Tag Archives: nut-free

Vegan Ceviche

Phew, let me tell you, it is so weird to be home again. But, definitely a relief. After a month of working my butt off in the windy, hot desert that is Coachella Valley, and not blogging at all, it is nice to be sitting comfortably at my desk and hanging out with my pups. I won’t lie, though, being forced to have a break from the internet was actually a good thing and eventually I just had to live with the fact that I would have no time to blog, etc. Before April, I was already having a hard enough time juggling my work with my personal life, and now I have to really re-access what my priorities are, but still reach my goals. Such is life!

Here are a few photos from my trip!

Pre-Coachella Show Day

Dust Storm Hellish-ness Weekend 1

About to watch Local Natives

Messin’ around in the Boutique Photo Booth

Some of our Inventory team on the last day!

One of the recipes that I made before I left, is something that I’m really excited about; especially since Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner! I had ceviche a few times in my life before I went vegan, and only once after that. The vegan version that I had was weird and involved fake shrimp which always gives me the heebie-jeebies, so I decided that I would make my own recipe!

This dish is more of a side, but may just steal the spotlight with how refreshing it is and its great flavors. Plus, it is REALLY easy to make. Once of the sneaky ingredients in it are oyster mushrooms, they have a slightly fishy scent/taste which makes this a well-rounded vegan ceviche. You can bring it to a party, serve it with a meal, make it whenever! I prefer to eat it with some salted tortilla chips and a beer. ;)

I can’t forget to mention that my mom loved this so much that she brought it to a get together with some of her quilting friends; and they all enjoyed it, too!

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Fiesta Lettuce Wraps

I thought that by making this dish the Wednesday before Expo West that I’d be able to post it in a timely manner and not leave you hanging for a week. Clearly, this is not the case. I’ve already been caught up in the Expo, along with finishing some Easter Brunch recipe for a VegNews web feature (!!!). I CANNOT wait to share both of those with you, as there are a lot of really awesome new, vegan products debuting at the Expo this year; and the brunch recipes that I’m making are SO good. (If I don’t say so myself ;) )

Basically, this all came together when the lovely Jill from Vegan Cuts came into town and stayed with me for a night, before heading off to Anaheim. She was starving, but wanted something healthy to eat, especially after indulging at the New York Veg Fest (I’m not jealous, oh wait, yes I am). I’ve been wanting to make some lettuce wraps, but wasn’t sure if I wanted to make them more Asian or Mexican-inspired. This problem was quickly solved after I spotted a can of black beans and my mind began racing.

These wraps are great because they’re totally plant-based, oil-free, and flavorful! Not to mention, a good amount of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. What more could you ask for? Maybe dessert. :D Here we have your black beans, your quinoa, some plantains, bell peppers, spinach and more. Plus, when you ditch the tortilla for lettuce, you drop the empty calories and extra carbs.

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Multiple Personality Artichoke Arugula Soup

Basically, this all started when one of my favorite twitter followers suggested that I make artichoke soup, today. My mind started wandering, thinking back to what I have stashed away in the far reaches of my refrigerator. I definitely had some steamed artichokes hanging out that I hadn’t used yesterday, for an appetizer. Then there were the cute, lil’ wild arugula leaves which seemed like a great companion to make for a creamy soup. Sometimes, you can make some tasty dishes just by improvising!

You may be asking yourself, what do you mean, Multiple Personality soup? After I finished making this warm, filling soup I loved the texture of it. Not too smooth, still needed some chewing, but not like a stew either. Then I started thinking, with less veggie broth this would make a fantastic dip! Another way you could go with it, would be to use less broth and double (or triple) the amount of arugula to make it into a great side; almost like creamed spinach with a few twists.

Today’s recipe is actually the kick off for a soup-filled month of February and National Homemade Soup Day. So, I’ll be making some delicious, fun, and easy soups for our #souplove Bloghop! Have any soups that you’d like to see a vegan recipe for? Make sure to let me know, and I’ll get it done for you, this month! :)

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Top 10 Recipes of 2012 & An Overview

First off, Happy New Year everyone! I had a post queued up earlier that went over my holiday eats and going-ons, but it’s a little late for that. So, what I have for you today is a list of the 10 Most Popular recipes of mine from the last year; plus, a little bit about how my year has gone, and what I would like to do in 2013. I’d love it if you’d share some of your aspirations and intentions for 2013 in the comments, as well!!

Below is the list in numerical order, with a little bit about each recipe! Enjoy!

  1. Vibrant 50/50 Juice- Enjoy this raw, healthy drink for breakfast (instead of coffee) to feel revitalized and ready for the day. Remember, fresh juices are your friend!
  2. Baked Spinach Falafel with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce- This is a delightful, and healthier take on the tradition falafel recipe. With some added greenery, and being baked instead of fried it’s perfect for that well-rounded dinner.
  3. Baked Spicy Sweet Potato Tots with Chipotle Aioli- These sweet potato tots are baked instead of fried, and filled with tons of Vitamin A; pair it with a chipotle sun-dried tomato aioli and you’ve got a winning combination!
  4. Berry Chia Pudding- This simple and easy chia seed pudding is chock full of berries, and not much else. Try it out for a delicious and healthy breakfast.
  5. Pizza Stuffed Spaghetti Squash- How about instead of the usually very greasy and carb-filled pizza, you try this recipe out. Using a spaghetti squash as opposed to a crust, you can put your favorite pizza toppings all up in this dish to make it your own.
  6. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie- A creamy pumpkin pie smoothie that is a great introduction to Fall!
  7. Apple Pie Chia Pudding- The essence of apple pie combined with nourishing chia seeds, yum!
  8. Smoky Corn Chowder- An easy-to-make and flavorful smoky corn chowder, perfect for cool nights. (I’ve heard a TON of good feedback on this recipe!)
  9. Raw Chocolate Mousse Pie with Chocolate Drizzle- Not only is this recipe raw, it’s full of ingredients that will keep you full after indulging in a slice; unlike most desserts with processed sugar and lots of empty carbohydrates.
  10. Cocoa-nut Quinoa Bites- Delicious and easy to make, no-bake, Cocoa-nut Quinoa Bites!

And there’s your top 10 of 2012!

Now, for a bit of reflection of the past year. I’d have to say that 2012 was filled with more ups and downs, for me, than almost any other year that I’ve lived. I lost both of my grandmothers, a couple of friends, have not had a design job the whole year, and have had my own issues to deal with when it came to my relationships. Although the downs were definitely low, the highs have helped me make it through with an optimistic outlook for the year ahead.

Happy New Year!

I’ve met SO many new people through my blog and social media, a lot of which I now call some of my closest friends. Through networking I’ve become a freelance photographer for Vegan Cuts among other companies and people. I’ve done more merchandise vending this year than any other, which I wouldn’t mind continuing. That is also why there haven’t been any posts recently! I was in Dallas for the past few days, working a festival with Corey; nothing like ringing in the New Year while in a merch tent while it’s in the 30′s outside. At least there were fireworks! :)

In 2012, I started working on a cookbook of my own; and even though it has temporarily been put on hold, I plan on finishing it this year as well as working on more things centered around Vegan Yack Attack- that I know you’ll love. While I’m still looking for a product design job (know of one?) to be my main source of income, my biggest goal is to be able to earn a living from my passion, which is still creating and taking photos of great vegan food.

To cap this little essay, I’d just like to say that I am so unbelievably grateful for those in my life that have supported me in my endeavors and believe in me. Sometimes I feel that you have more faith in me than I do in myself. I’d also like to thank everyone that has ever visited this lil’ vegan blog of mine, tried a recipe, or left a comment. It has been you that has been a major contributor in me continuing to post. I send my love to you all!

Again, Happy New Year, and let me know about some of your goals and intentions for 2013 below! <3

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Filed under Healthy Recipes, Holidays, Savory Recipes, Sweet Recipes