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.”
Serves 4-6
A colorful, heart-healthy salad that highlights seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
Salad:
½ head radicchio, chopped
½ cup chopped fennel bulb
1 mandarin orange, sliced
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
2 heads Belgian endive, cored and sliced
3 heirloom rainbow carrots, peeled and diced
5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Dressing:
½ cup olive oil
⅓ champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon maple sugar
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
Juice of one small orange
Method
1. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Whisk well to blend.
3. Just before serving the salad, pour desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss to combine. 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 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.”
Triple Layer Carob Cake
Makes One 2-Layer Cake
This paleo cake is refined sugar-free, grain-free and decadent!
Ingredients
Frosting:
¼ cup maple syrup (+ a little extra if needed after it chills, to achieve the right consistency)
½ cup carob powder
½ cup refined coconut oil
½ cup almond butter (I used sprouted almond butter)
Cake (Dry Ingredients):
2 cup Bob’s Red Mill Paleo Flour
½ cup carob powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Cake (Wet Ingredients):
4 pastured eggs
½ cup avocado oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup pure maple syrup
For Presentation: Optional raspberry sauce (recipe below), fresh mint, flaked sea salt
Method
To make the frosting:
In a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients and stir well until smooth. Refrigerate while you make the cake. You may need to a little more maple syrup later after chilling the frosting, to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want extra frosting for decorating, you can double this recipe.
To make the cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease two 8-inch cake pans with avocado oil. You can place a circle of parchment paper on the bottom of each one if you like, to make releasing the cakes a little easier.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir well to combine. Evenly divide the batter between two cake pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or just until set on top.
3. Remove the frosting from the refrigerator to come to room temperature.
4. Remove the cakes from the oven and set aside to cool. When cool to the touch you can invert the cakes, releasing them from the pans, onto plates lined with parchment paper. Flip one cake onto a cake plate.
5. Stir the frosting to help it soften. If needed, add a little more maple syrup to achieve the right spreadable consistency.
6. Cover the top of the cake with frosting. Place the other layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the frosting. Clean any crumbs from the plate.
7. To serve, when plating each slice drizzle with optional raspberry sauce, sprinkle with flaked sea salt and place a mint sprig on the side.
Optional Raspberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
1 10-ounce bag frozen raspberries
2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Equipment: plastic squirt bottle with nozzle
Method:
Place the raspberries and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until almost boiling. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Place in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Using a funnel, pour into the squirt bottle. Use to make a zigzag design on each piece of cake when served.
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 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 White Chocolate Bark
with dried cranberries
Makes 16 Hearts
Ingredients
6 oz Sunfood organic cacao butter, melted
⅓ cup vegan vanilla protein powder
2 tablespoons dried cranberries (sugar free if possible)
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
2 tablespoons chopped goji berries
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
A few drops – ½ teaspoon SweetLeaf Sweet Drops Vanilla Creme Sweetener
Equipment: Silicone heart-shaped molds (or you can just make bark in an 8 x 8-inch pan lined with parchment paper), pretty boxes for packaging
Method
1. Heat an inch of water in a saucepan. Place a metal bowl over it. Add the cacao and heat until melted.
2. Add the protein powder, vanilla, sea salt, and stevia drops. Whisk to blend.
3. Working quickly, use an immersion blender to blend smooth.
4. Pour into silicone molds or an 8 x 8-inch dish lined with parchment paper.
5. Sprinkle the hemp hearts, dried cranberries and chopped goji berries across the tops.
6. Place in the refrigerator to set for 2 to 4 hours.
7. Carefully release the chilled hearts from the mold (or break the bark into random pieces). Place the chocolate in gift box of choice. The white chocolate will keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Or you can store in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
Homemade Natural Bath Bombs
with Essential Oils
Makes 2 Medium Size Bath Bombs
Ingredients
½ cup baking soda
¼ cup organic cornstarch
¼ cup epsom salts
¼ teaspoon Decorative Food Colors from Nature (color of choice) or other natural powdered food coloring
2 ½ teaspoons jojoba oil (or castor oil, almond oil or melted coconut oil)
½ teaspoon water
½ teaspoon essential oil of your choice (lemon, grapefruit, lavender, etc.)
¼ cup citric acid
Equipment: Bath bomb mold
Method
1. In a medium size bowl, combine the baking soda, cornstarch, epsom salts, and food coloring. Whisk to blend.
2. In a small glass jar, combine the jojoba oil, water, and essential oil. Place the lid on the jar and shake well. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in the bowl. It should be the consistency of slightly wet, crumbly beach sand. It should stick together and you should be able to form a small ball with it. If it seems too dry, you can add a few drops more of the jojoba oil, just enough to achieve the right consistency.
3. Add the citric acid, working it in quickly.
4. Using a bath bomb mold, scoop up a generous amount of the bath bomb mixture and press the two halves of the mold together. Press the two halves together firmly, then lightly tap the mold to release it. Place the finished bath bomb on a plastic tray lined with parchment paper.
Herb-Infused Massage Oil
Ingredients
4 or 5 sprigs of your favorite dried herb such as rosemary or lavender
Enough almond oil combined with a neutral oil like avocado oil to fill a medium size glass jar
6 drops essential oil such as clary sage, rosemary or lavender
Equipment: A pretty gift bottle and ribbon
Method
1. Fill a medium size glass jar with the oil. Place the dried herbs in the oil. Cover the jar and place in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks. Strain out the oil, removing the herbs, and pour the oil into the gift bottle, adding 1-2 new sprigs of the dried herb. At this point you can add a few drops of essential oil such as clary sage. Place the lid on the bottle and add some ribbon for the perfect Valentine’s gift!
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 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.”
MENU
Immunity Soup
Keto Refrigerator Fudge
Pomegranate Sweet Potato Bruschetta
Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Immunity Soup
Serves 2-3
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced (1 1/2 cups)
Sea salt
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup fresh maitake mushrooms, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 small carrots, chopped
1-inch piece kombu, soaked in cold water to cover for 10 minutes
2-3 tablespoons light colored miso (such as South River Chickpea miso)
Lotus Foods brown rice ramen noodles (2 cakes), cooked
Method
*If making vegetable broth from scratch, use the recipe below.
1. Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Add the onion and a pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.
2. Add the ginger and garlic. Cook and stir for another minute or two. Add the maitake mushrooms. Cook a few more minutes. Add the celery and carrot, and cook and stir for a few minutes.
3. Add the kombu (whole or chopped), thyme, bay leaves, and the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer on low, covered, for about 20 minutes. Add the turmeric, chopped kale, and chickpeas. Cook a few more minutes.
4. Remove the bay leaves, thyme sprigs and kombu (if a whole piece). Place the miso in a small bowl and add a few tablespoons of water. Stir until diluted. Add this to the soup and stir. Add the cooked ramen noodles just before serving. Enjoy!
*Immune-Boosting Vegetable Broth Recipe*
1. In a large soup pot, place 4 cups leftover vegetable scraps (ends of carrots, ends of celery, cabbage hearts, kale stems, parsley stems, etc.) OR 2 whole carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 handful parsley and 1 onion.
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons dried astragalus root, 2 bay leaves and a 2-inch piece of kombu sea vegetable.
3. Add 4 cups of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to cook on low for 1 hour. Strain and use.
Keto Refrigerator Fudge
Serves 8
Ingredients
1/2 cup carob powder OR cocoa powder OR cacao powder
1. Using a whisk, fork or electric hand mixer, combine the carob powder, liquid stevia, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup almond butter, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Mix until smooth.
2. Spread the mixture evenly into a parchment paper-lined 8×4-inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons coconut oil with 2 tablespoons almond butter. You can add a drop or two of stevia sweetener if you life. Mix well, then drizzle onto the top of your fudge. Use a toothpick to swirl it around and make a marbled surface.
3. Chill for 1 to 2 hours. Top with some flaked sea salt. Slice, serve and enjoy!
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the sweet potaTOASTS in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. For more well done slices, brush with a little olive oil and bake 5 minutes longer.
2. Meanwhile, make the sunflower seed “cheese” spread. Place the sunflower seeds, water, scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, lemon juice and miso in a food processor. Process until a spreadable consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides a few times. The consistency does not need to be perfectly smooth.
3. Remove the baked sweet potaTOASTS from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Spread each one with a rounded tablespoon of the sunflower seed “cheese” spread. Top with some walnuts, pomegranate seeds, thyme sprigs and a drizzle of sweet potato nectar. Enjoy!
Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 sweet potatoes or yams
Olive oil
One onion, diced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and pepper
White wine
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
4 cups chopped kale
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Squeeze of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
Sauce:
1/4 cup sesame tahini
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
A few pinches sea salt
3-5 tablespoons water
Garnish:
Fresh chives, chopped
Method
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork a few times. Place whole sweet potatoes or yams in a covered casserole or you can wrap the sweet potatoes individually with foil and place them on a baking sheet instead of a covered casserole. Place them in the oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. When finished remove from oven, keep covered and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, prepare sautéed vegetable topping. In a skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt, cook and stir for five minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms, garlic and thyme. If the onions are sticking to the pan, add a small splash of white wine. Cover and cook for five more minutes or until the mushrooms have softened. Add the kale and another splash of white wine. Cover and cook for five more minutes. Add remaining seasonings: maple syrup, mustard, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and cook and stir for a few more minutes. Cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
4. To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well together. The consistency should be something like ketchup.
5. Slice the cooked sweet potatoes or yams in half lengthwise and evenly distribute the sautéed vegetables on top of each one. Drizzle with a couple tablespoons of the sauce and serve topped with chives. Enjoy!
Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!
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.”
MENU
Creamy Squash Apple Soup
Healthy Organic Pumpkin Pie with Einkorn Crust
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Paleo Pumpkin Pie
Creamy Squash Apple Soup
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 cups vegetable broth
1 onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk
2 apples, cored, peeled and chopped
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
A few grinds of cracked black pepper
Apple cider
Toasted pumpkin seeds, to garnish
Method
1. Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth.
2. Add the onion and add a pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.
3. Add the squash and apple and stir. Pour in the coconut milk.
4. Pour in the remaining vegetable broth, the black pepper, remaining sea salt, and nutmeg. Add enough apple cider to almost cover the squash and apples.
5. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. Stir occasionally while cooking.
6. Shut off the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup.
7. Serve hot, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!
Healthy Organic Pumpkin Pie with Einkorn Crust
Serves 8
Ingredients
FILLING:
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons Einkorn flour or unbleached white flour
1/2 cup organic sugar
1/2 cup organic brown sugar
15 oz organic pumpkin puree
1 1/4 cup almond milk
1 whole egg, at room temperature
3 egg yolks, at room temperature
PIE CRUST:
1 1/2 cups Einkorn flour
8 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon sugar
4 tablespoons ice cold water
Method
1. To make the filling, in a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and the pumpkin puree. Add the eggs and egg yolks, beating them into the pumpkin mixture. Then add almond milk, pumpkin pie spice and add the 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix well until smooth, blending in a blender or with an immersion blender if needed, to remove the little flour lumps.
2. Prepare the pie crust by putting the 1 1/2 cups flour in the food processor. Add the butter and sugar and blend it all together. Gradually add the ice water one teaspoon at a time as you blend. Once it forms a ball, prepare a cutting board by dusting it with flour. Transfer the dough to the board and form it into a flattened disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (Chilled dough will give you a nice flaky pie crust.)
3. After 30 minutes of refrigeration, you can roll out your pie dough. You can either roll out the dough on a floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper. If using the floured board method-first dust your board with flour and then unwrap the chilled dough and place it on the board. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough large enough to cover your pie plate. Grease/oil a 9-inch pie plate. Place the rolled out circle of dough into the pie plate and add some crimping on the edges of the pie.
4. Pre-bake your pie crust for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. After pre-baking, add the filling. Use a crust protector and bake for 60 minutes. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least an hour (up to a couple of days) before serving. Enjoy!
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 packs Rising Moon Butternut Squash Ravioli
Olive oil
1 pack of your favorite sausage (lots of great plant-based options out there!)
1 onion, diced
2 small bunches baby broccoli (or broccolini or broccoli rabe), steamed until tender
1/4 cup your favorite pesto
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Mirin rice wine or white wine
1 tablespoon currants
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Black pepper to taste
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Method
1. Precook the ravioli according to package directions. Rinse and drain, then toss with a little olive oil and set aside. Slice the sausage on a diagonal and pan fry over medium heat in a little olive oil until lightly browned and crispy on the edges.
2. Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and pinch of sea salt. Cook for a few minutes then add the garlic. Add the baby broccoli. Add remaining sea salt and pepper. Add the sausage and cook for a few minutes. Add the ravioli and currants and cook a few more minutes. Add the pesto and stir gently to combine.
3. Serve topped with lightly toasted pine nuts. Enjoy!
Paleo Vegan Pumpkin Pie with a Keto Option
Makes one 8 or 9-inch pie
Ingredients
CRUST:
1 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
2/3 cup tapioca flour/starch (or arrowroot flour)
1 tablespoon coconut sugar or maple sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup palm oil shortening
1/4 cup ice water
FILLING:
15 oz can pumpkin puree
2/3 cup full fat coconut milk (I love Native Forest Simple/No Guar)
1/2 cup maple syrup (KETO option: Instead of maple syrup, substitute 1/2 cup coconut milk + 1/2 teaspoon pure monk fruit sweetener or 1/2 teaspoon stevia leaf powder)
4 teaspoons olive oil (or a neutral oil such as avocado oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons agar powder
3 tablespoons cornstarch
OPTIONAL WHIPPED TOPPING:
1 can Let’s Do Organic Heavy Coconut Cream, chilled overnight
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (KETO option: Substitute a pinch pure monk fruit powder or stevia leaf powder for the powdered sugar
TO SERVE:
ground nutmeg
Method
1. To make the pie crust, in a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca flour/starch, maple sugar, and baking powder. Cut in the shortening until incorporated. Gradually add the ice water, mix well without overmixing, then form into a flat disk. Wrap in parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
2. To make the filling, in a large bowl or saucepan, combine all filling ingredients. Pre-cook the filling on the stovetop: warm over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, whisking often, until thick, smooth and creamy. (*SEE KETO OPTION ABOVE)
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Once the pie dough has chilled for 20 minutes, wipe your work surface with a damp sponge. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top. Unwrap your chilled pie dough and flip it onto the other piece of parchment paper. Roll it out to a thin circle of dough. Flip the dough onto an oiled pie plate. Chill again if necessary to easily remove the sheet of parchment from the pie dough, being careful as you work with it.
4. Moisten your fingers and crimp the edge of your pie crust. Bake the crust by itself for 10 minutes. Add the filling. Add a silicone pie crust protector and bake at 350 degrees f. for an additional 10-20 minutes. Cool separately and chill before serving with optional whipped topping below and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg.
5. To make the optional coconut whipped topping, scoop out the solidified solid fat from the top of the chilled coconut cream. Reserve the liquid part and place the coconut fat in a food processor. Add the powdered sugar. Blend until creamy and smooth, adding a small amount of the liquid from the can if needed to achieve the right consistency.
6. Enjoy!
Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!
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.”
MENU:
Arugula Beet Salad with Fennel
Spring Quinoa with Chickpeas
Spring Roasted Vegetables
Gluten Free Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes
https://vimeo.com/331080882
Arugula Beet Salad with Fennel
If you love salads this one is a winner! The combination of sweet beets with crunchy fennel and refreshing radicchio, combined with a lovely olive oil vinaigrette make it the perfect spring salad.
Ingredients
Salad:
3 Red Beets, boiled and peeled
1 Pink Lady Apple, cored and diced
1 Endive, core removed and sliced
1 Fennel Bulb, core removed and sliced
1 Head Radicchio, cored and sliced
1 Pack Baby Arugula (I love Olivia Organic pre-washed)
Dressing:
Juice of 1 Orange
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt
3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
Optional: 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Method
1. Peel beets and dice. Place all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
2. Separately, combine all salad dressing ingredients and whisk together.
3. When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
https://vimeo.com/330827631
Spring Quinoa with Chickpeas
This is a light and lovely side dish to serve at your favorite gatherings!
Ingredients
5 Cups Cooked Quinoa (I love Ancient Harvest Traditional Quinoa)
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Leek, sliced thinly (just the white bottom part)
8 Ounces Shiitake Mushrooms, destemmed and sliced
1 Bunch Dandelion Greens, chopped (just the leafy part)
Water
13 Ounces Cooked Chickpeas (Jovial brand is great)
1 Generous Handful of Fresh Parsley, destemmed and chopped
2-3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
Optional: Black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes
Method
1. Place the quinoa in a large bowl and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook for 5 minutes with a pinch of sea salt. If it starts to stick to the pan, add a small splash of water.
3. Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the dandelion greens and another pinch of sea salt and small amount of water if needed.
4. Cover and cook until the greens are tender but still bright green, or about 4 minutes. Remove the cover and take the pan off the heat.
5. To the cooked quinoa, add the chickpeas and parsley. Add the sautéed vegetables. Add remaining olive oil, lemon juice and sea salt. Serve warm.
https://vimeo.com/330175843
Spring Roasted Vegetables
What a nice combination of vegetables, just in time for Spring celebrations!
Ingredients
1/2 Medium Size Celery Root
8 Carrots
8 Ounces Baby Bella Mushrooms
1 Cup Brussels Spouts, sliced in half
10 Ounces Trimmed Green Beans
1-2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Minced Fresh Rosemary
Juice of 1 Lemon (1 teaspoon added before roasting, reserve the other teaspoon to add later)
Balsamic Glaze
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Thinly slice the carrots diagonally. Arrange on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Remove the stems from the mushrooms. Cut into quarters and add to the baking sheet, along with the trimmed green beans and brussels sprouts. Peel and cut the celery root into cubes
3. Roast prepared vegetables in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Add the remaining lemon juice to the roasted vegetables and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Serve hot or leftovers go great on a salad.
https://vimeo.com/330162124
Gluten Free Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Ingredients
Dry:
2 Cups Gluten Free Flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Mix)
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
Wet:
1/3 Cup Plant-Based Milk (i.e. coconut milk)
1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
1/2 Cup Avocado Oil
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Applesauce
2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
2 Flax Eggs (Mix 2 tablespoons flax meal + 6 tablespoons water; let sit for 10 minutes)
Add:
1 Cup Coarsely Shredded Carrots
1/4 Cup Currants
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 8-oz. Container Vegan Cream Cheese
1 Container Simple Mills Organic Vanilla Frosting
1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flours, spices, brown sugar, sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Separately, combine the plant-based milk, maple syrup, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, applesauce, vanilla extract and flax eggs. Whisk to blend.
3. Pour wet into dry ingredients and stir or whisk together to form a smooth batter. Add the carrots and currants. Mix well but do not overmix.
4. Line a muffin pan with unbleached muffin liners. Using and ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the cupcake batter among the 12 cups.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 minutes. While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the frosting.
6. Place all frosting ingredients together in a food processor and process until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before frosting the cupcakes. Decorate top with optional nuts (walnuts or pecans).
Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!
Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!
