Pan-Fried Tofu with Chili Sauce

I love tofu but I know it is not everyone’s favorite dish. I think this perfectly crisped tofu will help change their minds and the sauce is the perfect finish. You could also add herbs and change the flavor and look completely. Serve as apps or with a side of veggies and you have a lovely meal.

Pan-Fried Tofu with Chili Sauce

1/4 cup tamari
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
1/3 cup grapeseed (or another neutral oil like vegetable oil)
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1 -1 1/2inch ginger, peeled and sliced
1 teaspoon of  crushed red pepper
1 pound cake light-firm tofu, drained and cubed

  1. In a bowl, add the soy sauce and sesame oil.
  2. In a skillet over high heat, add 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil and stir-fry the onions, ginger, and pepper for about 1 minute. Add to the soy sauce and sesame oil bowl.
  3. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the remaining oil. When hot, pan-fry the tofu slices until golden on all sides, about 3 minutes total. Drain and place on a serving platter. Top each slice with sauce.
  4. Enjoy!

Avocado, Mango and Jicama Salad

This salad is the perfect combo of sweet, creamy and crunchy! YUM!! I was thinking about serving this over baby spinach but then I just enjoyed it as is. So good!!! This is one of those dishes I would be happy eating all the time!!

My friend Karla, taught me to keep the pit of the avocado in the guac or any avocado dish I make to ensure that it does not turn brown fast. I love it and it works so well!


Avocado, Mango and Jicama Salad

2 ripe Avocados, cubed
2 ripe Mangoes, cubed
1 jicama, cubed
1/2 cup chopped Red Onion
3/4 cup dried cranberries
Salt and Pepper to taste

Combine everything, breaking up the avocado a bit to coat the salad. Enjoy!

Parent’s Dinner Party – Dessert Time!

Although the meal was sooo good, dessert is always our favorite time! I made a deelish Fresh Mango Coconut Cobbler, my Mom brought yummy home-made vegan cookies and my Mother in Law brought amazing Jacques Torres Dark Chocolate and fresh fruit! How fabulous!!!

Thank you for coming over and sharing a wonderful meal with us!

Raw Mango Cobbler Goodness

Mom's Cookies

Decadent!!

Cobbler Filling

Fresh Mango Coconut Cobbler
Adapted from Ani Phyo

Cobbler Crust:
3 cups pecans, dry
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup pitted dates

For the crust, process pecans, vanilla, and salt in food processor with S blade. Add pitted dates and process until mixed well.
Sprinkle half of the cobbler crust onto the bottom of your pie dish, and set aside.

Cobbler Filling:

3 to 4 ripe mangos, peel, seed, slice (about 2 cups)
1 batch Orange Coconut Syrup, below

Place sliced mango into a large mixing bowl and toss with Orange Coconut Syrup.

Cobbler Coconut Syrup:
1/3 cup pitted dates
1/3 cup agave
3 Tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup water, as needed

Place all ingredients into blender, adding water as needed to make a smooth syrup. Pour syrup into bowl with mango, and mix well.
Scoop coated mango onto cobbler crust. Top with half of remaining cobbler crust and serve!
Will keep for 3-5 days in refrigerator. Try as a delicious way to start your day!
Mom’s Banana Nut Bread Cookies
adapted from vegweb.com

1 1/4 cup flour (unbleached, all purpose)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup apple sauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 mashed banana
1 teaspoons baking powder
handful of walnuts, crushed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a small – medium bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together oil, sugar, and vanilla.  Mix in mashed banana and baking powder.
Add ingredients in the small bowl and stir well.
Once it is well stirred, lightly mix in the crushed handful of walnuts.
Drop by tablespoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake 15-18 minutes

Parent’s Dinner Party – Vegan Seitan Piccata, Creamed Spinach & Creamy Polenta

YUM YUM YUM!!! If you want a meal to impress here you go 🙂

Candle 79 is one of my favorite vegan restaurants! And one of my fave dishes there is the Seitan Piccata.  I adapted this dish from their recipe and it was super deeeeelish! I am sure this sauce would work on tofu, tempeh, etc…  soooo yummy!!

I knew both our dads love Creamed Spinach and Polenta so I wanted to make it for them vegan style 🙂 It was super creamy and super amazing!! I doubled the recipes below to make sure we had enough and we were happy to have some left over! They were sooo good!

I love meals where people are like…”How is this vegan?!” This wasn’t the most low-fat of meals but it sure was amazing!! Creamed spinach and creamy polenta is not everyday food for us, but it was perfect for a special occasion.

I LOVE my warming drawer! Everything was ready to go for dinner, yet I had a clean kitchen perfect for the party!

This made a lot of sauce! Was great for meals that week as well 🙂

I cooked this down a little further, but it was still so rich and creamy! YUM!

YUM! Polenta Goodness!

Vegan Seitan Piccata
adapted from Candle 79 in NYC
Serves 6
1. Dredge seitan cutlets in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Heat 2 Tbs. olive oil in skillet over high heat. Sauté cutlets in oil 30 seconds per side, or until crisp and golden brown. Remove seitan from skillet, and drain on paper-towel-lined plate.
3. Add remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil to skillet, and return to high heat. Add shallots, onion, capers, and garlic, and sauté 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened, stirring frequently. Whisk in wine and lemon juice, and cook 3 to 5 minutes more.
4. Add broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 1 minute to combine flavors. Whisk in parsley, margarine, salt, and pepper. Pour over seitan cutlets, garnish with large caper berries or lemon slices, and serve.

  • 6 seitan cutlets, rinsed and drained (I used 12 cutlets – Gardein Lightly Seasoned Chick’n Scallopini)
  • Whole-wheat flour for dredging
  • 4 Tbs. olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup chopped shallots
  • 2 Tbs. drained capers
  • 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine  (I used red instead)
  • 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegan margarine
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • Large caper berries or lemon slices, for garnish, optional

Vegan Creamed Spinach

  • salt
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach
  • 3/4 cup soy creamer
  • 3/4 cup plain soy milk
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • grated nutmeg
  • fresh pepper

1. Large pot of water with salt – boil
2. Put spinach  for about a minute then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then chop spinach
3. Place oil in broad saucepan on medium-low, add flour and cook stirring consistently till golden, then stir in creamer/milk
4. Add spinach and bring to a boil until spinach has absorbed most of liquid and sauce is thick, about 15-25 minutes
5. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper and season to taste

Vegan Creamy Polenta

  • 1 cup vegan creamer
  • 1 cup plain soy milk
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups coarse cornmeal
  • 4 tablespoons Earth Balance
  • fresh ground black pepper

1. In a medium saucepan bring the creamer, soy milk and the water to a boil.
2. Add the salt and then gradually add the polenta while stirring.
3. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, stirring constantly.
4. The polenta should be smooth and large bubbles will pop on the surface.
5. Cook until very thick but not stiff, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and add earth balance and pepper.
7. Enjoy!!

Parent’s Dinner Party – Raw Vegan Caesar Salad

A few weekends ago we were super happy to host both sets of our parents over our house for dinner. We have been so busy lately it was nice to all get together 🙂 It was really great to see everyone and everyone enjoyed the deelish vegan meal I put together! Awesome!! All goodness!

We started off with a Raw Vegan Caesar Salad. YUM!! I haven’t made this in over a year and it was soooo good!! I doubled the recipe and kept the rest of the dressing in the fridge for a weeks worth of salads and dip for carrot sticks! You know when you eat the same food over and over and you don’t want it anymore — that did not happen! It was disappointing when we finally finished the dressing 🙂 YUM!!!

Check out the recipe here Raw Crisp Caesar Salad with Pinenut Parmesan. DEEELISH!!

Raw Tomato Napoleon with Basil Cashew Cheeze and Basil Oil

This was a gorgeous and delish recipe!! It was a perfect addition to the Summer Cleanse or any entertaining situation! Just beautiful!! The Cashew Cheeze is a great recipe to have for other dishes as well. This would be amazing in wraps, sandwiches or topped on Salads! So divine! Enjoy!

Raw Tomato Napoleon with Basil Cashew Cheeze and Basil Oil
Adapted from a recipe on RawMazing

For each Napoleon you will need:
1 small tomato
several  slices of zucchini
Basil Cashew Cheeze Spread
Basil Oil

Cut the tomato in thirds. Spread the Cashew Cheeze on the tomato slice. Layer tomato slice, zucchini and cheese, repeat. Drizzle basil Oil over top.

Basil Cashew Cheeze Spread
1 cup Cashews, soaked at least 1 hour
2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 Garlic clove
Pinch Salt
1 cup basil leaves

Start food processor. Drop clove of garlic into processor and run until garlic is chopped. Add cashews, lemon juice and salt. Place all ingredients except basil in food processor and process until smooth. Add basil and pulse until basil is chopped up and combined into cheese.

Basil Oil
Finely chop 4 tablespoons basil and add to 1/4 cup olive oil

Garlic & Herb Cauliflower

This dish is SO divine! Next time I will definitely double this recipe, it went so fast! This is one that anyone will love and Great for Kids!!!

Garlic & Herb Cauliflower
Recipe adapted from Tofu n Sproutz

  • 1-2 heads cauliflower
  • 2-4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • handful fresh herbs (a few sprigs rosemary, parsley & sage)
  • 4 Tbs olive oil
  • salt
  • 2 cups fine, dry, seasoned breadcrumbs – fresh not seasoned

1. Break cauliflower into small florets and place in a large bowl.
2. Put garlic, herbs and olive oil into food processor and mix until garlic is completely blended.
3. Pour oil mixture over cauliflower; stir until all cauliflower bits are evenly coated (Note: It works best and breaks less cauliflower if you toss with your hands until evenly coated).
4. Pour breadcrumbs over cauliflower; toss carefully again until all breadcrumbs are stuck on to cauliflower (Note: Depending on how dry the crumbs are, you might need more crumbs; cauliflower should be evenly coated and dry).
5. Lift carefully onto a shallow sided 9 X 12″ baking pan; roast at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until tender-soft when pierced with a fork.

Raw Sweet Summer Creamed Corn

Summer Corn is Back!! Yeah!! I love Corn Chowder but I decided to make creamed corn tonight! YUM!!! It was really good, although I think I overdid it a little on the cayenne, so that is why I am recommending a pinch not a few shakes like I did. You could also make this creamier by adding soaked cashews into the base before blending. This could also be made sweeter by blending in some dates as well, depending on how you like it. Enjoy!

To see more recipes for Summer Corn check out all of these! Raw Corny Soup, Succotash of Fresh Corn, Lima Beans, Tomatoes and Onions, Cashew “Mock Chicken” Salad and Corn Stuffing, Super Amazing Raw Jalapeno Corn Chips, Summer Quinoa with Corn, Corn & Red Pepper Chips, Raw Corn Chowder, Sweet Corn and Snap Pea Summer Side, Cornbread Bruschetta with White Truffle “Sour Cream” and Spiced Tomatoes, Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad, Raw Spicy Corn Chips, Peach, Avocado & Corn Salad, Toasted Corn Salsa, Raw Just Corn Chips, Raw Corn Cakes, and Raw Corn Chowder II. Can you tell that I LOVE LOVE LOVE gorgeous fresh summer corn!!??!!

Raw Sweet Summer Creamed Corn

5 ears raw sweet corn
1/2 large cucumber, peeled and diced
1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 Tablespoon flax seed oil/cold-pressed olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregeno
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
tiny, pinch of cayenne pepper

  1. Cut corn off cobs, setting aside the kernels from 3 of the cobs
  2. Blend the remaining corn and the rest of the ingredients until smooth.
  3. Pour puree into bowls and stir in the reserved corn.

Chia-Crusted Tofu, Shaved Asparagus and Edamame Salad with Truffle Oil Vinaigrette & Cauliflower Mash

I served this deeelish Tofu with the Shaved Asparagus and Edamame Salad and Cauliflower Mash. What an absolute perfect meal!!!! Chia seeds are soo yummy and so good for you! If you want you can substitute other seeds here like poppy or sesame. The tofu had a great crunch and taste. For the salad, peeling asparagus is not as easy as peeling carrots but the salad was worth it, so deelish!  This salad is protein rich and gorgeous!

Chia-Crusted Tofu

1 12-ounce package extra-firm tofu (not silken), drained
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or ½ teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
3 tablespoons chia seeds
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

  1. Wrap tofu in a double layer of paper towels and drain excess water.
  2. On a plate, mix chia seeds, cayenne, lime zest, and remaining salt and pepper.
  3. Slice tofu into 4 pieces crosswise. Brush each side with sesame oil. Press each side of tofu into chia mixture to coat thoroughly.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear tofu blocks until crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side.

Shaved Asparagus and Edamame Salad with Truffle Oil Vinaigrette
recipe adapted from Debi Shaw Cross (picture as well)
Makes 4 side salads

Vinaigrette
2 Tbs. white or black truffle oil
1 1/2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. champagne or white wine vinegar
1 Tbs. lemon juice
2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Salad
1 lb. asparagus
1 c. shelled, cooked edamame
1 tsp. lemon zest – no zest

Whisk all vinaigrette ingredients together in a small bowl.
Using a vegetable peeler, peel asparagus into shavings. Combine shaved asparagus, edamame, lemon zest and vinaigrette in a large bowl. Toss with dressing and serve.

Raw Zucchini Noodles and ‘Peanut’ Sauce II

I haven’t pulled out the spiralizer in a long time! During the raw part of the cleanse I was inspired to break it back out. YUM! I missed these zucchini noodles, so perfect, light and tasty! I love Peanut Sauce sooo much but when I make it at home I normally make it with Almond Butter so it is much healthier for us. Still comes out soo amazing 🙂

See these recipes for more inspiration on making Zucchini Noodles: Fig Fennel Pasta, Amazing Raw “Peanut” Sauce and Zucchini Noodles, Raw Sweet & Spicy Sesame Noodles, Lemon Basil Pesto & Raw Zucchini Pasta, and Raw Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Sun-dried Tomatoes.

Raw Zucchini Noodles and ‘Peanut’ Sauce II

1/3 cup almond butter
2 garlic clove, minced
juice of 1 lime
3 Tablespoons agave nectar
3 Tablespoons Nama Shoyu
3 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

In a blender puree together almond butter, garlic, lime juice, agave nectar, Nama Shoyu, water, ginger, red pepper flakes and sea salt until mixture is smooth. If needed add more water one tablespoon at a time to reach a desired consistency.

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