Friday, July 17, 2026

Southern 4-Bean Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 16-oz can wax bean - green
  • 1 16-oz can wax bean - yellow
  • 1 16-oz can lima bean
  • 1 16-oz can kidney bean
  • 1 green pepper chopped
  • 1 red pepper chopped
  • 1 med onion chopped
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ cups white vinegar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper


Method

  • Heat vinegar to a slight boil.  Then dissolve sugar into vinegar.
  • Let cool down. 
  • Drain and rinse all cans of vegetables and beans.
  • Combine all ingredients and mix.
  • Cool and serve cold.


* 1 can (pimento) peppers

Monday, June 15, 2026

Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad

 Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup minced carrots
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • ¼ cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
Image source: All Recipes .com

Directions

  1. Bring water to a boil, covered, in a saucepan over high heat; add quinoa. Reduce heat to low; simmer quinoa, covered, until water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; refrigerate until cold.
  2. Stir in red onion, carrots, cranberries, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cilantro, almonds, lime juice, and curry powder; season with salt and black pepper. Chill before serving.


Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
6

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

176Calories
4gFat
32gCarbs
5gProtein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 176
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 4g15%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 5g11%
Total Fat 4g5%
Saturated Fat 0g2%
Vitamin C 25mg27%
Sodium 13mg1%
Calcium 41mg3%
Iron 2mg9%
Potassium 292mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.



Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

Our friend made this for us, and it was really yummy.  It's original source was allrecipes.com.

Friday, December 26, 2025

Vegan Mushroom Gravy

 Ingredients

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 lb. sliced mushrooms (white button or baby bella)

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion or shallot

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1 tsp. chopped thyme leaves

2 Tbsp. salted butter

1/4 cup flour

3 cups vegetable stock

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

1 stalk of celery minced 


Directions

YIELDS:

4 c.

PREP TIME:

5 mins

TOTAL TIME:

15 mins


Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add

the olive oil, then the mushrooms. Spread them

in an even layer and let cook, undisturbed, for 4

minutes. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and

thyme, and stir to combine. Cook 2 minutes

more.

1

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to

the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle the flour

evenly over top of the mushrooms. Stir until the

flour mixture is lightly toasted, about 1 minute.

2

Add the vegetable stock and soy sauce. Scrape

the bottom of the skillet to remove all the

brown bits and stir until smooth. Increase the

heat to medium-high to return to a simmer,

then reduce heat to medium and let the gravy

simmer for 5 minutes.

3

4 Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley


Tip: If you like a creamy gravy, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream with the

parsley

Note:  I added 1 stalk of celery minced from a food processor. (Dec 2025)

Source


Monday, May 26, 2025

4-Ingredient Vegan Flax Muffins (V, GF, oil-free)

4-ingredient vegan flax muffins that taste like butterscotch blondies? Yes, please! They are also flourless, grain-free, gluten-free, and oil-free.


Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes


Course: Grain-Free Vegan Muffins Cuisine: American Keyword: all flaxseed muffins, flourless vegan flax muffin, oil-free vegan muffins, vegan flax muffin, wfpb baking, wfpb breakfast cookies, wfpb muffins Servings: 12 muffins Author: Camilla

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup flaxseed meal

  • 1/2 cup smooth almond butter

  • 1/2 cup plain nondairy milk (e.g., almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk)

  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped dried fruit or miniature chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325F (160C). Grease or spray 12 cups of a standard muffin tin.

  2. In a large bowl, stir together the flaxseed meal, almond butter, milk, maple syrup and (optional) vanilla until blended and smooth.

  3. Divide batter evenly among prepared cups.
    If using, sprinkle tops with dried fruit, lightly pressing into batter.

  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are browned and the centers are just set.

  5. Let cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove muffins from muffin tin. Transfer muffins directly to rack to cool completely.

Notes

Storage: The muffins will keep in a airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tip: Any creamy-ish nut or seed butter can be used in place of the almond butter. If the nut or seed butter is unsalted, add about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt to the batter.

Milk: Use any nondairy milk you like except for full fat coconut milk. If you are not avoiding dairy, feel free to use dairy milk.

Sweetener: Use an equal amount of granulated sweetner (e.g., coconut sugar, brown sugar, granulated cane sugar) in place of the maple syrup.

Sugar-Free Option: Replace the maple syrup with an equal amount of measure for measure liquid or granular sugar replacement.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.2g | Protein: 4.8g | Fat: 7.3g | Saturated Fat: 1.3g | Sodium: 10mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 6.5g


Sunday, April 20, 2025

Vegan Chili Low Sodium

Ingredients

Large Onion Chopped 

Peppers g y o r

Abbotts veggie crumbles 2 boxes

3 low sodium stewed tomatoes (stewed tomatoes are hard to find so we used no salt diced tomatoes and 

Low sodium bottle v8

Can low sodium kidney undrained 

Can low sodium white beans undrained 

Peppered  meat mixture

Packet McCormick's chili seasoning (or make your own reducing salt)


Instructions

Brown onions and peppers

Add Abbotts crumbles and brown more

Put all incidents in pot

Medium high frequent stirring 45 min

Simmering  1 hr stirring



Chili Seasoning Mix

Ingredients 

▢ 2 Tbsp chili powder

▢ 2 tsp cumin

▢ 1 tsp salt

▢ ½ tsp garlic powder

▢ ½ tsp onion powder

▢ ½ tsp ground black pepper

▢ ½ tsp paprika, smoked paprika also works well here

▢ ½ tsp oregano

▢ ½ tsp cocoa powder

▢ ¼ tsp cayenne pepper


Instructions 

Mix together all spices. This recipe is equivalent to 1 store bought seasoning packet (1.25 oz or 35 grams).

Spices for making chili seasoning.

Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Try these chili recipes: 



Source

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Vegan Barbecue Sauce

Makes 2 cups


Ingredients

One 6-ounce can tomato paste

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp stone-ground mustard

1 Tbsp minced ginger

1 to 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1/2 tsp chipotle powder

1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp onion powder 

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper


Method

1. combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth

2. Serve immediately or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days


Variations

We used 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1 Tbsp of onion flakes.  We also put half of the maple syrup that was called for.


Source:  Forks over Knives The Cookbook by Del Sroufe


Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Vegan Balsamic Dressing

Ingredients

1 c balsamic vinegar

3 tbsp water

1/3 c tahini

3/4 dijon mustard

1/4 c maple syrup

1 tsp garlic, minced

salt and pepper


Method

Mince garlic and combine ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until smooth



Lemon Tahini Sauce / Dressing

Ingredients

1/4 c tahini

2 Tbsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp water

2 clove garlic, minced

salt

pepper


Method

Mince garlic and combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth.



Source 

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

3-4 Tbsp Water

⅓ cup creamy peanut butter

1 tsp Chili Garlic Sauce

1 Tbsp liquid aminos

3 Tbsp lime juice

2-3 Tbsp maple syrup


Method

Add chili garlic sauce, peanut butter, liquid aminos, lime juice and maple syrup and mix well.

Add water, 1 tbsp at a time so the sauce doesn’t become too thin.



Printable Version


Saturday, July 20, 2024

Tahini, Citrus, Mustard

Ingredients

1 Tbsp tahini

1 Tbsp whole grain mustard

1/4 cup citrus juice (lemon, lime, OJ, tangerine, etc.)

dash of onion powder

dash of garlic powder

dash of black pepper

options: 

dash of smoked paprika

red pepper chili flakes

cumin &/or turmeric

1/4 cup chopped herbs (suggestions:  basil, oregano, mint, dill, lemon verbena)


Method

Add all to a plastic container w/ lid and shake to combine. 


Ideas

I am growing lots of herbs in my garden. I use whatever is around like. Dried herbs would work if you don't have fresh around.

Great sauce recipe for steamed or roasted veggies:

  • Steamed broccoli over farro & chickpeas
  • Roasted kohlrabi & beets over quinoa & pinto beans
  • Roasted squash over red lentil pasta w/ fresh arugula
  • Steamed green beans over brown rice w/ black beans & diced cherry tomatoes

Friday, June 14, 2024

Banana PB Cocoa

 ​Ingredients:

2  whole ripe bananas

3-5 tbsp  cocoa powder

1 tbsp  maple syrup

¼ cup  peanut butter (nothing but peanuts)

3 cups  unsweetened vanilla almond milk

½ cup  ice cubes



Variations:  sub vanilla coconut milk for almond milk

More ice, make sure almond/coconut milk is cold, or freeze bananas


Nutrition Facts

498 cal

71 g carbs

21 g fat

12 g protein


​Method:

1. Blend bananas with cocoa powder, maple syrup, and peanut butter.  Process until mashed.

2. Add almond milk and ice, blending until smooth.

3. Garnish with shredded dark dairy-free chocolate.


Variation:  add milk in step 1.


Source: Whole Foods Plant Based Cookbook for Longevity: Plant Based Healthy Meal Prep Featuring a 10 Day Eat Real Food Plan (found on Amazon Kindle) by Paul Griggs




Cozy Vegan Chili

 ​Ingredients:

1-2 tbsp  EVOO or water
1  yellow onion, chopped
4  cloves garlic, minced
1  sweet potato, cubed
2  carrots, sliced

3  celery stalks, sliced
2  red bell peppers, chopped

1 tsp  cumin
½ tsp  cinnamon
1 tsp  each sea salt and pepper
2 tbsp  unsweetened cacao powder
2 tbsp  hot chili powder
1 tsp  paprika

28 oz  canned diced tomatoes
1 C  water or vegetable broth
¼ C  tomato paste
4 oz  chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1 tbsp  balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp  soy sauce or liquid aminos

14 oz  can kidney beans, drained
14 oz  can pinto beans, drained
14 oz  can black beans, drained

1 cup  yellow sweet corn
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp sriracha optional
2 C baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 C fresh cherry tomatoes, halved


Garnish:

Sliced Jalapeno 

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

​

Method:

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or water in a large Dutch oven over low heat.

2. Add in onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add in sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add in bell peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Add in all seasonings, including cacao, and sauté for about 30 seconds, adding a little extra oil or water if needed.

4. Pour in tomatoes, water or broth, tomato paste, chipotle peppers, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine. Add all beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add in remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Gently simmer for 5 minutes until corn is heated through, tomatoes have softened, and spinach has wilted.

6. Season to taste by adjusting sriracha, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Serve hot topped with desired toppings and garnish.

Serves 8-10


Variations we made: When selecting canned items, go salt free or low sodium.

Source



Monday, January 1, 2024

Easy Veggie Pot Pie

Ingredients

  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of potato soup

  • 1/2 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

  • 1 (15 ounce) can mixed vegetables, drained *

  • 1 (7 ounce) can corn

  • ½ cup milk **

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 2 (9 inch) frozen prepared pie crusts, thawed

  • 2 Morning Star Farms Buffalo Chicken Patties cut up
        (I used because it gives it that "chicken" chunk aspect of the potpie, plus these add a spicy kick to the flavor.)


Steps

1.  Line your 9" pie dish with one of the pie crusts

2.  Microwave the buffalo patties for a minute, enough to cut into chunks

3.  In a bowl mix all of the ingredients

4.  Add mixture to the pie crust

5.  Add the top pie crust and fork edges around the rim and cut off excess

6.  Bake at 375F for 40 minutes


Notes

     You can heat up the other half of the cream of mushroom to pour over afterward.
*   Del Monte makes a mixed vegetable with celery
** I used heavy cream and will try a variation with plain almond milk
*** To convert to Vegan take the word easy out of the title.  There are some simple things you can do for example find soup/bisque condensed soups that are vegan (Amy's makes one but it is pricy).  Coconut milk tends to be creamier than Almond milk.  Don't use the Buffalo Chicken Patties from Morning Star Farms because while they are considered vegetarian they are not vegan.  I liked them because they add a spicy kick.  You can find chicken strips that are vegan:  Gardein, Beyond, etc.  However, these were just for people who like the "chicken" chunks.  You can simply make it with veggies of your choice.  Ok, this is the last one an kind of hard to escape because the definition of a potpie has the crust.  You can try to buy them, Amazon sells Wholly Wholesome, but I haven't tried them.  Or you could make your own.