Wednesday, September 30, 2015

HERBY EGG(less) SALAD

Well......it has been quite a while since I have shared a recipe with you all, and I apoligize for that. I have spent most of this year working very hard to get my financials in check, which meant working up to 75 hours a week! As busy as I was, I still made time to cook, as that is a great way for me to relax and escape! Now, I am back, and ready to share my love of yummy vegan food with you once again! 
This recipe is one of my favorites, and it's made every week in my kitchen. It's easy, quick and healthy! If you're a seasoned vegan, you will most likely have most, if not all, of these ingredients on hand. If not, you can easily find all of the ingredients at your local market or online. 
Most people think that in choosing to eat a vegan, or plant-based, diet means giving up most, if not all of your favorite things to eat. Myself, and many other vegans out there are pretty determind to prove that there is nothing further from the truth. There's even a hashtag out there #anythingyoucaneatIcaneatvegan. We all have those dishes that we ate growing up that you just crave. That's when it's time to get creative, and find a way to recreate the flavor in a healthier, plant-based way. 
I used to love eating egg salad sandwiches, and it was actually at my Grandma (Dee's) place that I ate it most. She would hard boil the eggs, then mash them lightly with a fork, add mayo, salt and pepper then put it on lightly toasted bread with tomato. I've been vegan for just over 4 years now, but cut out eggs well before that, so it's probably been in the neighborhood of 5 1/2 years since I've had an egg, but I can still taste that sandwich. That's when I knew I had to recreate this sammy! I kicked it up a few notches to make it a bit more fresh, lighter and modern. It tastes better than the original, and doesn't have the fat, cholesterol or cruelty of it's animal product counterpart. Yummy AND guilt-free!

HERBY EGG(less) SALAD:
(makes 2-3 servings)

*1 package firm or extra firm tofu, drained
*1/4 C sweet onion, diced
*1/4 C Just Mayo, or other vegan mayo
*1-2 TBS Dijon mustard
*1 TBS relish
*3 TBS Nutritional yeast
*2-3 tsp turmeric
*1 tsp garlic powder
*Himalayan salt, to taste
*Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
*Handful of each: fresh dill and fresh parsley, chopped
*2 tsp fresh thyme

-Begin by pressing your tofu to release all of the water out of it. (See TIP below) You'll want to do this ahead of time, as it takes about 45 mins.
-Once tofu is pressed, crumble it into a medium bowl. Add onion.
-Add Just Mayo, Dijon and relish and give it a gentle stir.
-Add all spices and herbs and fold until fully incorporated. The salad should have the bright yellow color of an egg. 
-Enjoy!





You can have it in a sandwich!










Or, if you're trying to be lower cal, place in endive boats!






*TIP- if you're all fancy, and have a tofu press, then just use that. If you're like me, and don't have one, then you can wrap your tofu in some paper towels and place on a plate, then place another plate on top of that. Then, place a very heavy object on top of the plates (I use my cast iron skillet). Check, and dump water off plate occasionally. I unwrap from paper towel about 15 mins in, then press further until there is no water left to press out, about 45 mins. 

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

THE VEG DANCER'S HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE!!!

My favorite season is upon us!! I absolutely LOVE Christmas!! I just get all warm and cozy thinking about the relaxing time I get to spend with with my family, eating, drinking and watching movies, hanging out with my precious dog, and spending days in pj's if I choose!! I also love gift giving, searching and finding those perfect gifts for the ones you love! This year, finances are very tight, so it's going to be a scaled down Christmas, but that just means I get to be more creative! I always have people asking me what they can get me. "What can you get a vegan for Christmas?" I've decided to put together a list of some of my favorite things, mostly all under $50.00, that pretty much any vegan, or non-vegan, would love to see under the tree Christmas morning!
Hopefully I'm on Santa's "NICE" list, and will see some of these items under my own tree!!

1. Dr. Bronner's Products!!
https://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/SFNT.html
I have several of the All-One soaps in my house at all times (my faves are Lavender, Peppermint, Almond and Citrus). Pretty much all of their products are VEGAN, and I love that they now have a variety of products. The bar saop is great, and now I am wanting to get the lotion and hand soap. A big, 16oz soap is about $10.00, and will last you a VERY long time. The scents are all very aromatic, and make you feel heavenly during and after your shower! My Dad actually started buying this soap for my Mom and I for Christmas in the early 90's, before anyone really knew about Dr. Bronner's, so I've been using this product for over 20 years; good find, Dad!

2. EB 'Tis The Season Popps!!
http://earthbalancenatural.com/product/tis-the-season-popps/
I mean, I would love to recieve a few bags of these under the tree. It's a damn shame that they are seasonal, because they are one of the best tasting, most addictive snacks I have ever had! How can you go wrong with popcorn and almonds coated with GF oats, dark chocolate and dusted with cinnamon?!?! I'll take a few bags, thanks. Gotta stockpile these puppies!!

3. LUSH Products!!
Oh, dear, I love LUSH!! Yes, their soaps are kinda pricy, but they are SO worth it!! I am pretty much out of all my soaps, so I am hoping this Christmas I will get a bunch to last me through the year. I am including the links to all of my favorite soaps and products from LUSH. Many, but not all of their products are vegan. It's clearly stated online, and in the stores, which are V-friendly, which is amazing!
Reindeer Rock soap
http://www.lushusa.com/Reindeer-Rock/05438,en_US,pd.html#start=3
Snowcake soap
http://www.lushusa.com/Snowcake/00832,en_US,pd.html#start=7
Karma soap
http://www.lushusa.com/Karma-Soap/00701,en_US,pd.html#start=9
Bohemian soap
http://www.lushusa.com/Bohemian/00075,en_US,pd.html#start=17
Sandstone soap
http://www.lushusa.com/Sandstone/00862,en_US,pd.html#start=16
You Snap The Whip boday butter/body scrub
http://www.lushusa.com/You-Snap-The-Whip/02169,en_US,pd.html#start=6
Herbalism facial cleanser
http://www.lushusa.com/Herbalism/9999906956,en_US,pd.html#start=6
Angels On Bare Skin facial cleanser
http://www.lushusa.com/Angels-on-Bare-Skin/9999906953,en_US,pd.html#start=7
Popcorn lip scrub
http://www.lushusa.com/Popcorn/03766,en_US,pd.html#start=8
Basically, I'll take the whole store!!!

4.  Field Roast Chao Slices!!
How in the world L.A., the mecca of vegan food, does not have these available to us yet is CRAZY!! I continue, daily, to see people posting about this "cheese" on IG and FB, and am DYING to get my hands on some. Naturally, I want to try all 3 flavors. Maybe Santa will send some in the mail!
http://fieldroast.com/product/chao-slices/

5. Salad Samurai (Cookbook) Terry Hope Romero
Plain and simple, I'm a salad lover, and I want this book! Also, I've heard nothing but praise for it!
http://www.amazon.com/Salad-Samurai-Cutting-Edge-Easy---Make/dp/0738214876/ref=sr_1_39?ie=UTF8&qid=1418145886&sr=8-39&keywords=vegan+cookbooks

6. Thug Kitchen: The Official Cookbook: Eat Like You Give A F*ck (Cookbook)
Potty mouthed Chefs, dry sense of humor and vegan food? I'm in. ALL in.
http://www.amazon.com/Thug-Kitchen-Official-Cookbook-Like/dp/1623363586/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1418146674&sr=8-1&keywords=vegan+cookbooks

7. Kitchen Tongs, with Silicone
Everyone needs a pair of these. They are the all-in-one tool. You can use them for anything, really!
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-9-Inch-Tongs-Silicone/dp/B003L0OYJ4/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1418147059&sr=8-14&keywords=kitchen+tongs

8. Ta-Ta Tamer (Sports bra) from lululemon
Pretty much all of my sports bras are dying at once, and let's face it, those of us "blessed" with big boobies can't just run into Tar-jay and grab a $15.00 sports bra. Our girl's need support. We'd also like to look cute. This is the best of both world's!
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/bras-medium-support/Ta-Ta-Tamer-II-31110?cc=9732&skuId=3577464&catId=bras-medium-support

9. Magic Vegan Bacon Grease
Yep. I said VEGAN. BACON. GREASE. I've been wanting to get my hands on this since it's come out. I think it's time. Gimme ALLLLLLLLLL the vegan bacon grease!
http://www.veganstore.com/product/magic-vegan-bacon-grease/new-products

10. Phoney Baloney's Coconut Bacon
I've only tried the original flavor, once, and I was in love. I'm dying to try all the new flavors. I wouldn't be mad to find this in my stocking, or under the tree. Most Whole Food's in major cities carry them. If not, you can always order online.
http://www.veganstore.com/product/magic-vegan-bacon-grease/new-products

11. VeganYogiUnicorn Apparel
I love all of her products, but these are the few I NEED in my life (and wardrobe)
Dat Nooch Tho.....I mean, any vegan knows the addiction is real.
http://www.veganyogiunicorn.com/product/datnoochtho-ladies-tank/
Inhale The Good Shit Exhale The Bullshit Tee
http://www.veganyogiunicorn.com/product/inhaleexhale-ladies-short-sleeve-tee/
Mantra Mind Tank
http://www.veganyogiunicorn.com/product/mantramind-ladies-tank/

12. Outside The Lines; An Artists' Coloring Book for Giant Imaginations
I love to color. It's theraputic, and relaxing. I would totally dig unwrapping this! I mean, who doesn't like to color?
http://www.amazon.com/Outside-Lines-Artists-Coloring-Imaginations/dp/0399162089/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1418148486&sr=8-3&keywords=adult+colouring+books

13. Eating Animals (Johnathan Safran Foer)
Been wanting to read this for so long. It comes highly recommeded by many.
http://www.amazon.com/Eating-Animals-Jonathan-Safran-Foer/dp/0316069884/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418149175&sr=1-1&keywords=eating+animals

14. Solshine Strands
A former dance student of mine, and fellow Yogi, has created this amazing line of jewlery. Here are a few pieces that really sing to me!
Peaceful Buddha Mala
http://solshinestrands.com/product/green-mala-bead-necklace/
White Jade Mala Strand (I dig it in coral)
http://solshinestrands.com/product/white-jade-mala-bead-strand/
Buddha Strand
http://solshinestrands.com/product/buddha-strand/
Multi-Colored Agate Strand
http://solshinestrands.com/product/multi-colored-agate/

15. Free People Swag
I ADORE Free People clothing!! Here are a few of my favorite things from this season (some are on sale!)
Vegan Strap Tank
http://www.freepeople.com/sale-new-sale/vegan-strap-tank/
Foiled Short
http://www.freepeople.com/sale-new-sale/foiled-soft-short/
Soleil Convertable Harems
http://www.freepeople.com/sale-new-sale/soleil-convertible-harems/

16. Pacifica Make-up and Candles!!
I love their products, specifically their candles. All of their stuff is 100% Vegan!
Coconut Nectar Lip Tint
http://www.pacificabeauty.com/makeup/lips/color-quench-lip-tint?id=418
Crystal Orchid Nail Polish
http://www.pacificabeauty.com/makeup/nail-polish/7-free-nail-polish?id=483
Tuscan Blood Orange Natural Soap
http://www.pacificabeauty.com/bath-and-body/cleansers/soaps/tuscan-blood-orange-natural-soap?id=92
All their spray Perfumes
http://www.pacificabeauty.com/perfume/spray-perfumes
And, I'm in love with all the Soy Candles!
http://www.pacificabeauty.com/home-accents/soy-candles

17. Cocomel's!!
VEGAN coconut-based caramels. I needn't say more!! The most amazing thing is that I've been seeing these at more mainstream markets such as Fresh n' Easy!! They are TO. DIE. FOR. Gimme. Gimme. Gimme!!!
http://jjssweets.com/products-page/


There are so many more amazing products out there, and it was VERY hard to narrow it down, but these are definitely my favorite items on my list! I hope this helps you to shop for your favorite people (or yourself!!) this Holiday Season!! I hope Santa brings you all everything you want, and more importantly, that you get to relax and spend time with those you love most. That is, after all, what the Holiday's are all about!!

Thanks for stopping by my page, and please, feel free to comment and add YOUR favorite items. Spread the Vegan love!!

XOXOXO





Friday, November 21, 2014

SAUSAGE APRICOT STUFFING

Still trying to finalize your Holiday menu? Looking to add an additional item? Well, I believe this stuffing is what you are missing! We used to make this way back, when I ate my animal friends, and after I chose to live a compassionate life, I was the most disappointed to not have this yummy stuffing at the dinner table. After one Thanksliving without it, I was like NO! I WILL VEGANIZE IT!! And so I did! My family loves it just as much as the meaty version, and the tradition lives on!

SAUSAGE APRICOT STUFFING

(Serves 6-8)

*1 package of Vegan stuffing (I use the Whole Foods brand)

*1 package of Vegan breakfast sausage (I recommend Gimme Lean brand)
* 25-30 dried apricots, diced
*1 3/4 C of Veg stock; I use homemade, and I would highly recommend doing the same!
* 1/3 C melted Earth Balance butter
*1 lb of cremini mushrooms, washed and chopped
*1 large, sweet onion, diced
* 4 cloves of garlic, minced
* Olive oil, for cooking
* 6-8 fresh sage leaves, finely diced
* Himalayan salt, to taste
* Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste.

-Begin by heating oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat.
-Once hot, add your diced onion and mushroom, and a pinch of salt. Cook until vegetables begin to sweat and onions become translucent. Add your garlic and cook for 2-3 mins, stirring often, and being sure not to burn the garlic. You're not looking to fully cook the veg, as it will soften up a bit more in the oven. Remove from pan and place in a small bowl to cool down.
-Using the same pan, crumble and cook the vegan sausage. You may or may not need to add oil. I usually add a bit of water to the pan with the sausage, to deglaze it, and get all the yummy bits off of the pan. Cook sausage until heated through. Remove from pan and add to the veg mixture.
-Now, take your dry stuffing and add your diced apricots and veg/sausage mixture. Give it a toss to mix. At this point, I add my diced sage, salt and pepper.









































-A little bit at a time, add your stock and butter, stirring and incorporating between each addition. Repeat this process until all the stuffing is moist.
-Transfer into a 9 x 13 baking dish. 
-This entire recipe, up to this point, can be made a day ahead of time. Simply wrap with foil and store in fridge until you are ready to pop it in the oven.
-Once you are ready to cook, put into a 350-375 oven, covered for about 25-30 mins. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 mins, or until the top begins to get brown and crispy.
-Remove from oven, and enjoy!!



Thursday, November 20, 2014

MY FAMOUS CHILI AND FIREY CORNBREAD!!

I've been dying for it to cool down so I could make my chili, so I was super stoked to see the temp drop a few weeks ago! And by drop, I mean like 68. Hey, that's chilly for us out here is LaLaLand. Don't judge. Anyway, I saw the forecast and took my butt to Sprouts to grab all the yummy ingredients to make my chili. As usual, it was BOMB! I really never thought I'd share my Chili recipe, it was one that I thought I'd save for that cookbook I have aspirations to publish one day, but then I was like.....why NOT share it? Your carnivore friends won't even know it's vegan. I've had big meat-eaters tell me that it was the best chili they ever had! SO, here it is. You can thank me later :)
*DISCLAIMER- I like my chili HOT. And when I say hot, I mean like I'm sweating and my nose runs when I eat it. I love heat. Gimme all the heat. If you don't like heat, just adjust the peppers and spices to your taste.

MY FAMOUS CHILI:
(Serves about 8)

* 1 green pepper, diced
* 1 sweet onion, diced
* 1 red onion, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 red jalapenos, with seeds, diced
* 2 green jalapenos, with seeds, diced
* 2-3 serranos, with seeds, diced
* 2 cans Organic red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 can Organic black beans, drained ans rinsed
* 1 can Organic cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 can (28 oz) Organic crushed tomatoes
* 1 box (32 oz) Imagine Organic Creamy Tomato soup
*  1 pkg soy crumble (I used Lightlife)
* 1 TBS chili powder
* Generous amount of freshly ground black pepper
* Himalayan salt, to taste
* 2 tsp cayenne pepper
* 1 TBS agave nectar
* 1/4 C water (more or less, depending on how you like your chili)
* 1 C fresh, assorted cherry tomatoes

-With Crock Pot heated (I start mine on High), add peppers, onions and garlic to bottom of Crock Pot and stir to combine.
-Next, add the soy crumble and stir to combine, being sure there are no clumps of "meat".
-Add all the beans, stirring to combine.
-Now it's time to add your liquids. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato soup and water. Give everything a good stir to incorporate the liquid with the solids. It won't look very soupy, but as it cooks down, it will become more liquidy, so I would go easy on the water, and add any extra later on in the cooking process.
-Next, add the chili powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne and agave. Be sure to really stir it up well.
-Lastly, add the whole cherry tomatoes. During the cook, they will break down and give the chili a super, fresh tomato flavor!





















-Cover and allow to cook on high for a good hour. After that, I usually lower it to med-low and cook for an additional few hours, then turn it back up to high for and hour or so. Honestly, as long as it cooks for 4-5 hours, you can cook it on whatever temp you'd like. It's best when it's cooked down slowly, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen. Stir occasionally, and be sure to continue to taste it to see if any of the seasoning needs to be adjusted.
-At some point during the cooking process you can begin to make your cornbread.


























FIREY JALAPENO CORNBREAD:
 Recipe adapted from a PPK recipe

* 2 C Organic, Non-GMO cornmeal (I use Bob's Redmill)
* 1 C unbleached All-Purpose flour
* 2 tsp baking powder
* 1/3 C melted coconut oil
* 2 TBS agave nectar
* 2 C unsweetened almond milk
* 2 tsp Bragg's apple cider vinegar
* 1 tps Himilayan salt
* 1 jalapeno, seeds included, finely diced
* 1-2 serranos, seeds included, finely diced

-Preheat oven to 350 (for glass) or 375 (for non-stick) and spray a 8 X 8 baking dish with cooking spray
-Combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, whisk together and set aside.
-Put all dry ingredients in a medium bowl and mix to combine.
-Add coconut oil and agave to almond milk mixture and whisk until foamy.
-Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and fold in until combined. It will be pretty thick.
-Drop in your peppers and fold into the cronbread mixture.
-Transfer to your "greased" baking dish and pop in the oven.
-Bake for 30-35 mins, or until edges begin to brown and a knife put into the center comes out clean.
-Allow to cool on a cooling rack for 5-10 mins before slicing.


























Both the chili and the cornbread taste amazing for days after; I always like mine the best on Day 2! I hope you enjoy my chili as much as I do!

Monday, October 27, 2014

"CHEEZY" SNACK MIX

I don't know about you, but I LOVE a good salty, crunchy snack!!! I used to love to eat Chex Mix, but that went out the window after changing to a Plant-based Diet. The other day, I was desperately craving that Chex Mix taste, so I decided to make a similar, V-friendly version of it, and it turned out AWESOME!! Luckily, I made an enormous batch of it, so I can munch on it whenever I want! It's pretty darn easy to make, and you can really throw whatever you want in it. I microwaved mine, due to lack of time, but if you are off of the microwave, it can be made in the oven.

"CHEEZY" SNACK MIX:

* 4 C Rice Chex style cereal
* 4 C Wheat Chex style cereal
* 3 C small twist pretzels
* 2 C mixed, raw nuts
* 3/4 box Earth Balance Cheeze Crackers
* 6 TBS Earth Balance
* 5 drops Liquid Smoke
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* 1 tsp Spike Seasoning
* 2 1/2 TBS Vegan Worcestershire (I use Annie's brand)
* 1/3-1/2 C Nutritional yeast

-In large, microwavable bowl, combine cereal, pretzels and nuts.
-In a smaller, microwavable bowl, put Earth Balance in and microwave 30-35 seconds, or until melted. To melted butter, add liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, Spike and vegan worcestershire. Stir to combine.
-Pour butter mixture over dry ingredients, and working quickly, stir to coat all ingredients evenly.
-Place in microwave for 2 minutes. Remove. Add 1/3 of the Nutritional yeast, stir well, and place back in microwave. Cook another 2 minutes, then repeat same process. Do one more round in the microwave, for 1 1/2 -2 minutes. Remove and stir in the last of the Nutritional yeast and the Earth Balance Cheeze Crackers.
-Spread the snack mix onto a parchment lined baking sheet, and allow to cool completely.
-Transfer to an airtight container, for storage.




* If you want to make in the oven, place on baking sheet after stirring in butter mixture, sprinkle with the Nutritional yeast, and bake at 250 for about 1- 1 hour and 15 mins, stirring every 15-20 minutes.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

RAW ZOODLES WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATO & RED PEPPER MARINARA


RAW: 1 : not cooked. 2 : being in or nearly in the natural state.

I LOVE eating Raw!!! I often wish I ate Raw more, and have toyed around with the idea of being Raw Till 4, but have never made the leap. Mostly it's due to lack to lack of time (to eat more times daily), and finacial reasons. Eating Raw can be costly. You definitely consume a higher quantity of food in a day than you would on a Vegan diet. I ate Raw for a few days once, to see how I felt, and I was floored how much produce I went through. I felt phenominal though......Raw Till 4 would definitely be a good compromise. Maybe I'll give it a go in the new year, once I get my finacials back on track!
In the meantime, I will continue to incorporate Raw meals into my diet a few times a week. This recipe is one of my favorite, and easiest, Raw meals to make. I've made it several times, tweaking it a bit each time, and I'm very pleased with the outcome, so I think it's time to share!!
To make the Zoodles, you will need some form of Spiralizer. I have this model (http://www.amazon.com/Paderno-World-Cuisine-A4982799-Tri-Blade/dp/B0007Y9WHQ/ref=sr_1_1/185-6815642-4095123?ie=UTF8&qid=1413427440&sr=8-1&keywords=spiralizer), which I'm in love with!! I use it to spiralize carrots, cucumbers, beets, apples and it makes great curly fries!! Pretty much any veg/fruit that fits in it, has been spiralized!! I'm a dork, and I like to spiralize!!
The best thing, in my opinion, about eating Raw, is the amount of food you can eat. I actually ate ALL of the zoodles (3 zucchinis worth) for dinner!! There was plenty of Marinara leftover, which I may heat up and eat as a soup tomorrow for lunch.

RAW ZOODLES WITH HEIRLOOM & RED PEPPER MARINARA:
Makes 1 large serving, or 2 small

FOR ZOODLES:
* 3 medium zucchinis
FOR MARINARA:
* Olive oil
* 1 lb Mini Heirloom tomaotes (TJ's has them)
* 1/2 red bell pepper
* 1/4 large, or 1/2 medium, sweet onion
* 2 big garlic cloves
* Himalayan Salt, to taste
* Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* Generous pinch red pepper flakes
FOR PARM:
* 1/3 C raw walnuts
* 1/4 C nutritional yeast
* Himalayan salt, to taste

-Spiralize your zucchini, and place in a paper towel lined strainer, to extract some of the moisture.

























-In the meantime, prepare your marinara. Place heirlooms, bell pepper, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and olive oil into your blender or food processor. Processor until melded, but still a bit chunky.




-Once zoodles have released most of their moisture, pat dry and add to a bowl. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and olive oil and toss. Set aside to soften a bit (about 10 mins).

-While waiting, make your Raw Parm. In a mortar & pestel, or food processor, combine all ingredients. Hand grind or process until it looks like parm. Season with salt, to taste.

























-To plate, top zoodles with the marinara and sprinkle with generous amount of parm.

























-DIG IN, and ENJOY!!!

Friday, September 26, 2014

BUFFALO CHICK(PEA) WRAP

It's pretty hard to believe it's Fall, especially since it's been 90 + degrees here for the past few weeks! The only thing that has semi-put my mind into Fall mode is the fact that my favorite thing, FOOTBALL, is back!!! Nothing makes me more happy than watching my Steeler's play while tossing back a few beers and eating some game day noms. Some of my favorite things to munch on during a game are chips with salsa and guacamole, veggies and hummus, potato chips, and of course, grilling out!!
I have pretty much gone through and veganized all of my old favorite go-to game day foods, but there was one that I used to LOVE eating, that I still crave, and was dying to recreate, but a guilt-free, healthy version. I used to go to Buffalo Wild Wings a lot, when I lived in Vegas, to watch the games that didn't air on T.V., and my go-to meal was the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wrap, with extra hot sauce. It was spicy, crispy and yummy! It was also a gut-bomb of animal fat, grease and dairy. I wanted to try to capture that taste, all while taking care of my body. Now, my wrap is not exactly the same, but I assure you, it's damn good!  I could have made an almost excat replica with vegan breaded chick'n, vegan cheese, vegan ranch, etc...., but I am doing my best to eat clean, unprocessed foods right now, so this is my (clean) take on the wrap. Instead of using a vegan ranch, I added Veganaise, and some of the herbs that are found in ranch dressing to give it a bit of the creamy taste I crave. Feel free to add celery if you'd like, I personally am not a big fan, so I left it out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

BUFFALO CHICK(PEA) WRAP
Makes 2-3 wraps

* 1 can organic garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
* 1/4 C Frank's Red Hot (or, hot sauce of choice)
* 1/4 C Veganaise
* 2 green onions, green and white parts, roughly sliced
* 3 TBS raw hemp hearts
* Handful fresh dill
* Handful of fresh parsley
* 2 tsp cayenne (optional, I like mine VERY spicy)
* 1 tsp Himalayan salt
* freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* Wraps of choice- I used Whole Wheat Lavash, which are my favorite!
* Romaine lettuce
* Tomato

-Add garbanzo's, Frank's, Veganaise, green onions, hemp hearts, dill, parsley, cayenne, salt and pepper to food processor.
-Process until blended, yet still a bit chunky. You may have to belnd a few seconds, then stop and scrape down sides, then blend again.
-Scoop into wrap, add lettuce and tomato, roll up, and cut in half.

THAT'S IT!!!
Super easy, fast, and not many ingredients.
You can also use lettuce wraps if you are watching your carbs, or spread on crackers.
























As always, I love to hear your feedback, or the different ways you used my creations.
Oh, and one more thing.......

GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!