Homemade Vegan Pot Pie Casserole

Yet again we find ourselves at the beginning of another week, a Monday. Today marks the last full week of shopping. While the hustle and bustle of your week is just beginning, I’m hoping that this recipe will ease the stress of the week and provide a delicious meal that you and yours can sit down and enjoy!

This recipe is an adaptation of a recipe that I originally saw in this year’s Holiday issue of Food Network Magazine, which should only go to show how easy it is to take your favorite recipes and make them vegan by substituting in new ingredients.

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Homemade Vegan Pot Pie Casserole

Ingredients:

1/2 a stick of vegan margarine 

4 carrot sticks, chopped into small pieces

2 stalks of celery, finely chopped

8oz of baby bella mushrooms

1 1/2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce

3 tablespoons of flour

1 1/2 cups of soy milk

1/2 cup of soy creamer

1 14oz block of tofu cut into small squares (save the water*) 

1 15oz can of peas

7 slices of bread, made into bread crumbs**

Salt and peper to taste

Directions: 

1.  Melt you butter in a large oven safe dish. 

2. Add in the carrots, onions, and celery. Cook until they are slightly softened, remembering to still occasionally. Usually around 5 minutes.

3. Add in the mushroom and the soy sauce and cook until the vegetables are soft. Usually around 3 minutes. 

4. Add in the flour, stir, and cook for one minute. 

5. Add in the soy milk, soy creamer, 1 cup of water, and salt to taste.  

* I like to use the water my tofu was packaged in, if it is not quite one cup just add water to bring it to a cup. 

6. Bring your mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and let simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.

7. Add the can of peas and the tofu, bring to a simmer, and then add salt and pepper to taste. 

8. Remove from heat, stir thoroughly, and add the bread crumbs evenly to the top of the dish. Then bake in the oven @ 425 for about 8 minutes or until the top is slightly browned. 

**Cheap vegan bread crumbs are not an easy thing to find, so I tend to just make my own. I toast the bread, break it into small pieces separating the crust from the bread. In a food processor, I blend the bread first and pour that into a bowl. Then I do the crust, and mix it all together in bowl. 

For this recipe, I add both the crust crumbs and the bread crumbs into the food processor and add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt. 

I'm making this for dinner tonight with my Dad. I can't wait to share our reviews and of course some pictures with you! (:

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Thanksgiving 2013: Turkey Substitutes

The most central part of any Thanksgiving table is the turkey, that is of course unless you don't eat turkey. (: 

Choosing not to eat turkey on Thanksgiving doesn't mean that you have to miss out on Thanksgiving traditions. 

In fact, whether you are looking for vegan or vegetarian options, you will have plenty of options to choose from. 

In fact, I've compiled a list of 5 vegan and vegetarian turkey substitutes that are sure to make your Thanksgiving feast complete. 

1. Quorn Turk'y Roast

This roast is of the vegetarian variety as it contains milk and eggs. Although it is one of the cheaper options, it does have some great pros, including the fact that it is soy free. 

If you like the idea of seasoning your own meal, much like you would have to do with a Turkey, this is the pick for you. 

Quorn products are very juicy and have a great texture that is very similar to that of real meat. 

The Quorn Turk'y Roast is very good, in fact before I was vegan this was my holiday favorite. 

2. Tofurky Vegetarian Feast

This roast is a vegan alternative to turkey made from tofu. This roast is stuffed with Tofurky’s signature Wild Rice Stuffing. Additionally it comes with a 'giblet' gravy.

This roast feed around 6 people, and it is definitely nice that it includes not only your Turkey alternative, but also your stuffing and gravy; making it a one stop kind of deal.

In Thanksgivings past I’ve served this, and in my experience this is very hit or miss. My guest either liked the Tofurky Roast very much or they weren’t fans.

Check out the Tofurky website for more information.

3. Vege USA Vegan Whole Turkey

This is the option that looks the most similar to an actual turkey. In addition, 

their website promises a 'subtle flavor and texture' the promises to have 'everyone asking for seconds'.

If looks are important to you, this would be the vegan option for you. It really does look just like a turkey! 

4. Gardein Savory Stuffed Turkey

If you haven’t ever heard of (Gardein) you should definitely check them out. They make a whole list of products that are vegan and while I’ve never had the (Savory Stuffed Turkey), I’ve always been impressed with their other products.

This product is perfect for one or two, as the package contains two small stuffed patties with gravy.

This will be the Turkey substitute that I will be serving this year at my Thanksgiving, since chances are I will be the only one eating any, but that's alright that just means more for me. (:

5. Field Roast Celebration Roast

The Field Roast is made from grain meat that has been mixed with butternut squash, mushrooms, and granny smith apples. 

It has a very distinct taste after being seasoned with sage, garlic, and lemon. 

I personally love the way the field roast tastes, and would recommend this as a great vegan alternative to turkey.

Which ones will you be trying this Thanksgiving? 

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Meatless Monday: Vegan Stir Fry

It’s Monday, which is not a fun day.

I would guess, your want to try something meatless.

Okay, so maybe I’m not the best at rhymes but I’ll bet you will love this stir-fry recipe.

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Vegan Stir Fry

Ingredients:

Canola Oil

Rice

Assorted Vegetables*

Soy Sauce (or other preferred sauce)

*I recommend using some or all of the following: mushrooms, onions, carrots, bean sprouts, peppers, zucchini, water chestnuts, baby corn, or really any other vegetable that you like. Your options are limitless!!

Directions:

1. Boil rice per the directions on the rice package.

2. Chop the veggies to the desired consistency.

3. Place them in a hot and oiled pan and cook them until as desired.

Frying Tip: I like to add water into my vegetables while they are cooking. I use a squeeze bottle but a cup works too! This extra water adds moisture to you veggies, which helps them from drying out. It also allows you to cut down on the oil that you need to use, which helps cut down on the fat.

4. When the veggies are close to done, mix the rice and soy sauce into the pan and mix together.

Serve & Enjoy!!

What veggies are you using? I’d love to see your spin on this delicious dish!!

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Meatless Monday: Fried Avocado Tacos

It's Monday, which means it's time for another Meatless Monday recipe! (: 

Today's recipe is a little unconventional, but it's delicious none the less. 

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Fried Avocado Tacos.

You will need: 

A frying pan 

A spatula 

A knife

A cutting board

3 small bowls

Ingredients: 

Small flour tortillas

Black Beans

Onions

Avocados

Flour

Water

Shredded Lettuce 

Salsa 

Directions: 

**Before you start prepping your avocado, I recommend that you begin heating a frying pan with about 1/4 inch of olive oil, so that your oil will be hot when you are ready to start cooking**

1. Using the knife, slice open the avocado and slice it length wise into long slices. 

2. Dip your avocado into water, then roll it in your bowl of flour, and once it is thoroughly covered it is read to fry. 

3. Place these slices into your pan, flipping them over after about 5 minutes.

You want the outside to be crispy, but for the best taste you want to keep the inside soft and creamy. 

4. When they are ready, pull them out of the frying pan (I recommend using tongs) and place your avocado slices on some paper towels to help absorb any extra oil. 

**Since I had the pan and the oil already heated up, I chose to go ahead and sauté my onions as well. This is a completely optional step, depending on how you like your onions. 

Now it's time to build you tacos!

I built this scrumptious taco, by layering black beans and onions on the bottom of my soft taco shell. Then I placed several slices of avocado into my taco and covered that with lettuce, salsa, a little salt, and some pepper. 

I served my tacos with margaritas, and they were a big hit! The avocado slices were the perfect touch to my tacos, they had that extra little crunch on the outside but maintained there smooth creamy rich texture on the inside. They complemented the salsa and other vegetables quite nicely. 

If you give this recipe a try, I would love to know what you think!

Enjoy!

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Meatless Mondays: Mac & Bean Casserole!

Today’s Meatless Monday recipe is a filling and delicious casserole of sorts. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for an on the go dinner.

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Mac & Bean Casserole

Makes 4 large servings.

You will need:

A 2 quart microwaveable safe bowl

A spoon

A large strainer

Ingredients:

1 box of Elbow noodles

1 28 oz can of baked beans*

Directions:

1. Fill your bowl with water and your noodles.

2. Cook your noodles for 3 minutes and then stir. Repeat.

3. Cook for an additional 4 minutes, stir, and strain the noodles.

4. Mix the noodles with the beans, stir thoroughly, and microwave for another minute.

Enjoy!

**I use Bush’s Vegetarian Baked Beans

If you try this recipe, leave me a comment & let me know what you think!

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Meatless Monday: Sautéed Veggie Platter

Today’s Meatless Monday recipe is unique, in that I didn’t actually make it; but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

It’s not just a flash back to this 2007 commercial. 

I went away this weekend for a little R&R and quality time with my Mom. 

This morning, I was trying to pack up my stuff and check out and get back home in time for work SO I got food from the hotel restaurant, where they whipped up this delicious meal. 

As you can probably see, it's sautéed vegetables. This particular plate has tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, and potatoes; with a side of toast. 

This is something that you could easily recreate with whatever vegetables that you like. 

A great traveling tip, is to take some food essentials with you so that if somehow you can't find something to eat, you can have something with you. 

I packed a half a stick of Blue Bonnet Light and kept in our fridge, so I was able to butter my toast. :) 

If you try recreating this, let me know how it turns out! 

Meatless Monday: 4 Bean Soup

It’s Monday, which means it’s time for another meatless recipe. Now that fall is here and the whether is starting to get cold, it’s the perfect time of year for sweaters, hot beverages, and of course soup. This 4 Bean Soup is the perfect fall recipe and its super easy. You can make it in the morning and leave it in the crock-pot all day, while you go to work, run errands, or do what ever else.

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4 Bean Soup

You will need:

A medium or large crock-pot

A can opener

A strainer

A spoon

Measuring spoons

Measuring cup

Ingredients:

1 can of light kidney beans

1 can of dark kidney beans

1 can of black beans

1 can of pinto beans

1 can of tomato soup

1 cup of water
1 tsp of basil

¼ tsp of onion powder
2 tsp of garlic powder  

Salt

Pepper

Directions:

1. Open the can of black beans and strain them thoroughly, using the strainer. Then pour them into the crock-pot. 

2. Repeat step on, using the can of pinto beans.

3. Open the two cans of kidney beans and strain the juice into the measuring cup. Dump the beans into the crock-pot; along with ½ cup of kidney bean juice.

3. Stir in both the tomato soup and the water.

4. Lastly add the basil, onion powder, and the garlic powder as well as salt and pepper to taste.

5. Stir in your spices and let your chili cook on high for 4 hours or on low 8. 

Enjoy! 

Note: If you are in a rush, you can also make this soup by bringing it to boil on the stove for five minutes and then turning down the heat and letting it simmer down for two minutes. 

If you try this recipe out, leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

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Meatless Monday: Grilled Mushroom Sandwich

After a slam packed weekend of work and fun, I woke up exhausted. It certainly didn’t help that today was Monday.

Therefore, tonight’s dinner is going to be super simple.

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Grilled Mushroom Sandwich

You Will Need:

A frying pan

A knife and fork

Paper towels

Toaster

Ingredients:

10-15 medium or large mushroom slices

2 slices of bread

Olive Oil

Sandwich Spread*

Lettuce, onion, tomato, or your other favorite veggies (optional)

Directions:

1. Toast bread.

2. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil, until they become dark brown in color and soft.

3. Smooth sandwich spread across bread.

4. Using your fork pull the sauté mushrooms from the oil, blotting the excess oil off with the paper towels.

5.  Put the mushrooms on your bread and add your other vegetables to you sandwich.

Note: I used Smart Balance Light, but you can also Vegenaise or your favorite dressing. I am using the Cobblestone Mills San Francisco Style Sourdough Bread, but any bread will do. 

If you like mushrooms, you will love this sandwich. I enjoyed mine with some Stacy's Whole Grain Pita Chips. 

As you can see, my sandwich lacks any vegetables. This is because I didn't have any fresh vegetables at my house and going to the store tonight was out of the question. (I told you guess I was exhausted).  Normally I like some fresh lettuce, a nice slice of tomato, and some red  onion. 

If you try this recipe, comment below and let me know what you think. 

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Enjoy!

Meatless Monday: Spaghetti with Veggie Pasta Sauce

Meatless Mondays are become more and more prevalent; in fact I might even dare to say that they are becoming a trend and I LOVE it. The idea of going meatless for a day (or even just for one meal) is a great way to incorporate creative and delicious vegan meals into a diet.

Monday often gets a bad rap because it brings about the end of the weekend and the return to work, school, and responsibility; and getting back to the routine of the week can be stressful. After a long day (even if it’s not a Monday) the last thing I want to do it come home and cook a big meal.

If you are anything like me, you will love this simple yet delicious meal idea to make your Mondays just a little less manic. (:

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Spaghetti with Veggie Pasta Sauce

You Will Need:

Large pot

Saucepan

Spoon

Colander

Ingredients:

1 box of spaghetti noodles

1 jar of spaghetti sauce

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of garlic salt

1 ¼ cup spinach

¾ cup mushroom slices

*You can use as little or as much spinach and mushrooms as you like, these measurements are reflective of my preferences.

Directions:

In your large pot, cook the pasta per the directions on the box, keeping in mind the number of people and the serving size.

While the pasta is cooking, sauté your mushroom slices in olive oil.

When the mushrooms are almost done, mix in you spinach and sprinkle the garlic salt over the mixture, stir until thoroughly mixed.

Pour in your sauce.

Continue stirring until both the mushrooms and the spinach are fully cooked and the sauce is warm.

Drain your pasta and serve it with you sauce.

Enjoy!

Note: A quick look at the ingredients list on both the pasta box and the jar of sauce will determine if they are vegan; be on the look out for milk or eggs in your noodles and milk or meat bi-products in your sauce. I like to use Mueller’s Thin Spaghetti and Prego Traditional Sauce.