Archive for the ‘Appetizers’ Category

Black Bean Guacamole

Mexican food is the best right?  Who does not love guacamole and chips?  Well I love all Mexican food, especially guacamole and chips but I like to keep the fat to a minimum and even with baked tortilla chips you can still consume tons of fat and calories when digging in to a bowl of guacamole.  For me adding more onions, tomatoes and black beans makes this dish much less sinful and much healthier so its a no-brainer.

Black beans are the perfect legume to choose to add to this dish because they are so creamy and complimentary to Mexican flavors but feel free to add another type if you prefer.  This dish is a wonderful dip for my Vegan Crunch Wraps, slop it onto each bite and your in heaven.

Pita bread is also a really good choice to use with this dip instead of higher fat tortilla chips.  I add salsa to my dip instead of worrying about chopping up a hot pepper and the pain that can come with that if you don’t wash your hands well after and you touch your eye.  Lazy, I know but it works really well and you can adjust the heat by your choice of salsa.

Black Bean Guacamole

Black Bean Guacamole
Serves approx; 6

4 large ripe avocado
Juice of 1 lime or approx 2 Tablespoons
1 tomato, deseeded and chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2-1/2 cup of your favorite salsa (chose your heat) or use cayenne pepper to your taste
2+ Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste

Cut the avocados in half and remove the seed.  Scoop out the inside and place into a medium sized bowl.  Smash the avocados to the side of the bowl with a fork until well mashed.  Add your lime juice and stir.  Add the rest of the ingredients, stir, taste and add more garlic powder, cilantro,  salt and pepper as needed.  You can eat this right away or store covered in the fridge for 1-2 days.  ENJOY!

Black Bean Guacamole

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Fruit Salad

With the 4th of July around the corner we tend to spend more time outside  eating cooling foods and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.   Fruit salads are a perfect side to any outdoor menu item you may have and since fruit is at is peak right now it will taste amazing and look impressive, even if you have no cooking skills at all!

I try and buy organic if I can like the strawberries and grapes and  then I use what ever other frozen fruit looks/tastes good along with some freshly cut bananas.  This can make for some slightly deflated blueberries but as the frozen fruit melts it helps to keep the whole salad cold and gives off some nice juices that mix well with the whole salad. Of course there are many different ways to make a fruit salad you could mix in some kiwi for beautiful color or add some cantaloupe and honeydew melons for a new look and flavor mixture.  You just need to mix together the fruits you love best.

This is a salad you can always be proud of because you know it is going to be healthy for your whole family.  This is a nice side to Black Bean Veggie Burgers because it is just sweet enough to satisfy the sweet tooth you get after dinner.

fruit salad

Fruit Salad

Makes: approx 5 cups

1 Banana

1 pint Strawberries

1 cup Grapes, sliced in half

1/2 cup Peaches, sliced

1/2 cup raspberries,

1/2 cup Blueberries

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon sweetener (if desired-takes away any tartness of fruit)

1 Tablespoon water

Wash and chop all the fruit and put into a bowl.

Mix together the lemon juice, sweetener, and water and pour over the fruit salad and toss.  Chill or serve right away and ENJOY!  EASY right!!

fruit salad

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Almond Butter & Jelly Cookies

I get on a sweet kick every few months and this is one I have enjoyed and have made one too many times.  Who does not love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and this is even better because it is made with almond butter that is full of calcium and vitamin E.  I have tried it with cashew butter too and they are pretty amazing but the almond butter is less fatty and has more nutrients and a great flavor you can’t beat.

My kids just can’t get enough of these and compared to regular cookies or store bought packaged cookies these are so much healthier.  Of course kids can get away with eating a little more fat than adults can, especially mine since they are all so thin.  These are oil free but not fat free because of course nuts have fat in them naturally.  But, if you use the raw, organic, sugar and oil free almond butter your are going to feel better about these.  I also buy a wonderful all fruit, no sugar added jelly to fill them with so they are as healthy as you can get when it comes to eating a fattening cookie.

Almond Butter & Jelly cookies

Almond Butter & Jelly Cookies
Makes: 16-20 cookies

2 cups finely chopped nuts (I used almond and pecans)
1/2 cup nut butter (almond is the best)
1/2 cup flour (to make gluten free I used a mixture of coconut & buckwheat flour and they are amazing that way-better than white flour!)
2 Tablespoons applesauce
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pure fruit jelly/jam (I used raspberry but use the kind you love the most)

Blend everything except the jelly together in a high powered blender until nuts are broken down well.  If you have to you can blend nuts up into small chunks then mix everything together in a bowl.

Moisten your hands and roll into 1″ size ball of dough and roll firmly.  Put onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and press down the middle to make room for your jelly, a moistened finger works best. Place each cookie 1″ apart and fill your cookie sheet.

Fill the cookie dent with jelly, do not overfill or it will run out. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes.  Place on cooling rack for 10 minutes then ENJOY!

*Don’t stack the cookies on top of each other when you store them (If you actually have some to store) because they will stick together.

Almond Butter & Jelly cookies

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Sesame Truffles

sesame truffles

These little balls of heaven taste so good you won’t want to share them with your friends or family but they will love you for it if you do!  There is no added sugar or anything fake in them and you can eat more than one without feeling too guilty.  Nuts of course have fat in them but if you share you won’t eat more than you should.  You can feel indulgent without buying some packaged candy that has colors, sugar and artificial this or that in it.  Mix and match your nuts to your taste preference and use what ever liquid sweetener you like best to slightly adjust the flavor.

sesame truffles

Sesame Truffles

Makes 18-20 balls

12 pitted dates

1 cup various nuts of your choice (I like to mix pecans, almonds and cashews)

1 Tablespoon liquid sweetener (I use agave nectar or maple syrup in a pinch)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3-4 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Optional topping :

shredded, sweetened coconut

Put all the ingredients except the sesame seeds or coconut into a large food processor and blend until pretty smooth or until it won’t mix anymore.  You will have to stop periodically to push down the sides to get it all to mix together well.

Wet your hands and scoop out enough mix to make a bite size ball, roll it in your wet hands and place on a large plate.  Continue to roll all of the mix until it is gone, moistening your hands occasionally so they don’t get too sticky.

Toast your sesame seeds in a non stick pan until slightly browned and pour onto a small plate.

Roll your balls in the sesame seeds until well coated and place back onto your large plate.  If you prefer the coconut then roll the balls in that and place back on your plate.  These can be eaten right away or chilled in the fridge.  ENJOY!

Sesame Truffles

Sesame Truffles

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Roasted Pineapple

Fresh fruit desserts are always the best option for satisfying your sweet tooth and this is such an addictive treat that you might want to make two of them!  This is the time of year where pineapples go on sale and you can get the big ones at 2-$4.00 or the smaller ones sometimes as low as .89¢ which is just too good of a deal to pass up.

But what do you do when they have been sitting on your counter a bit too long and the little fruit fly’s start buzzing?  Slice them open, chop them up, sprinkle with some brown sugar or agave nectar, top with coconut and broil until the flavors mix and you have a wonderful sweet and sour treat that is a  real tropical delight!  Served right on the rind makes for a beautiful dish or center piece.  This one is kid and husband approved and is gluten and soy free.

roasted pineapple

Roasted Pineapple

1 pineapple

brown sugar or agave nectar

sweetened coconut

Preheat the oven on broil.

Wash your pineapple, slice off the top and the bottom.  Cut into 4 equal pieces length wise.  Cut the pineapple close to the rind and then lift off to remove any of the little eyes left over.  Remove the hard center core by slicing down each side slightly in a v cut and pull away from the pineapple.  Place the fruit back onto the rind and slice into bite size pieces (as pictured).

Sprinkle desired amount of brown sugar or agave nectar over the pineapple.  If using brown sugar you may need to press it down a bit.  Also the more brown sugar you use the more it will crystallize and makes a crunchy topping.

Put the oven rack on the second from the top spot and broil until the pineapple is slightly browned.  Add desired amount of coconut and broil for another minute or two, watching it closely so it does not burn. Remove from the oven, cool and ENJOY!

roasted pineapple

roasted pineapple


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Potato Pizza Boats

Who doesn’t love pizza?  I know I do and even without cheese it can be pretty high in calories and super addicting so you end up eating way more than you should.  Also, if you have a sensitivity to gluten then pizza is a no no.   You can get really creative with these and put just about anything that you like on your pizza on them (except meat or cheese of course).  If you have a great marinara sauce you can cover them with it and it is amazing!  Imitation pepperoni and the white Daiya cheese is great on them too but not as low fat as just the sauce with veggies but one won’t hurt, right!  The kids and husbands love this recipe so it is pretty fool proof and quick and easy to boot!

Potato Pizza Boats

You can get creative with these and do pretty much what ever you like on them but this is what I did for 4 different ones.  You could use baby potatoes and make great little appetizers with these as well.

Potato Pizza Boats

4 large Yukon Gold or Red potato

Marinara sauce or pizza sauce

1/2 onion, sliced

1/2 zucchini, sliced

1 cup of broccoli, chopped small

1 handful of baby spinach chopped

6 pieces of vegan pepperoni

a sprinkle of vegan cheese

1/2 tomato, chopped

oregano to taste

basil to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Bake your baked potatoes in the microwave until cooked through.

While the potatoes are cooking chop your veggies and steam the onions, broccoli, and zucchini with the spices to your taste.

Slice the potato in half and smash with a fork. Spread some marinara on and then top with the veggies of your choice or the pepperoni and cheese then add even more sauce and fresh tomato.  Ground cashews or nutritional yeast would be a good cheesy tasting top too! ENJOY!

Potato Pizza Boats

Potato Pizza Boats

Potato Pizza Boats

Potato Pizza Boats

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Salad Stuffed Shells

Ok, ok I know two stuffed shells recipes in a row but I had half a box left over after making the Italian Style~Stuffed Pasta Shells and wanted to share what I did with them.  These Salad Stuffed Shells are great side dishes and make beautiful appetizers that are pretty and unique enough to serve to guests.  Everyone likes them because they are amazingly tasty, easy to eat and so darn cute!

Salad Stuffed Shells

Salad Stuffed Shells
serves: 16-18 shells

You can make your salad how ever you would normally for a side salad, top with your favorite dressing and chop up.  Here is what I used in the pictured salad shells;

1/2 box jumbo pasta shells
1/2 mixed leaf bagged salad
a couple of handfuls of broccoli sprouts
1/2 zucchini, shredded
1 carrot, shredded
1 tomato, chopped
a couple of splashes of fat free Italian salad dressing
a couple dashes of salt and pepper

Cook pasta according to package direction, drain and put back in the pan with cold water to cool and keep them moist.

Mix all the salad ingredients and dressing together well to fully coat with the dressing, pour out onto a cutting board and chop up a bit so there are no overly big pieces.  Stuff your shells.  Chill until ready to serve or serve immediately.  ENJOY!

Salad Stuffed Shells

Salad Stuffed Shells

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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

These little critters are sinfully tasty and extra addicting.  My 2 year old and 15 year old can’t get enough of them!  If you are feeling extra naughty you can add chocolate chips to them or if you are feeling super nice add some healthy raisins.  I use low fat peanut butter but I have also used other nut butters like almond or cashew too, use what you have or like best.  I think coconut would mix in nicely and make them even more delicious but I have not tried that yet.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

I usually make just one serving of these so I don’t overdo it but it doubles and triples nicely if you want to make more.  Be careful not to add too much rice syrup or they become sticky and hard to manage.  If you have a gluten sensitivity you can buy the certified gluten free oats to make these with.

Did You Know!?

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Makes: 8-10 bite sized balls

1/2 cup dry oats
1 Tablespoon brown rice syrup
2 teaspoons low fat (no sugar or oil added) peanut butter (or other nut butter of your choice)
Optional mix-ins:
1 Tablespoon raw peanuts chopped (I used these in the photo)
1 Tablespoon chocolate chips (I used these in the photo)
1 Tablespoon raisins
1 Tablespoons shredded coconut

In a medium sized bowl mix together all the ingredients until completely blended.  Roll into bite size balls pressing tightly to hold together.  ENJOY!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

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Inside Out Sushi Roll

I have been putting this post off for a while, writing about making sushi was more intimidating than actually making them for some reason.  Today I just decided I would dive into it and get it out to you because these are so worth making yourself and saving the 7-12.00 they charge you for only 6 of them in the store or a restaurant.  These cost pennies compared to those places  and you get the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself!

My teenage daughter is in LOVE with these.  She has me make extra so she can take it for lunch at school.  Imagine a teenager pulling out of her lunch box some chop sticks, a package of soy sauce, some wasabi sauce and opening a Tupperware with sushi in it.  Everyone thinks she is so eccentric and are always interested in what she will bring for lunch each day.

vegan sushi

I have used many different stuffing’s for these like roasted red bell pepper, broccoli slaw from the bag (the kind with purple cabbage, broccoli and carrot slices), and the traditional vegetarian one with what is listed below.  I have also used different topping sprinkles such as poppy seeds or crushed flax seeds.  Get creative and use what you enjoy or looks nice to you.

Inside Out Vegan Sushi Roll
serves:3 rolls=to approximately 18 pieces

1 serving Botan or other sushi Rice
3-halved Nori seaweed sheets
3 tablespoons of sesame seeds
1 cucumber, de-seeded and thinly sliced length wise
1 carrot thinly shredded in long strips
1 avocado, cut length wise
1 small bowl of water (for fingers)
sushi mat (or you could just use plastic wrap along with strong fingers if you don’t have one)
plastic wrap
Dipping options:
soy sauce
wasabi
hot mustard

Cook rice according to the package directions and set aside with the lid on the pan.  You will have some rice left over to use for other dishes or you can half the rice serving.

While the rice is cooking wash, peel and de-seed the cucumber.  Slice length wise into long thin strips.  Wash, peel and either shred your carrot or thinly slice it into long strips.  Cut the avocado length wise and slice into long thin strips.  You can sprinkle the avocado with a little lemon juice to keep it from turning brown while you work.

Place plastic wrap over your sushi mat (mat lines should be horizontal in front of you) to keep rice from sticking to it.  Cut seaweed in half width wise and lay it shiny side down on the plastic.  Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of warm rice out of the covered pan (recover to keep the rice moist) and place in the middle of the seaweed.  Spread out to cover the sheet and keep it an even, thin layer.  You will need to dip your fingers in the bowl of water periodically to keep the rice from sticking to your fingers while you spread it out.  Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.

Flip rice side over so the seaweed is facing up.  Place 1-2 long slices of cucumber on the seaweed closest to you and about 1/4 inch of the edge.  Add a small amount of carrot strands equal to the cucumber and a single layer of the avocado.

Carefully begin rolling, applying pressure as you go until it is a complete rolled up but being careful not to get the saran wrap into the roll.  Apply a little more pressure at the end to ensure it is tightly wrapped and then remove the saran wrap.  Using a sharp knife cut into 6 even pieces, wetting the knife from your bowl of water between cuts so it does not stick and tear the seaweed.

These can take a little bit of practice but are worth the work and once you get it you can whip them out pretty quickly.  Serve with your choice of soy sauce and wasabi.  ENJOY!

Here are some step by step pictures to help you see how to make it.  Use both hands when rolling the sushi, I was taking a picture with the other ;) .

Vegan sushi

This post was for inside out sushi but I also made a regular sushi roll with the same ingredients but just put it all inside and I did not want to make another post for basicly the same thing.  Here is the beautiful picture of it.

vegan sushi

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Cream Cheese Scallions Rolled in Cheese

These are rich and creamy yet have a kick of spice from the scallion.  As appetizers they go fast so make extra because you can’t eat just one of them.

It is best to buy the thin scallions to keep the heat of the onion down to a minimum.  Put the cream cheese on as high up as you like it but I usually go only just above the white part.  I like Diaya vegan cheese the best for these but use what ever vegan cheese you like best.

Cream Cheese Scallions Rolled in Cheese

Scallions (green onions)
Vegan cream cheese
Vegan cheese

Clean your scallions, cut off the white roots at the end and if you want to you can cut some the top off since it won’t be eaten.  Dry the scallions completely for the cream cheese will not stick to them.

Scoop about a teaspoon of cream cheese into your fingers and roll it around the scallion, going up as high as you want and adding more if needed.

Roll in your favorite vegan cheese and slightly squeeze to make it stick.  That’s it!  ENJOY!

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