Walnut Cookies

2 cups walnuts, finely chopped

2 cups flour, whole wheat or pastry

pinch of salt

1/2 cup coconut oil

3/4 - 1 cup maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients together. Shape into small balls and flatten into cookies. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 10 - 12 minutes.

If desired, place thumbprint in each cookie before baking. Add a spot of jam in each indentation.

Stovetop Granola

Stovetop Granola

This is my favorite granola recipe. I like it because it is made quickly in a skillet. I always add more seeds than the recipe calls for.

Stovetop Granola

3 cups oatmeal (old fashioned; not instant)
1/2 cup dried, shredded coconut, preferably unsweetened
1/2 tsp. cinnamon or coriander
1/4 cup oil (sunflower, coconut oil, olive oil, etc.)
1/3 cup maple syrup (or your favorite sweetener like honey or stevia)
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup dried fruit of your choice (raisins, currants, cranberries, or
chopped apple, apricot, pear, pineapple, prune, etc. or combination;
may omit entirely)

Use a large, heavy skillet, at least 10 inches round, with high sides. (If you don't have a skillet this big, use a smaller one and prepare granola in two batches. Or use a wok, which works great!).

Into the cold skillet place the oatmeal, nuts, sesame seeds, coconut, and cinnamon. Mix well.

Blend the oil, syrup, and vanilla together in a cup. Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients in the skillet, stirring well to blend.

Turn the heat under the skillet to medium high. Toast the mixture, stirring frequently, until the oats and nuts are crispy and browned. The sesame seeds will start to "pop" and the maple syrup will smell like burnt sugar --- be careful not to let the mixture burn.

Toasting will take no more than five to seven minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the dried fruits. Let the granola rest in the skillet to cool.

NOTE: Some people don't like a crunchy or chewy granola. If you prefer a tender granola omit or reduce the amount of nuts and add seeds instead. Choose a combination from: sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, etc.

This recipe is very adaptable. If you don't have an item. . .leave it out or find a substitute. It'll still taste great! This is a yummy recipe and takes much less time than "oven" granola. If you use gluten free oats, this recipe is gluten free. If you don't mind a non-gluten free version, you can add 1/2 cup of wheat germ to the recipe.

Veggie Meatballs in BBQ Sauce

Veggie Meatballs in BBQ Sauce - gluten free/vegan

2 - 3 cups textured vegetable protein* OR Soy Curls
4 cups water
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup oats, certified gluten-free
Generous dash of cayenne pepper
Juice of one lemon
2 Tbsp. flour (garbanzo/fava is my gluten free favorite)
1/2 cup pecan meal
2 Tbsp. tamari, wheat free
3 cloves garlic, crushed OR 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 1/2 Tbsp. chicken-style seasoning (McKay's or Bill's Best Chicknish)
1 1/2 cup bread crumbs, gluten free**
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

In a saucepan, soak textured vegetable protein (or soy curls) in water to rehydrate. Add oats. Cook over medium heat until mixture reaches a slow simmer. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients. 

Prepare a large casserole dish or baking sheet with non-stick spray. Using a cookie scoop, portion small rounds of mixture onto casserole dish or baking sheet. Mixture should be firm enough that the mixture stays in a ball rather than flattening out when placed on baking pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 - 60 minutes. Makes about 75 meatballs.

BBQ Sauce

1 1/2 cups fresh tomato sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/4 cup molasses
1 Tbsp. honey
4 tsp. tamari, wheat free
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. liquid smoke

Place all ingredients in saucepan and stir well. After combining, cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.

Before serving, pour warmed BBQ sauce over the meatballs (hot out of the oven). 

Enjoy!

*Textured Vegetable Protein is sometimes called TVP. It can be a gluten or  soy product. The soy version is readily available and is available for gluten-free vegetarians. It's called either TVP or TSP.  The light colored (chicken style) TVP generally does not contain gluten, but the dark (beef style) always does. Soy Curls can be used instead. They are a dehydrated soybean and work very well in this recipe. 

Breakfast Tacos

A family who cooks together enjoys spending time together. Brandon enjoys cooking and recently he made a recipe that he found on the Internet. He converted it to vegetarian and made a few other adjustments for his tastes. Yum, was it ever good! It's now on the 'family favorites' list. Brandon made this recipe twice last week and I'm sure he'll make it again soon!

Breakfast Tacos

Part 1
Flour Tortillas

2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
3/4 cup warm water

Blend flour, salt, baking powder, and shortening together until the texture of coarse cornmeal. Slowly add water until dough is soft (more water may be needed, but don't use too much). Knead dough and then form into 8 -10 balls the size of golf balls. Set aside for 20 minutes with a damp cloth over the surface to keep from drying out.

Filling A

4 - 6 potatoes
olive oil
salt

Peel potatoes and dice into cubes. Fry in olive oil in a hot skillet. Season to taste. Use medium-high heat, as the centers of the potato pieces need time to soften. High heat will brown edges before centers are done. Set aside when done.

Filling B

4 corn tortillas
olive oil

Dice four corn tortillas into squares. Fry in olive oil in a hot skillet. Set aside when browned.

Filling C

1 block extra-firm tofu, crumbled
1 sweet onion
1/2 cup chopped olives
2 oz. pimento peppers
1 Tbsp. chicken-style seasoning*
olive oil

*Bill's Best Chicknish or McKay's Chicken-Style Seasoning are both vegetarian

Crumble tofu into a small bowl. Add chicken-style seasoning and stir together. Set aside. In a hot skillet, heat olive oil and saute' onion. When soft, add crumbled tofu. Fry until browned. Add pimento peppers and black olives. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the flour tortillas. Flatten each ball between hands and then use a rolling pin to form a thin cake. Bake on a hot, dry skillet. When the first side starts to bubble and brown, turn and brown the top-side.

Prepare breakfast tacos by placing a portion of the potato topping, the corn tortilla topping, and tofu topping in the center. Fold over and garnish as desired with cilantro, red pepper sauce, and olives.

*For gluten-free option, prepare as given, but omit the flour tortilla and use a corn tortilla as a replacement.

Lemon Verbena with Berries

• 1 1/2 cups cashews
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup packed lemon balm leaves (we used lemon verbena leaves instead)
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup agave (any sweetener of choice will work)
• 1 Meyer lemon with peeling left on

Mix all ingredients together in a Vitamix or strong blender until creamy and smooth. Once the appropriate texture is achieved, add lemon verbena leaves and blend only until they are broken up and blended briefly. I like to have some little green bits of verbena leaves seen in the mixture.

Chill mixture and process through an ice cream machine.

Refreshing! You may substitute berries that are available to you. This recipe also works well with lemon balm (substitute in equal amounts).

*For a dairy version of this frozen dessert, replace the water and cashews with your favorite ice cream recipe.

Basil & Tea Truffles

The floral snowballs also remind me of real snowballs! The kind that are hard when they hit you and that melt when you try to bring them inside! And they remind me of the quintessential Hostess Snowball. Do you remember them? They were a concoction of chocolate cake covered in marshmallow and rolled in coconut. So tempting in the package at the store, but mother would never buy them {they are "just fluff" she'd say and "not good for growing kids"}. But how pretty they were! Instead we'd use the idea to make homemade truffles at home and sis and I would roll them in unsweetened, flaked coconut until they were as dense and pretty as the blossoms on the snowball tree!

And you can make some too! Here's a recipe I enjoy. Find the coconut and you can roll to your heart's content. The recipe even includes tea!

Basil & Tea Truffles

• 2 cups soy creamer
• 1/2 cup packed, fresh basil
• 2 tea bags, Earl Grey tea
• Pinch of salt
• 1 lb. chocolate, bittersweet, chopped
• Crushed cookies (gluten-free if necessary), toasted chopped nuts, shredded coconut or cocoa powder, for rolling.

Bring the cream to a low simmer over medium heat. Then remove from heat and add tea bags and basil leaves. Steep for 15 minutes. Then strain mixture and discard the solids. Return the pan of infused cream to the heat and simmer for five more minutes. Then, stir in chocolate until melted and combined. 

Cover mixture and place in fridge. Cool completely (2 hours or overnight). 

When ready to create truffles, place the topping or toppings of your choice in bowls. Use a spoon to scoop by teaspoonful and make a rounded 1 inch ball. Then roll in one of the toppings listed above. Each truffle should be well coated. 

Store truffles in a covered container in the fridge until ready for use.

Simplest of Simple Waffles

Simplest of Simple Waffles

1 cups water
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup rolled oats, gluten free if necessary

Preheat waffle iron. Using a blender, mix all ingredients together until very smooth. Pour batter into a prepared, hot waffle iron. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes. The waffles should be golden brown and crispy. Serve with maple syrup and peanut butter or canned fruit. Also good with a frozen dessert like sherbet.

Serves: 1 or 2

Enjoy! Recipe may be doubled to serve more.

Tofu Walnut Burgers

Sometimes it is difficult to find a tasty gluten-free and vegan burger patty.  I'm always on the look-out for a great recipe in this category.  I think this recipe is a keeper.  We had these for lunch today and they were delicious!  The original recipe called for bread crumbs instead of the Rice Chex I used, and if you have gluten-free bread crumbs, they could be substituted.  You can also use your favorite gluten-free flour or egg replacer as a substitute for the gar/fava or soy flour if you'd like.  Enjoy!

Tofu Walnut Burgers

1/2 pound tofu, extra firm
1 cup oatmeal, uncooked (gluten free)
1 cup Rice Chex (gluten free)
1/3 cup gar/fava or soy flour
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons Bill's Best Chicknish'
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon mineral salt
1 teaspoon sage
1 cup water, more if necessary

Rinse and drain tofu.  Crumble with hands into a bowl.  Add oatmeal, crushed Rice Chex, and gar/fava or soy flour.  Stir well, then add finely chopped onion, walnuts, and seasonings.  After well-blended, add water and stir gently.  Allow mixture to sit for a few minutes so water can absorb.  If mixture is dry, add a little more water so that a consistency suitable for molding into patties is obtained.  Be careful not to make the mixture too wet.  Form into burger patties and place on a baking stone and bake in a 350 degree oven until baked for twenty minutes, then turned and browned ten minutes more.  Or fry slowly in coconut or olive oil until patties are a golden brown.

This recipe can be made into meat balls as well.  Serve with gravy, pasta and sauce, or in a burger bun for a delicious sandwich.

Makes 16 burgers (or 24 small patties).

Zucchini with Linguine

4 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large zucchini, diced*
2 tsp. garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
12 oz. linguine pasta, gluten free if necessary (Tinkyada brand)
1 cup soymilk, unsweetened
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley
4 - 6 Tbsp. [vegan] Parmesan cheese*

Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain when tender and set aside.

Saute' zucchini in olive oil until tender. Add salt and red pepper flakes. When zucchini is soft, add soymilk. Simmer until milk is reduce by about half.

Stir in chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese substitute. Add linguine and stir until mixed.

Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Delicious!

*I used a golden zucchini and left the peelings on because they were tender.

Flax Crackers

I just made these and they are too good not to share! A tasty way to get your fiber. 

2 cups flax seeds, ground
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 cup water (hot water makes rolling very easy)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mix until well blended. Divide dough in half. Roll each half on a baking stone. Score into diamonds or squares. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 -18 minutes.

*I use a pizza cutter to score (cut) into crackers. No need to separate them on the baking stone.

*Alter flavorings as desired: 1 Tbsp. garlic powder; or stevia for sweetening; or 1 tsp. of your favorite dried herb.

*Golden flax seeds seems to tolerate longer baking times than regular brown ones. If you like crispy crackers, bake longer, but keep track of them as they bake.

A non-grain cracker that is a friendly gluten-free option to a traditional cracker.

Sally's Gingery Soy Curl and Noodle Soup

3 oz. (gluten free) noodles, dried
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 yellow onion, large, chopped
1 Tbsp. ginger, fresh, minced
1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups water
4 Tbsp. Bill’s Best Chicknish’
2 Tbsp. tamari
1 cup Soy Curls, rehydrated
1 cup lima beans (or edamame)
1 cup soy milk, plain
¼ cup cilantro, fresh, chopped

Cook noodles in water until tender (about 5 - 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until tender and translucent. Add the ginger and carrot. Saute for 1 minute. Add the garlic and saute’ for 30 seconds more (do not allow to brown). Add the stock and tamari and bring to a boil. Add the Soy Curls and lima beans (edamame) and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the lima beans (edamame) is tender; about 4 minutes. Add the cooked noodles and soy milk. Cook until heated through. Do not let boil.

Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Ladle into warmed, individual bowls and serve immediately.

Serves 8

Veggie Meatballs in BBQ Sauce

Veggie Meatballs in BBQ Sauce

2 - 3 cups textured vegetable protein* OR Soy Curls
4 cups water
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup oats, certified gluten-free
Generous dash of cayenne pepper
Juice of one lemon
2 Tbsp. flour (garbanzo/fava is my gluten free favorite)
1/2 cup pecan meal
2 Tbsp. tamari, wheat free
3 cloves garlic, crushed OR 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 1/2 Tbsp. chicken-style seasoning (McKay's or Bill's Best Chicknish)
1 1/2 cup bread crumbs, gluten free**
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

In a saucepan, soak textured vegetable protein (or soy curls) in water to rehydrate. Add oats. Cook over medium heat until mixture reaches a slow simmer. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients. 

Prepare a large casserole dish or baking sheet with non-stick spray. Using a cookie scoop, portion small rounds of mixture onto casserole dish or baking sheet. Mixture should be firm enough that the mixture stays in a ball rather than flattening out when placed on baking pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 - 60 minutes. Makes about 75 meatballs.

BBQ Sauce

1 1/2 cups fresh tomato sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/4 cup molasses
1 Tbsp. honey
4 tsp. tamari, wheat free
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. liquid smoke

Place all ingredients in saucepan and stir well. After combining, cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.

Before serving, pour warmed BBQ sauce over the meatballs (hot out of the oven). 

Enjoy!

*Textured Vegetable Protein is sometimes called TVP. It can be a gluten or  soy product. The soy version is readily available and is available for gluten-free vegetarians. It's called either TVP or TSP.  The light colored (chicken style) TVP generally does not contain gluten, but the dark (beef style) always does. Soy Curls can be used instead. They are a dehydrated soybean and work very well in this recipe. 

**Bread Crumbs: I used a store-bought, whole grain, gluten-free bread from Costco called Silver Hills brand.

Holiday Green Salad with Raspberry Lemon Dressing

Holiday Green Salad with Raspberry Lemon Dressing

1 lb. red and green artisan lettuces, torn into 1" pieces
1 medium green apple, peeled and diced
1 avocado, diced into 1" cubes
1 Tbsp. dried cranberries
2/3 cup corn kernels, defrosted

Prepare ingredients and toss together in a serving bowl.

- - -

Raspberry Lemon Dressing

1 small package raspberries
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup raspberry apple juice, concentrated OR raspberry white grape juice concentrate
1 to 2 packets stevia
1/2 cup lemon juice, fresh
3 Tbsp. black cherry fruit spread, fruit juice sweetened
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard OR 1 Tbsp. mustard powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. poppy seeds

Place all ingredients except poppy seeds in a blender. Whiz until well blended. Pour into serving pitcher and stir in poppy seeds.

Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Artichoke and Spinach Dip

1 - 8 oz. container Tofutti cream cheese (soy) OR dairy cream cheese
1 - 14 oz. jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed
1/4 cup Veganaise (or mayonnaise)
1/4 parmesan cheese (vegan version is made from chopped almonds and nutritional yeast)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients together until creamy. Serve on toast points or in a hollowed out bread bowl.

Chocolate Pumpkin Torte

A torte is a rich, multi-layered cake that contains a filling of whipped cream, jam, mousse, jams, or fruits. Sometimes they are iced or glazed. Other times they are served with whipped topping mounded on the top. 

Chocolate Pumpkin Torte

1 3/4 cup flour (may be a gluten-free flour blend of choice)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder*
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 1/3 cup coconut milk
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 - 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 Tbsp. flax seed
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
Non-dairy whipped topping

Sift dry ingredients together in large bowl. In another bowl, mix together liquid ingredients. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Place batter into a prepared, oblong cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes. Test for doneness. Remove from oven and cool. Then slice in 1/2 lengthwise. Place whipped topping between layers. Add a dollop of whipped topping to the top of each slice when serving. Garnish with mint leaves and fresh raspberries or other fruit.

*carob powder may be used instead of cocoa.

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies

2 cups flour*
1 cup pecan meal
1 cup sugar
1 cup coconut, shredded
1/2 cup oil
2/3 cup water
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. almond flour
strawberry jam, fruit sweetened

Mix all ingredients except strawberry jam together in a mixing bowl. Adjust water amount, adding more if the dough is too dry to form into small balls.

Form dough into small balls and place on prepared baking stone or cookie sheet. Use thumb to form a hole in the center of each cookie. Fill with strawberry jam.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes.

*your favorite gluten-free flour or flour blend will work great.

Coconut Cream Pie

Here's one of my favorite "easy" dessert recipes that.  It says to pour it into a pie crust or graham cracker crust, but if you don't have time --- it makes a great custard pudding as well.  Simple and delicious!

Coconut Cream Pie

3 1/2 cup vanilla flavored rice milk*

1/2 cup honey (or alternative liquid sweetener)

6 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 cups coconut, unsweetened**

2 Tbsp. coconut extract

Save 1/2 cup of the rice milk to use with the cornstarch for thickening.  Bring the remaining ingredients to a slow boil and then add the cornstarch/milk mixture.  Stir constantly until a rolling boil

is achieved.  Remove from heat.  Pour into a baked graham cracker crust or pie shell.  Cool completely, then serve and enjoy.

* soymilk will work fine; if using unflavored, add a 1/2 tsp. of vanilla flavoring

**sweetened coconut will work as well

***for gluten-free option, use gluten free pie crust

Doubly Delicious Nougat Bars

Doubly Delicious Nougat Bars

4 Tbsp. peanut butter
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup coconut
3 cups millet, cooked
4 Tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (or nuts)
1/2 cup brown rice syrup

Mix all ingredients together. Form into small balls. Chill until ready to serve. Roll nougats in cocoa powder, fine coconut, or powdered sugar if desired.

Elegant Chestnut Soup

Elegant Chestnut Soup
Makes 4 servings

3 cups water chestnuts, roasted and peeled
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 1/4 cups water
1 tsp. tamari
1 dash nutmeg, optional
1 Tbsp. oil
1/4 cup celery, chopped
3/4 cup apple juice
1 vegetable bouillon cube, broth OR 1 tsp. chicken-style seasoning

To roast chestnuts: Choose fresh, firm, unwrinkled chestnuts with no signs of mold. On the flat side of each chestnut, make two cuts with a small, sharp knife from one end to the other, making an X. Place the chestnuts, cut side up, on a low baking sheet with a thin layer of water on the bottom. Bake the chestnuts for 20 - 25 minutes at 350 degrees F. until browned and the cuts peel back naturally from the heat. Test one chestnut to check is the "meat" is tender. When tender, remove from oven. Cool only slightly, then peel and enjoy or use in recipes. Some people like to boil the cut chestnuts for easier peeling. 

Prepare chestnuts. Peel off the outer shell and the fuzzy skin before using the inner chestnut meat.

Heat the oil until hot and saute the onion until semi-tender. Add the celery and saute until both are very tender. Blend the water and apple juice with the chestnuts and all the remaining ingredients.* Simmer everything on low to medium heat (do NOT boil) for about 15 - 20 minutes or until hot throughout and the flavors mingle. Enjoy this rich and tantalizing soup with extra chopped or ground nuts as garnish.

Keeps 4 - 6 days refrigerated.

Variations:  Double the vegetable broth and omit tamari if desired. Apple juice can be replaced with 1/2 cup applesauce and an additional 1/4 cup of water.

Festive Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

1 cup brown rice flour
1/2 cup corn starch
1 tsp. xanthan gum
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup white rice flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. sea salt
3 cups carrots
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup oil
1/4 cup cranberries, dried OR craisins
3 egg substitutions*

Mix together using a Kitchen Aid or hand mixer. When well blended, pour into an oiled and floured pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40 - 50 minutes.

*Powdered egg replacer, flax gel slurry, or gar/fava slurry - OR - use eggs.

Vegan & Gluten Free

Delicious with a cup of 
Celestial Seasonings
Candy Cane Lane Tea

*This recipe gets rave reviews; people won't even know it is gluten-free or vegan. Nice and moist. Make into cupcakes and decorate with a holiday theme for a festive addition to your holiday!