Fireplace Chili Mac for VeganMofo

It actually was too cold for me to have all the windows open yesterday. It was wonderful to finally put on a sweater and we finally got to use the fireplace in our new house for the first time. In fact, I’m sipping on some rose tea in front of the fire as I’m writing this. Sigh…if only I could make this evening last a few days longer!

This is a lazy dinner that you can make at a moment’s notice. Perfect once winter gets going and if you, like me, tend to hibernate. All you need is a can of vegan chili and whole wheat shells in the pantry plus some salsa and vegan shredded cheese in the fridge to make this heart warming meal. [Read more...]

Indian Summer Spiked Strawberry Mint Lemonade

It’s always seems more exciting when Vegan Mofo is going on –  or it that just me? Did you see Cara’s Raw Peppermint Patties this morning? What about Veganosaurus’ Raw Fig and Cinnamon Ice Cream? And I can’t wait until I get time to cook Vegan Richa’s Mango and Hatch Chile Pizza.

This past weekend it actually cooled off and finally felt like fall. I was even wearing a sweater when I was writing on the deck. I also made a steaming pot of rose tea since I could finally be assured I wouldn’t break out in a sweat.

Today, however, it’s hot again. My thermos of hot tea is languishing off to the side and all I can think about is a nice, cold drink. Better yet, a cocktail to help me transition from web developer to recipe developer. I have a ton of writing to do tonight! [Read more...]

Happy VeganMoFo 2012!

Today is the first day of Vegan MoFo, also known as vegan month of food, and I’m so excited. Make sure to sign up for one or more of the rss feeds on their site to keep up with the best vegan month of the year!

I always think I’ll have a theme for this big, vegan event, but it’s hard for me to just pick one thing. I’m going to try the theme of fall with emphasis on pumpkin where ever possible. But I reserve the right to change my mind – a lot…

The pie pumpkin before cooking but after being thoroughly washed.

Last week the pie pumpkins were peeking out at me begging to join in on some cooking fun. I’ve talked about making pumpkin puree before, but today I’m providing some step-by-step instructions and pictures. Let’s hear it for trying to overachieve for Mofo!

It’s really easy to make, but you’ve heard that before. Plus if you’re like me, you want to see some proof ; ) [Read more...]

Summer Squash Pilaf: A Rice Cooker Recipe

Still picking zucchini and summer squash out of your garden? Here’s one more way to serve it up and it’s super easy!

The best part – it cooks in your rice cooker so you can sit on your deck and enjoy fall while it’s cooking!

Go to my post over at The Back Burner to get this super easy recipe!

Pre-order my second book, The Great Vegan Bean Book, at Amazon. There are tons of gluten and soy free recipes!

New Book Updates and a Mint Mango Lassi

I know you’re not supposed to apologize about not blogging, so instead making that faux pas I offer you a cute picture of my dog Brenna.

In this picture she’s trying to put her mind meld on me and saying, “What do you mean we can’t go for a walk tonight?”. She’s ready for me to be done with my new books and get back to a normal schedule. But she’d like me to turn into a stay at home doggie Mom so she can sleep on the deck all morning. Being the super smart dog she is, she knows that writing is a big part of making that happen in the future.

→ to recipe

Vegan Summer Slow Cooker – Desserts

One of the best parts of summer is cooling down with creamy desserts, but brownies and cakes are certainly nice too. Here are a few you may not think about making in your slow cooker, but trust me it’s the best way to make them in the summer! to the recipes →

Vegan Summer Slow Cooker – Pasta Sauces

Today we’ll look at making some yummy pasta sauces from scratch. Yes, even in the summer your slow cooker still comes through in a big way. I love the way you can take your csa or farmers market jewels and turn them into sauces for a great pasta dish.

They even freeze well for last-minute meals now or when tomato season is just a vague memory. These sauces are amazing with bread sticks and can even be the base of a grilled pizza!

Vegan Summer Slow Cooker – Mains

Here’s my second post on the joys of summer slow cooking. If you missed the first one you can read it here. I’ve got summer slow cooking on the brain! This time we’ll look at main dishes.

It’s Summertime and Using Your Slow Cooker Is Easy…

It always amazes me when people tell me they’ve put away their slow cooker for the summer. It’s the hottest time of the year and perfect weather for slow cooking. Skip some of the heavy stews you make in the winter, but use it for beans, lighter meals, and even desserts – all without heating up your already too hot kitchen! to recipes →

Bean and Whole Grain Salads

I’m actually cooking up some bean and grain salads for my friend’s wedding this weekend.  I’m super excited that she found the one for her and it’s even better because I like him too. I realized that these could make my lunches easy (and in advance) all summer long and wanted to pass the bean fever over to you guys too!

If you know you’re going to have a tough week and aren’t likely to come home and cook dinner, craft a bean and grain salad ahead of time. You could even make a few of these on the weekend and eat them all week long! [Read more...]