So Simple Pasta

I love this recipe. Literally all you have to cook is the pasta and it taste great. Not a strong flavor but still delicious. Easy to make if you are somewhere with limited supplies, oh say.....a dorm room? (wink, wink)

Linguini with Pesto, Pine Nuts, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

8 oz whole wheat linguini
1/2 c basil pesto (see below for recipe or you can buy from a store)
1/2 c sun-dried tomatoes, diced
1/2 c pine nuts

Cook pasta, drain keeping some of the water. Return pasta to pot and stir in the pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts. If pasta seems too dry add some of the pasta water.

Basil Pesto Makes 1 1/3 cup
1/4 c pine nuts
4 cloves garlic
3 c fresh basil
1/4 c vegan Parmesan Cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
3/4 c EVOO

In food processor, or blender, combine the pine nuts and garlic and pulse. Add the basil and pulse. Add the cheese, salt, and pepper and pulse. Slowly add the EVOO, processing until the oil if fully combined.

I HAVE FOUND A CHEESE!!!

This is a breakthrough in my cooking options!! Since going vegan my husband and I have been unhappy with all the cheese options that are out there. With a recommendation from a cooking class I decided to give a new one a try. Daiya, and I love it!! Now I have only tried the shredded cheddar, but it does not disappoint. Tonight we made cheese and bean quesadillas and they turned out fantastic. So simple and easy, but soooo delicious! To help them brown spray tortilla with oil before placing in pan.

Great Eats in KC

While visiting Kansas City recently someone recommend a new restaurant. Eden's Alley, www.edenalley.com, has something for everyone. They offer many different options from vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, even raw. They start your meal with Agave butter, which is like honey butter, and bread-yum yum! My father ordered the waffles with maple syrup and walnuts. They were so sweet it was like dessert for breakfast. While I ordered the Vegan Breakfast, which consisted of tofu over breakfast potatoes. It was great and you know I couldn't pass up an opportunity to have breakfast!! I will definitely be going back next time I visit KC!

For all my adoring fans, I'm BACK!!

What a better way to start back than with a wonderful appetizer.

I love Bruchetta, but you already know that. Here is a great recipe that I found. Easy to make but takes some time chopping.

Double Tomato Burchetta Servings 12

6 roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 c sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 c olive oil
2 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 c fresh basil, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 French Baguette, sliced

Mix everything in a large ziploc and let marinate.

Preheat oven Broiler, low. Broil baguette, until slightly brown, 5-6 mins. Top with tomato mixture. Viola!!

Date Night Dinner

Last night we tried a new restaurant, Sub-Zero Vodka Bar (http://subzerovodkabar.com/). It was fantastic! They have a lot of options for Vegans, including a build your own burger. We started with deep fried green beans and a veggie sushi roll, which was amazing!! Then for dinner we both built a veggie burger.

By the way, try the Sweet Carolina Peach Sweet Tea Vodka, taste like Peach Ice Tea!!!! That could get you into trouble, haha!!

Best Recipe Ever!

I made the BEST dish I have made since going Vegan!! Yes, that is a bold statement but I have found a recipe that I LOVE!! What else can I say about this, try it and let me know what you think.

Pasta Bake

8 oz Rotini (or Penne, Rigatoni)
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (with basil if possible)
1 TBSP Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced black olives
3 Italian-style soy sausages, cut into 1/4" slices
2 TBSP tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp hot pepper flakes
1 1/2 c shredded vegan Cheddar Cheese (I like Daiya)

Cook pasta, set aside. Preheat oven to 350.
In a large skillet, heat oil over med heat. Add garlic and cook for 2 min. Stir in tomatoes, olives, soy sausages, tomato paste, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper and hot pepper flakes. Reduce heat to med-low, cover, and cook for 10 mins.
Add pasta to sauce and half of cheese, stir until coated. Pour into a 9x13 greased casserole dish, sprinkle remaining cheese over top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 mins. Remove foil and bake for 10 mins.

Another great plus, it reheats great!

Back with a BANG!

Yes!! I am still here and still Vegan! August was a crazy month and we spent a lot of time eating out, traveling, and making old recipes. My goal this week was to eat at home every night and make 2 new recipes, goal accomplished. My first recipe was not blog worthy, but tonight's was delicious!!!


I made BBQ Tofu Nuggets with Garlic Lemon Broccoli and Cauliflower. The nuggets were fantastic and everyone was a fan! So simple and easy, but a bit of time involved. These would also make a great appetizer.

Smoked Tofu, cubed
BBQ Sauce
Plain or BBQ Potato Chips, crushed

Brush each piece of tofu with BBQ sauce and roll in crushed chips. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes.

So simple, so delicious!