Tag: lunch

  • Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

    Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

    Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwiches


    You can find a crispy chicken sandwich on every corner these days, but they are not all equal. Making one yourself means you get to have it just how you like it, and you know what’s in it! With some kale slaw and thinly sliced red onion, you’re getting good vegetables and added crunch. The sweet heat of hot honey will keep you wanting more! It may be sticky, but that just makes it finger licking good. 

    Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

    Course dinner, entree, Lunch
    Keyword chicken, dinner, entree, lunch, sandwich
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 4 breaded chicken breasts
    • 4 hamburger buns
    • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1 ½ cups kale slaw
    • 1 red onion thinly sliced
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened

    Hot Honey

    • ½ cup honey
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red chilies
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Instructions

    • In a small saucepan, combine hot honey ingredients and warm over low heat for a few minutes to infuse honey with spices. Turn off heat and set aside.
    • Prepare chicken breast based on package instructions.*
    • Spread butter on buns and toast in a large skillet on low until golden.
    • Spread mayonnaise on the top bun and assemble sandwich with slaw, chicken, onions, and hot honey. Serve promptly.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    *To make your own breaded chicken, combine 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of each salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and baking soda. Beat two large eggs together. Take each piece of chicken and dredge in flour then in eggs and back into the flour mixture. Shallow fry or air fry at 350F until internal temperature reaches 165F and continue with recipe. Cooking time varies based on size of chicken breasts.
    Substitute breaded chicken with a plant-based version to be meat-free.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Lightly Salted Rice Cakes with Basil Chicken Salad

    Lightly Salted Rice Cakes with Basil Chicken Salad

    Lightly Salted Rice Cakes with Basil Chicken Salad


    For a light lunch or satisfying snack, try topping Lightly Salted Rice Cakes with Basil Chicken Salad! Our recipe calls for fresh herbs and Greek yogurt to create a creamy texture and tangy flavor that’s perfectly balanced by organic brown rice. Plus, this pairing is packed with protein and plenty of whole grains to fill you up without weighing you down. Isn’t that delicious? 🌾😋 ⁠

    Lightly Salted Rice Cakes with Basil Chicken Salad

    Course Lunch, Snack
    Keyword chicken salad, gluten free, lunch, rice cakes, snack

    Ingredients

    • 8 Lundberg Organic Brown Rice Cakes
    • 2 chicken breasts
    • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
    • 2 cups red grapes halved
    • 2 cups honeycrisp apples diced
    • cup red onion diced
    • 1 cup almonds chopped
    • 2 cups greek yogurt
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • cups basil thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 tablespoons dill chopped
    • 2 teaspoons sea salt
    • 2 teaspoons black pepper
    • Basil for garnish
    • Parsley for garnish
    • Black pepper for garnish

    Instructions

    • Season chicken breasts with sea salt and sauté in neutral oil on medium-high, turning occasionally. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 10 minutes, dice, and refrigerate in a large bowl until cooled.
    • Add grapes, apples, red onion, and almonds to chilled chicken. Stir to fully incorporate. Add greek yogurt, mayo, basil, honey, dill, sea salt, and black pepper. Fold to fully incorporate.
    • Spread on Lundberg Organic Lightly Salted Rice Cakes. Top with basil, parsley, and black pepper.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Broccoli Stem Stir Fry

    Broccoli Stem Stir Fry

    Broccoli Stem Stir Fry

    Thanks to Christine Waltermyer & The Natural Kitchen Cooking School!

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    Happy Earth Month! Let’s talk about food waste. Did you know every year, each American throws out about 1,200 pounds of organic garbage that could be composted? There are other ways to decrease this amount (other than simply composting). One way is to use your food scraps to make another recipe! Check out this Earth friendly Broccoli Stem Stir Fry recipe thanks to Christine Waltermyer and The Natural Kitchen Cooking School. All ingredients can be found at your local Basil Bandwagon Natural Market.

    Broccoli Stem Stir Fry

    Course dinner, entree, Lunch
    Keyword dinner, entree, lunch, stir fry
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups carrots sliced into rounds or "lozenges" (I refer to this as the ribbon cut in my video)
    • 2 cups peeled broccoli stems sliced
    • ½ cup scallions sliced
    • ¼ cup broth
    • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • Sea salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the broth and heat it briefly.
    • Add the carrots and a few drops of the coconut aminos. Cook and stir for a minute or two. Add the broccoli stems. Cook and stir for another minute or two.
    • Add the remaining coconut aminos, scallions, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Cook and stir for a minute. Cover and cook for a few more minutes. Continue cooking to your desired tenderness. Depending how long you cook this, you may need to add a splash of water or more coconut aminos to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pan. If needed, adjust seasoning to taste by adding a little more seasoning.
    • Plate and serve warm. Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Chipotle-Inspired Vegan Bowl

    Chipotle-Inspired Vegan Bowl

    Chipotle-Inspired Vegan Bowl

    Thanks to Christine Waltermyer & The Natural Kitchen Cooking School

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    Do you have a hard time cooking rice? Thanks to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, you can learn the best tips and tricks for making the perfect, fluffy rice – just like your favorite restaurants do!

    What could make this even better? Learning how to make Chipotle-Inspired Vegan Bowls!

    All ingredients – including Lotus Foods Rice (on sale!) – can be found at your favorite Basil Bandwagon Natural Market today.

    Chipotle-Inspired Vegan Bowl

    Course dinner, Lunch, Main Course
    Keyword chipotle, dinner, lunch, vegan
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup dried black beans

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    • 1 cup Lotus Foods pink rice or other uncooked rice of your choice
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon sliced scallion
    • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

    Carrot Pico De Gallo

    • 2 large carrots diced (about 2 cups)
    • ¼ cup diced red onion
    • Sea salt to taste
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice

    Guacamole

    • 2 avocados
    • 2 teaspoons lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon diced red onion
    • 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
    • Sea salt

    Pumfu & Mushrooms

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 8 ounces button mushrooms sliced
    • 8 ounces Pumfu diced

    For The Bowls

    • Shredded lettuce
    • 8 ounces dairy-free sour cream (I used Kite Hill)
    • 4 ounces shredded vegan cheese or cheese of your choice (I used Nuts for Cheese Black Garlic)
    • Fresh cilantro chopped
    • Primal Kitchen Cilantro Lime

    Instructions

    • Cook the black beans according to package directions.
    • Rinse the rice. Bring a medium size pot of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice. Boil it for a few minutes. Drain through a strainer and rinse. Place the rice back in the pot and add 1 ¾ cup fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 40 minutes or until tender. Place in a bowl to cool. Add the lime juice, scallion and cilantro. Stir well.
    • Place the diced carrots in a medium pot. Add 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, for 20 minutes. Drain any remaining water and place the carrots in a bowl. Add the remaining Pico De Gallo ingredients. Stir well. Set aside.
    • Make the guacamole. Remove the pits from the avocados. Scoop out the avocado and place it in a large bowl. Partially mash the avocado. Add the remaining guacamole ingredients and stir to combine.
    • Prepare the Pumfu and mushrooms: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch or two of sea salt. Cook and stir for a few minutes. Add a tablespoon of the dairy-free sour cream. Cook and stir for a few minutes. Add the Pumfu. If you want to add seasonings like fajita seasoning, add it at this point. Cook for 5 more minutes.
    • Assemble your bowls: Add a scoop of cilantro lime rice to each bowl. You can arrange the ingredients in rows or scoops around the bowl. Add a portion of beans, lettuce, guacamole, carrot pico de gallo, and Pumfu-mushroom mixture. Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese and a drizzle of dressing. Sprinkle with some cilantro.
    • Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Vegan Potato Soup

    Vegan Potato Soup

    Vegan Potato Soup

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    Soups’ on! How do you keep yourself warm during the colder months? There are plenty of different ways – like warm sweaters, cozy blankets, and sitting by the fireplace. But our favorite way is enjoying a delicious hot soup with family and friends. Thanks to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, we may have found our next favorite soup recipe – and it’s vegan! Featuring all products that can be found at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market 😊

    Vegan Potato Soup

    Course Lunch, Main Course, Soup
    Keyword dinner, lunch, main course, soup
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 3 medium white flesh sweet potatoes such as Hannah or Japanese sweet potatoes peeled (or an equivalent amount of white potatoes)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup onion diced (about 1 medium onion)
    • Sea salt
    • 2 stalks celery diced
    • 2 carrots peeled and diced
    • 4 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 6 oz package Lightlife Tempeh Smoky Bacon
    • Avocado oil
    • 1 cup thinly sliced leeks
    • ½ cup coconut cream

    Instructions

    • Peel the sweet potatoes. Cut into small dice pieces and place them in a pot of cold, salted water.
    • Heat a large skillet or large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the olive oil, onion and a pinch of the sea salt. Cook and stir for a few minutes. Add the carrots, celery and another pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for five minutes. If the vegetables begin to stick to the pan add a small splash of vegetable broth or water.
    • Meanwhile, in a medium size saucepan, warm the vegetable broth over medium heat. If you used a skillet, transfer the cooked vegetables to a large soup pot. Drain the potatoes and add them to the pot. Add the warmed vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to simmer on medium low, lightly covered, for 20 minutes.
    • Cut the tempeh bacon strips in half. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add about a tablespoon of the avocado oil, then add the tempeh bacon in a single layer. Fry for a few minutes on one side, then turn to fry on the other side for a few more minutes, until lightly browned on both sides. Remove and transfer to a plate to cool. Chop the cooked tempeh into smaller pieces.
    • To the soup pot, add the coconut cream, 1 teaspoon of sea salt and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Puree one third of the soup by using an immersion blender. Or, place a few cups of the soup into a blender and blend until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir to combine.
    • In the large skillet, heat another 2 teaspoons of the avocado oil. Add the leeks, a pinch of sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook and stir for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the leeks are very tender and lightly browned. Serve the soup hot, topping each bowl with a tablespoon of the tempeh bacon bits and a couple of teaspoons of sautéed leeks.
    • Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • 6 Easy Breakfast & Lunch Ideas thanks to Christine Waltermyer!

    6 Easy Breakfast & Lunch Ideas thanks to Christine Waltermyer!

    6 Easy Breakfast & Lunch Ideas

    thanks to Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    We’re more than halfway through the first half of this school year! 🤓 What better time to switch up your breakfast and lunch routines. Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School have whipped up 6 easy recipes for us – 3 before-school breakfasts to keep them full until lunch 🧇 & 3 school lunch ideas that your kids will look forward to eating! 🥗

    Easy Before-School Breakfast Ideas

    Carob Smoothie

    Course Breakfast
    Keyword breakfast, easy, smoothie
    Servings 1

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup shredded coconut
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 ripe avocado pitted and peeled
    • ¼ cup cooked pumpkin puree
    • dash sea salt
    • 1 heaping tablespoon carob or cacao powder
    • teaspoon vanilla powder
    • stevia or honey to taste

    Instructions

    • Place the shredded coconut and water into a blender. Blend on high for a few minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Strain through a nut milk bag if desired.
    • In the blender, place the milk and all remaining ingredients. Puree until smooth.
    • Optional: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or some walnuts to add protein to this smoothie.
    • Enjoy!

    Carrot Spice Waffles with Maple Almond Butter

    Course Breakfast
    Keyword breakfast, easy, waffles
    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup almond flour
    • 2 tablespoons coconut flour
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
    • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons Lakanto monk fruit sweetener with erythritol
    • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
    • ¼ cup avocado oil or melted coconut oil optional
    • 2 eggs
    • ½ cup shredded carrot

    Maple Almond Butter Topping:

    • ¼ cup almond butter
    • ¼ cup maple syrup

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, sea salt, baking powder, vanilla powder, pumpkin pie spice, and monk fruit sweetener. Whisk to blend together.
    • Add the almond milk and optional avocado oil if using. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, then add them to the almond flour mixture. Stir well. Add the shredded carrot and fold in gently.
    • Preheat the waffle iron. Just before adding the batter, lightly brush with a silicone brush or spray the waffle iron with a little avocado oil or coconut oil. Using a spoon or measuring cup, quickly add half of the batter (about 1 cup). Spread it evenly over the waffle iron, then close it.
    • If you have the kind of waffle iron you can flip, cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip it. Cook for an additional 2 ½ minutes on the other side. If you have a regular waffle iron that does not flip, just cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
    • Carefully open the waffle iron. Let the cooked waffle cool slightly before removing. Repeat with remaining batter.
    • To make the maple almond butter topping: In a small bowl, mix together the almond butter and maple syrup. Serve the waffles warm, spread with the maple almond butter.
    • Enjoy!

    Egg Muffin Cups

    Course Breakfast
    Keyword breakfast, eggs, muffins
    Servings 12 cups

    Ingredients

    • cup diced red onion
    • water or cooking oil of your choice
    • sea salt
    • cup carrot finely diced
    • 10 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon prepared dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • a few pinches freshly ground black pepper
    • coconut oil or avocado oil for the muffin tin
    • 1 cup cooked broccoli florets

    Instructions

    • Heat a medium size cast iron skillet or other skillet of your choice over medium heat. Add the red onion, a small splash of water and a pinch of the sea salt. Cook for a few minutes, until they start to soften. Add the carrots, and another pinch of sea salt and splash of water. Cook for another few minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
    • Crack all of the eggs into a large bowl. Beat the eggs. Add the Dijon mustard, sea salt and black pepper. Stir again.
    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Prepare your muffin tin by generously greasing each muffin cup with some coconut oil or avocado oil. Add a spoonful of the cooked red onion-carrot mixture to each cup, evenly distributing the veggies among the 12 muffin cups.
    • Pour some of the egg mixture into each muffin cup, dividing equally. Bake for 25 minutes or until the tops are set and no longer wet. Cool for 15 minutes. Use a knife around the edges to release the egg muffin cups from the muffin tin.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    School Lunch Ideas

    Salmon Patties with Dill Sauce

    Course Lunch, Main Course
    Keyword Kids, lunch, patties, salmon

    Ingredients

    • 15 ounces canned wild-caught salmon (or cooked fresh salmon)
    • 2 eggs
    • cup almond flour
    • 2 scallions thinly sliced
    • ¼ cup minced parsley
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt (+ more for sprinkling on the finished patties)
    • a few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or coconut oil for frying

    For the Dill Sauce:

    • ½ cup avocado mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Drain the canned salmon and place in a large bowl.
    • Add the eggs, almond flour, scallions, parsley, sea salt and pepper. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
    • Form the salmon mixture into 7 or so patties.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the avocado or coconut oil, and quickly add the salmon patties. Depending on the size of your skillet, you can add all of them or just 4 patties at a time.
    • Cook for about 4 or 5 minutes on one side. Using a spatula, carefully turn each patty. Fry for another few minutes on the other side.
    • To make the dill sauce: In a small bowl, combine all of the dill sauce ingredients. Stir well. Serve the salmon patties warm, drizzled with the dill sauce.
    • Enjoy!

    Salmon Salad with Lettuce Cups

    Course Lunch, Main Course
    Keyword Kids, lunch, salad, salmon

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces frozen wild salmon thawed
    • sea salt & pepper
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or coconut oil
    • 2 tablespoons celery minced
    • 1 tablespoon onion minced
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons fresh dill finely chopped
    • cup avocado mayonnaise
    • To Serve: butter lettuce, radicchio

    Instructions

    • Pat the salmon dry using a paper towel. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
    • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the avocado oil, then quickly add the salmon, flesh side-down. Cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the salmon. Cook for three more minutes on the other side.
    • Once the salmon has cooled to the touch, remove any bones. You can also remove the skin and gray-colored fat if desired. Using a fork, flake the salmon apart. Place the prepared salmon in a large bowl.
    • Add the celery, onion, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper to taste, fresh dill and mayonnaise. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
    • Fill radicchio or butter lettuce leaves with a generous spoonful of the salmon salad per leaf.
    • Enjoy!

    Broccoli & Carrots with Homemade Guacamole

    Course Lunch, Snack
    Keyword guacamole, Kids, lunch, snack, vegetables
    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup carrot sticks or flat planks
    • 1 cup broccoli – a combination of broccoli florets & peeled stems sliced
    • sea salt
    • 1 avocado pitted
    • 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro chopped
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
    • black pepper to taste
    • 1 tablespoon chopped onion
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice or more to taste

    Instructions

    • In a medium saucepan, bring a few inches of lightly salted water to a boil over medium high heat. Keep a strainer or colander nearby, with a plate underneath. Drop the broccoli florets and peeled stems into the water. Cook for a few minutes.
    • Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon. Place them in the strainer to cool.
    • Bring the water back to a boil, then drop in the carrot planks. Cook for a few minutes. Remove the carrot planks with a slotted spoon. Place them in the strainer to cool.
    • Make the guacamole: In a large bowl, mash the avocados. Add the sea salt and black pepper to taste. Add the lime juice, cilantro, chopped onion and lime juice. Stir well.
    • Serve the cooled vegetables and guacamole, or pack them into a portioned lunch container as a snack on the go.
    • Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Christine Waltermyer’s Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing

    Christine Waltermyer’s Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing

    Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing

    thanks to Christine Waltermyer!

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    What comes to mind when you think about the first day of spring? For us, it’s bright, fresh, fruits and vegetables to help energize us through the day. Thanks to Christine Waltermyer, we can combine all of that into a delicious & nutritious power bowl that’s perfect for lunch or dinner! Check out the recipe below…

    Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing

    Course Main Course
    Keyword dressing, power bowl, quinoa, vegan

    Equipment

    • Baking pan
    • Small saucepan
    • Large skillet
    • Medium bowl

    Ingredients

    • 1 large sweet potato or yam peeled and diced (½-inch dices)
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vinegar or vegetable broth)
    • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 cup quinoa (I used the pre-rinsed kind)
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • ½ red onion thinly sliced
    • 16 ounces sliced button mushrooms
    • 1 medium zucchini cut into half moons
    • ½ cup corn kernels
    • 2-4 tablespoons sesame tahini
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • The juice of one orange
    • 1 avocado pitted and diced
    • 13 ounces cooked kidney beans (I used the Jovial brand)
    • Fresh parsley chopped, as a garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
    • Place the peeled and chopped sweet potato in a baking pan. Lightly drizzle it with 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with onion powder and garlic powder. Mix the seasoning into the sweet potato with your hands. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until fork-tender.
    • Meanwhile prepare the quinoa. In a small saucepan, place the quinoa. Add 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add an optional pinch of sea salt. Reduce the heat to simmer on low, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of the avocado oil. Add the onion and cook and stir for a minute or two. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for a minute, then cover with a tight-fitting lid to help release the moisture from the mushrooms. Cook for several minutes over medium heat. If it seems to be dry on the bottom you can add a teaspoon or so of water.
    • Add the garlic, corn and zucchini to the mushrooms. Cook and stir briefly, then season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for a few more minutes. Uncover and stir.
    • Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and fresh orange juice. Whisk together and add more tahini if a thicker consistency is desired.
    • Place the avocado in a small bowl. If not serving the bowls right away you can toss it with a little lemon juice, lime juice or vinegar to prevent browning.
    • Now arrange the bowls. In two serving bowls, place a scoop of the cooked quinoa (there will be leftovers or enough for a third or fourth bowl), a portion of kidney beans, some sweet potato and the sautéed mushrooms, zucchini and corn. Add some avocado as well.
      Bonus! If you want to add a teaspoon of raw sauerkraut or another raw pickle that adds a nice touch.
    • Wipe the edges of the bowls if needed. Top with a drizzle of the tahini dressing over all of the ingredients. Sprinkle with optional chopped parsley.

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Plant-Based Meal Prep with Christine Waltermyer

    Plant-Based Meal Prep with Christine Waltermyer

    Plant-Based Meal Prep – What to Eat in A Day

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”

    BREAKFAST

    Creamy Brown Rice Cereal with Apple Pear Compote

    Serves 1

    Ingredients

    1 cup cooked brown rice

    1 cup water

    1 pear, cored and chopped

    1 apple, cored and chopped

    Small handful of walnuts

    Cinnamon

    1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus extra for drizzling


    Method

    1. Chop up the fruit and place in a small pot with a pinch of sea salt. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. 

    2. Place the brown rice and water in a small pot. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to simmer on low for 20 minutes or so, tilting the lid to avoid cookovers.

    3. Chop the walnuts. Using a potato masher, you can partly mash the rice at this point.

    4. Place the cooked brown rice cereal in a bowl. Top with desired amount of apple pear compote and walnuts, adding extra maple syrup if you wish.


    LUNCH

    Vegetarian Sushi

    Serves 1-2

    Ingredients

    1 cup cooked brown rice

    1 sheet sushi nori

    1 package Pumfu or firm tofu, cut into long strips

    1-2 tablespoons almond butter (or peanut butter) – I used the sprouted kind

    2 tablespoons raw sauerkraut, drained and pressed to remove liquid

    3-4 long thin carrot strips

    2 cups kale leaves, chopped up

    Coconut aminos or soy sauce 

    Equipment: bamboo sushi mat


    Method

    1. Steam the carrot strips and kale in a steamer basket over boiling water, covered, for 5 minutes or until the carrots and kale are tender but still brightly colored. 

    2. Place the pumfu or tofu strips in a frypan with a ¼ cup water and 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos or soy sauce. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat to simmer on medium low for about 15 minutes, or until the water has cooked off. Transfer the pumpfu or tofu to a plate to cool.

    3. Place the nori on a sushi mat. Cover most of the lower portion of the nori sheet with rice, leaving about an inch on top that is uncovered. Add a horizontal line of the almond butter, then add the carrots, pumfu and kale. Using your thumbs, lift the sushi mat up and over the fillings. Tuck the nori and rice over them and roll forward, pulling out the mat. Tightly tuck the roll, then roll all the way forward and tuck again. Using a sawing motion, carefully slice the sushi roll in half, and then into about 8 pieces. Serve with coconut aminos or soy sauce.


    DINNER

    Mexican Buddha Bowl

    Serves 1-2

    Ingredients

    2 – 4 tortillas of your choice (I love the Siete brand almond flour tortillas)

    1 13-oz.  jar or can kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans (Jovial brand is great)

    1 medium red onion, diced

    3 cloves garlic, minced

    cumin

    Cilantro

    ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

    2 carrots, peeled and diced

    Olive oil

    Japanese yams

    Avocados

    1 to 2 limes

    Shredded lettuce

    1 cup cooked quinoa

    Dressing:

    3 tablespoons olive oil

    1 – 2 tablespoons lime juice

    ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    1-2 teaspoons chopped cilantro

    Optional: 1 – 2 teaspoons maple syrup


    Method

    1. In a small pot, cover the carrots with water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat to simmer on medium until soft. Drain and set aside. 

    2. Place the sweet potatoes in a small pot and cover with water. Boil for about 20 minutes, or until soft. When finished 

    3. Place about ⅓ cup of the diced onion in a bowl to save for later to cook with the beans. Place the remaining diced onion in a bowl and add ¼ teaspoon of the sea salt and ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

    4. To cook the beans: Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of the olive oil. Add the ⅓ cup diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook and stir for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the onion has softened. 

    5. Meanwhile, make the carrot salsa: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lime juice to the cooked carrots. Add 2-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro and 1-2 teaspoons of the marinated red onion. Stir to combine.

    6. To the cooking onion and garlic add the beans, cumin and sea salt to taste. Feel free to add cayenne, chopped jalapeno etc. if you like it hot. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes.

    7. Make the guacamole: Chop up a few more tablespoons of cilantro and place in a bowl. Remove the pits from 2 avocados. Score the avocado flesh into little squares and scoop out the contents into the bowl. Add 1 clove minced garlic, juice of one lime and ½ teaspoon of sea salt, or to taste. Stir together, partly mashing the avocado to make it a little creamy.

    8. Check on the sweet potatoes and beans. Cook longer if needed.

    9. Briefly warm the tortillas on a warm cast iron skillet, a few minutes on each side over medium heat. Keep the tortillas warm under a towel.

    10. When the sweet potatoes have finished cooking, peel them and slice them.

    11. In a large shallow bowl, arrange equal portions of the beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes, guacamole, lettuce, and carrot salsa. Drizzle evenly with the dressing and serve.


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Comfort Food Classics

    Comfort Food Classics

    Comfort Food Classics

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”


    Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

    Makes 6 to 8

    Ingredients

    1 cup almond milk + 1 tablespoon almond milk reserved for glaze (I used the Three Trees brand)

    1/4 cup vegan butter + 1/3 cup vegan butter reserved for filling (I used Miyoko’s brand) 

    2 Tablespoons organic raw sugar

    1/2 packet Red Star active dry yeast

    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    2 ¼ cups unbleached flour

    1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

    1/2 cup powdered sugar

    1/3 cup brown sugar

    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    You will need: An 8-inch round cake pan, lightly oiled with rice bran oil (I used a stainless steel one)

    Method

    1. In a small saucepan, warm the almond milk, 1/4 cup butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the butter has melted. The mixture should be warm like bath water, not too hot, around 100 degrees F. Stir with a wooden spoon and add the active dry yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

    2. In a mixing bowl, place the powdered sugar, vanilla, and one tablespoon of almond milk. Stir together until you reach a glazed consistency.

    3. In a large mixing bowl, place the flour and sea salt. Add the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until combined. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place or at room temperature for 1 hour.

    4. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour to your dough and mix until well combined. On a floured board, form the dough into a big rectangle.

    5. Melt the remaining 1/3 cup vegan butter. Evenly brush the rectangle of dough with the melted butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar in an even layer over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon.

    6. Roll the coated dough into a log and cut into 7 or 8 slices. Place one cinnamon roll in the center of the cake pan. Add the other slices around it. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.

    7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle with the glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!


    Homemade Pizza

    Makes 2 pizzas

    Ingredients

    1 1/4 cup warm water 

    2 Tablespoons raw sugar

    1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast

    1 teaspoon sea salt

    2 Tablespoons rice bran oil

    3 cups unbleached all purpose flour (plus extra for rolling out the pizza dough)

    1 jar pitted black olives

    1 can of pizza sauce (or homemade carrot sauce)

    Fresh basil leaves

    Shredded vegan Mozzarella

    Method

    1. In a small glass measuring cup, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface of the water. Let sit for a few minutes (up to 10  minutes) until foamy and activated. If you want to gently stir it, use a wooden spoon.

    2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. 

    3. In a food processor, add the yeast-sugar water mixture, rice bran oil and flour. Process until all ingredients are combined. The dough will be sticky. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit at room temperature (in a warm place) for 1 hour.

    4. Once the dough has doubled in size, place it on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle with some flour and work the flour into the dough with your hands. Add just enough extra flour to achieve a smooth dough.  

    5. Cut the dough in half. Set one dough ball aside and place the other on a piece of parchment paper. Roll the dough flat, stretching gently as needed. Flatten into a circle. Keep the edges a little thicker.

    6. Preheat the oven to 465 degrees F. Place a stainless baking sheet or pizza pan on the bottom shelf of the oven to warm it for a few minutes. Remove from the oven and quickly place the parchment paper with pizza dough on top of the warmed baking sheet.

    7. Top the dough with an even thin layer of pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese and black olives. You can add whatever toppings you like. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until desired doneness.

    8. Serve topped with some chopped fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Plant-Based Taco Tuesday with Christine Waltermyer!

    Plant-Based Taco Tuesday with Christine Waltermyer!

    Plant-Based Taco Tuesday

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Itki8wDu8

    Jackfruit Tacos

    Serves 4

    Ingredients

    1/2 red onion

    1 avocado

    1 package Siete brand Almond Flour Grain-free Tortillas

    Olive oil

    1 package Jackfruit Company Pulled Pork (vegan & gluten free)

    Juice of 1/2 lime 

    2 Tablespoons maple syrup

    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

    2 teaspoons of your favorite mayonnaise

    1/4 cup cilantro or parsley, chopped

    3 cups green cabbage, shredded


    Method

    1. In a small bowl place a couple tablespoons of the onion. Add 1 tablespoon of the lime juice and a pinch of salt. Rub with your fingers and set aside.

    2. Make the cabbage slaw: In a medium size bowl, place the shredded green cabbage, mustard, maple syrup, remaining lime juice and mayo. Mix together and set aside.

    3. In a heated skillet, over medium heat, add a teaspoon or two of the olive oil and the remaining onion. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. 

    4. Add the Jackfruit pulled pork. Cook and stir until fully heated and a little browned.

    5. Heat the tortillas: Warm a cast iron skillet over low heat. Once the skillet is hot you can add a tortilla, flipping frequently to prevent burning. Note: Almond flour tortillas burn more easily than traditional tortillas.  Once the tortilla has been warmed evenly on both sides, place it on a plate and cover with a towel. Continue until you have warmed all of the tortillas.

    6. Assemble the tacos: Place a tortilla on a plate. Add some of the Jackfruit pulled pork, a little cabbage slaw, a few slices of avocado, a pinch of marinated red onions and cilantro or parsley. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve topped with lime wedges. Enjoy!


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!