Growing up, I used to hate Thanksgiving foods. I really disliked the taste of turkey (probably a predictor to my vegetarian future), and didn’t care for stuffing and all that jazz. I would basically eat a plate full of mashed potatoes and bread. A few years ago, I was asked to make a dish for my boyfriend’s Thanksgiving celebration. My now husband’s aunt, known as Auntie, requested Sweet Potato Casserole. I have to admit, I wasn’t that excited, because all I could recall about sweet potatoes was a sugary marshmallow mush. I happened upon an AMAZING recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole from Oh She Glows, and it became my FAVORITE Thanksgiving food and I’ve made it every Thanksgiving since! As I was brainstorming creative breakfast make ahead recipes I thought, why not try to recreate that dish for breakfast? I combined creamy and perfectly spiced mashed sweet potatoes with steel cut oatmeal and topped it all with roasted pecans! It was a true recipe WIN! If you like the flavors of Sweet Potato Casserole, you’ll be sure to love this recipe!!
Ingredients (makes 4-5 servings) 1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes diced in 1 inch cubes 1 cup of steel cut oats 4 cups of almond or oat milk 1 cup of chopped pecans 2 T butter ½ tsp vanilla 1 -2 T maple syrup (I used 2) ½ tsp cinnamon Dash of nutmeg Directions
0 Comments
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
My most favorite recipe for pancakes is actually one of the healthiest versions I have ever come across. These Peanut butter Protein Pancakes from Minimalist Baker have been our go-to ever since I first found the recipe about a year ago. However, when I made them for my family, my sister said she did not like the peanut butter taste. That got me thinking about possible modifications to this recipe. Today I found a solution that we loved, I adapted this recipe to eliminate the nut butter and added … you guessed it, PUMPKIN! :-) Hey, it’s still fall so I’m allowed to eat as much pumpkin as possible right? These still contain protein from the ground up oat flour and the added egg! They are also gluten free, and CAN be made vegan if you prefer. These pancakes last 3 days in the fridge, and are great reheated for your Make ahead of Monday needs! Ingredients ½ cup of almond milk ½ tsp apple cider vinegar 1 egg whisked (or one flax egg if making vegan) 1 Tbsp maple syrup ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 Tbsp pumpkin puree 1 Tbsp coconut oil or other vegetable oil ½ tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder ¾ cup of oat flour (to make your own, add rolled oats to a blender and blend on high until flour forms) 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice ¼ tsp cinnamon Directions (makes 6 pancakes)
Recipe inspired and adapted from Minimalist baker
This recipe is not only perfect for a Make Ahead but also for the holidays! It’s easy to assemble and adaptable and can be made ahead two ways (see recipe for details). I used my favorite combinations of veggies but feel free to be creative! I was excited when I found soy free veggie by Hilary’s sausage to add some extra flavor to this vegetarian casserole. I hope you enjoy!!
Ingredients
Directions
1. Grease an 8x8 oven safe casserole dish with oil and set aside. 2. Melt some butter or oil in a frying pan and line the pan with your hashbrowns. Season them with a dash of salt and pepper and let them get slightly brown before adding them to your 8x8 casserole dish. Wipe your frying pan of any residue. 3. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 4. Add and heat a bit of oil to your frying pan then add and lightly saute the diced green peppers, baby portabella, and green onions for 1-2 minutes. Season with a dash of salt and pepper and then add to your casserole dish on top of the hashbrowns.
5. Add your cooked and crumbled veggie sausage to your casserole dish.
6. Crack 6 eggs in a clean bowl along with the milk and ¼ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper and whisk. 7. Add the whisked eggs to your casserole dish.
8. Sprinkle the extra sharp white cheddar cheese on top
9. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are set.
This casserole will last in the fridge for 4 days OR can be assembled and baked the next morning.
I have to admit, I am not always organized and on top of my goals. I particularly have trouble on those weekends that are packed with gigs, and family events. This is my go-to recipe for those weekends! The key ingredient is the amazing Roasted Potatoes with Peppers and Onions from Trader Joes. I couldn't believe how flavorful they were on their own, and when added with all of the other ingredients in this recipe, they shine! I recently started adding a dollop of Trader Joes Pepita Salsa to top the dish! This is completely optional, and of course you can add your own favorite salsa as well. I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients (makes four bowls) 12 ounces of Trader Joe’s Roasted Potatoes with pepper and onions 5-6 eggs ½ cup of shredded white sharp cheddar cheese divided 4 tablespoons of Trader Joe’s Pepita salsa (or any salsa) divided Salt & Pepper to taste Directions
Tis the week before Thanksgiving break and as a teacher, life is CRAZY. Everyone is ready for a break. I created this smoothie to give you a taste of Thanksgiving break days to come. I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients ½ cup of almond milk ⅓ cup of pumpkin puree 1 frozen banana ⅛ cup of raw pecans ½ tsp of cinnamon ¼ tsp of pumpkin pie spice 4 ice cubes 1 tablespoon of cacao nibs 1 tablespoon of raw hemp seeds Optional - a dollop of maple syrup (it doesn’t need it, but I know some like it sweet) Directions Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high! To make ahead - Add the banana, pecans, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ice cubes, cacao nibs, hemp seeds to a bag and freeze the night before. In the morning, add the contents of your smoothie pack along with the almond mile and pumpkin puree to the blender, blend on high and enjoy! At this time of year, I can’t get enough Pumpkin in my diet! I am always on the lookout for creative ways to incorporate this nutritious and delicious fall staple.
After doing some research on the benefits of pumpkin I was even more hooked than before! According to WebMD, eating pumpkin can slow digestion and help with weight loss, is rich in vision benefiting vitamin A, can help fight off colds and can boost immunity, and can contribute to younger looking skin when applied to your face… pumpkin face masks for the WIN!! Check out the article here! Today I am going to share my latest pumpkin recipe, Pumpkin Pie Steel Cut Oatmeal! It will fill your home with amazing fall scents and is great for make-ahead breakfasts too! I also decided to try Trader Joe’s new “Non dairy Oat beverage” with this recipe but you can use almond milk or any milk you prefer. I found that I barely needed to add any sweetener after using the oat milk, so I do recommend trying it. Be creative with your toppings, I was craving warmth on this cold day, so I went for a light drizzle of maple syrup, some freshly roasted pecans and some dried cherries! ENJOY! Pumpkin Pie Steel Cut Oatmeal (makes 4 servings) 4 cups of oat milk ( or almond milk ) 1 cup of steel cut oats 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree 1.5 tsp of pumpkin spice ½ tsp of cinnamon 1 tsp of vanilla 1 TBSP maple syrup (or to taste) Optional toppings - Roasted pecans, pepitas, dried cherries. Directions 1. Add the milk to a saucepan and bring to a boil 2. Add the pumpkin puree and lightly whisk to incorporate 3. Add the steel cut oats, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, vanilla and maple syrup and whisk to incorporate all of the spices 4. Reduce to a simmer and set the timer for 25-30 minutes or until oats are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Whisk every few minutes to avoid having the oats stick to the pan. 5. Top with toasted pecans, a dash of cinnamon, a light drizzle of maple syrup and dried cherries! -To make ahead - Once oats have cooled, evenly divide them into individual glass containers. Keep toppings in a separate container because you may have to add a splash of milk or water before re-heating in the microwave.
I know it’s strange to post an ice cold smoothie when it’s only 42 degrees outside, but there is something about a good smoothie, and this my friends, is a good smoothie! It’s creamy, naturally sweetened, is packed with protein, greens, and antioxidant abundant blueberries!! The great thing about this smoothie is you can make it ahead! By freezing all of the solid ingredients ahead of time, you can enjoy a satisfying smoothie any day of the week with half the prep time! I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients (makes enough for one smoothie)
½ cup of frozen wild blueberries (I used Trader Joes and I highly recommend them) 1 frozen banana Handful of fresh or frozen kale or spinach 1 tablespoon of peanut butter 1 tablespoon of raw hemp seed 1/4 cup of unsweetened vanilla yogurt 1 cup of almond milk (unsweetened) ½ teaspoon of vanilla (optional) --- Directions to make ahead --- Add the wild blueberries, banana, kale, peanut butter, and raw hemp seeds to a freezer safe bag and place in the freezer until you are ready to make the smoothie. If you want to make enough for the entire week, repeat this step five times and place the ingredients inside five freezer safe bags. When ready to enjoy, add the yogurt, almond milk and vanilla along with the contents of your smoothie pack to a high speed blender and blend until smooth! ENJOY!
My favorite sandwich growing up was always tuna salad. I recall the days when my mom would pack it for me in my lunch with crackers so I could make mini tuna cracker sandwiches! When I became a vegetarian nearly eight years ago, I was definitely missing the flavors of this classic sandwich, so I decided to recreate it with chickpeas. It’s great on whole grain buns, or on bread toasted in the oven with melted cheese, or simply as I had it as a child, with crackers. Make a double batch for a week’s worth of make-ahead lunches!
Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwiches 1 can of chickpeas drained, and rinsed 1 Dill pickle diced fine 2 small celery stalks diced fine 1 green onion diced fine 1 ½ - 2 Tablespoons of vegan mayo 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard Dash of salt, pepper and paprika (to taste) Instructions 1. Mash the chickpeas with a potato masher until mostly mashed and only small pieces remain. 2. Mix in all the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. 3. Enjoy on whole wheat buns, or as open-faced sandwiches toasted in the oven with sharp cheddar cheese or as a snack with crackers!
I had the privilege of visiting with my sister yesterday at her lovely home. She made us some homemade granola with a drizzle of yogurt and frozen blueberries. It was exactly what I needed to start the day and it got me thinking about creating a fall inspired granola recipe. I also happened to read an article about natural sugars last night and learned that all of the heart-healthy antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey are destroyed by too much heat when it is used in baking goods. I decided to adjust my go-to honey granola and used maple syrup instead. This is a perfect make-ahead recipe that lasts 3 weeks! So make a batch or two and sprinkle it over yogurt, or eat it as an afternoon snack! I hope you enjoy this as much as we did this fine and crisp fall morning.
Pumpkin Spice Granola Ingredients 3 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans ¼ cup of pepitas (optional) 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter ⅓ cup of Maple Syrup ⅓ cup of pumpkin puree ½-1 teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie spice Directions
This vegetarian chili is filled with healthy veggies and two varieties of beans and it's sure to warm you on a cool day.
Ingredients 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil 1 onion chopped fine 1 red pepper chopped fine 7 cloves of garlic minced 3 tablespoons of Chili Powder 1 tablespoon of Cumin 1 cup of water 3/4 cup of light beer 2 - 16oz cans of diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon of oregano 1 tablespoon of brown sugar 1 can of Kidney beans (rinsed and drained) 1 can of chickpeas or black beans (rinsed and drained) 1 cup of frozen corn 1 ½ teaspoons of salt ½ cup of cilantro Juice from one lime Directions:
Recipe adapted from http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/ |
AuthorI am a music teacher, professional musician and a vegetarian. I created this site with the mission to share recipes that make life a little more organized, and enjoyable! Archives
January 2022
Categories
All
|