches packed and everything else ready), then I've got some easy veggies and protein!

Light Split Pea Soup

1 package mixed vegetables (I used the Whole Foods 365 California blend with broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots)
1 c precooked turkey bacon
1 c caramelized onions
2 c dried split peas, rinsed
2 tbs dried thyme
2 bay leaves
2 cans chicken broth
1 c water

Mix all ingredients in the slow cooker, cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Note:  If you're pressed for time but don't have leftover caramelized onions sitting around, you can microwave them with some olive oil and the thyme for 4-5 minutes prior to adding them.  It's not the same exact flavor, but it's still pretty good!

Orange and Cardamom Chia Seed Pudding

1 c almond milk
1 tbs vanilla extract
2 tsp sugar substitute (Equal, agave nectar, etc)
pinch salt
1 tsp orange extract
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbs chia seeds

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

1 c almond milk
1 tbs vanilla extract
2 tsp sugar substitute (Equal, agave nectar, etc)
pinch salt
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbs chia seeds

Great with berries.

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

1 c almond milk
1 tbs vanilla extract
2 tsp sugar substitute (Equal, agave nectar, etc)
pinch salt
2 tbs cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbs chia seeds

Mix together.  I make these in glass jars - start with a fork, then close the lid tightly and shake.  Refrigerate overnight.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

1 package soft tofu
10 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 c agave nectar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract


Puree tofu in food processor.  Melt chocolate over low heat with constant stirring.  Add agave nectar, salt, and vanilla to sugar and stir well.  Process into tofu.  Chill in serving bowls.

Cabbage and Barley Soup

1 head cabbage
2 onions, diced
3 tbs garlic salt
3 can chicken broth
1 c barley

Saute onion, cabbage, and garlic in olive oil until soft.  Add broth and barley.  Simmer at least 30 minutes. Very hearty, filling, and great comfort food.

Quick Moroccan Chicken with Olives

Olive oil
1 onion, diced
2tbs lemon juice
1 ½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp paprika
2 tbs garlic salt
2 chicken breasts
1 can chicken broth
1 c Greek cracked green olives

Saute onion for 5-7 minutes, until brown around edges.  Add spices and cook another minute.  Salt and pepper the chicken then add to pot.  Stir to cover.  Stir in broth and olives and cook until done, through, 10-12 mins.  Stir in lemon juice and serve.

Middle Eastern Burgers

These are inspired by a recipe I found here, as well as one in the America’s Test kitchen 30 minute suppers fall 2010 issue. These are simplified to just a few ingredients, to make them easier for a weeknight. 



1 lb of burger base
3 tbs zatar seasoning
1 tbs cumin

Form into patties.  Grill.  Served with hummus mixed with a little ketchup.  Tasty!

Sage Barley Salad

1 c uncooked barley
1 can chicken broth
1 tbs dried sage
½ c dried cranberries
1 tbs apple cider vinegar

Mix barley, sage, and chicken broth in rice cooker and turn on.  When done, toss with cranberries and apple cider vinegar.

Fried Eggs with Tomatoes and Soy Sauce

This is a fantastic recipe (adapted from Steamy Kitchen) that tastes very fancy for very little effort.


6 eggs
6 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
Handful of chives, cut into 1” pieces
¼ c tamari
1 packet equal
2 tbs rice vinegar
2 tbs black vinegar
2 tbs garlic salt

Fry eggs with garlic salt.  Drain and set aside.  Add tomatoes and chives, cook until tomatoes are just softened.  Remove from heat.  Add vinegar, tamari, and equal, mix and heat through.  Serve.

Sun Dried Tomato Mayo

1 c mayo
¼ c sundried tomatoes, from a jar (365 brand) but drained

Process the sundried tomatoes.  Add the mayo and process again.

Great on tilapia or halibut. Also fantastic in turkey sandwiches!

Salmon Quinoa Cakes

2 c cooked quinoa
2 eggs, beaten
1 tbs garlic salt
1 can sockeye salmon (365 brand)
¼ c mayo


Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Shape into patties. Bake at 425 on parchment paper lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping at 10 minutes.   These were fantastic.  I should try them with crab!

Berry Sauce

Great on ice cream or pavlova!
Several pints of fresh berries
¼-1/2 c sugar
1 tbs lemon juice

Heat together in medium saucepan over medium low heat until soft, about 10-15 mins. Puree with a stick blender if necessary.