Category Archives: Basics

Vegan” Mac and Cheese by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

capture_28092014_123900Isa has created a recipe for a creamy, gooey, melty, lucious “cheese” that can be used in a mac and cheese type meal.  Her “cheese” recipe could also be used with other recipes such as a portobello or seitan “cheesesteak” sandwich.  It’s made with onions, garlic, vegetable broth, cornstarch, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, spices, and cashews.  It’s not hard to make.  Simply saute the vegetables,  combine all the ingredients and blend everything together, then, place it in a pot and cook it until it thickens and resembles melted cheese.  Isa mixes this “cheese” with pasta and tops it with roasted brussel sprouts for her version of “mac and cheese”.  Continue reading

Vegan Queso Cheese by Michelle Johnson

capture_24092014_125321Michelle Johnson demonstrates a cheese recipe developed by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. This is a melty, gooey cheese recipe, ideal as a queso cheese.  Sauteed onions, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper and garlic are added to a blender along with soaked cashews, cornstarch, white miso, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast and some spices.  After everything is blended, pour the mixture into a pot and heat it until it thickens.  Simple and delicious. Continue reading

Crispy Chickenless (Tofu) Nuggets (Baked & Fried) by Bhavna Patel

capture_24092014_102816In this video, Bhavna demonstrates that it’s as easy to get a crispy texture on tofu by baking as well as by frying the tofu.  Her technique is important for those who want to avoid the added fat in their meal that comes from frying food.  I’m sure her batter and breading technique can be used in many other recipes.  Both the the fried and baked tofu nuggets look delicious.  The baked tofu nuggets definitely have less fat in them.  Let’s try her recipe. Continue reading

Portobello “Cheesesteak” by Monique Koch

capture_23092014_114018Cheesesteaks are favorite sandwiches for a lot of people.  Although they are delicious, they are not healthy.  In this video, Monique demonstrates how to make a healthy alternative using portobello mushrooms and a vegan cheese substitute.  She puts more flavor into the portobello mushrooms by marinating them with a little garlic powder and A1 sauce, a classic meat seasoning.  This is an easy to make, fast, healthy and delicious sandwich. Continue reading

Quinoa 101 – Everything You Need To Know by Dani Spies

capture_12092014_132927Quinoa is a protein rich, gluten free “grain like” ingredient.  It’s actually a seed, but can be used like a grain in preparing meals with it.  In this video, Dani Spies explains what quinoa is, where to get it, how to store, and how to cook with it.  These are all simple things to know and do, and Dani does a great job of covering them. Continue reading

Mushrooms are healthy for you – articles by Dr. Michael Greger

capture_28092014_105852Dr. Michael Greger  has several posts reporting on the anti-oxidant value and cancer prevention and anti-inflammatory characteristics of different mushrooms.  He reports the ordinary button mushroom ranks very high for health benefits.   He suggests it should be included as a regular ingredient in our diets.  Here is a series of Dr. Greger’s blog posts, reporting on several studies into the health benefits of different mushrooms: Continue reading

Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta by Trisha Yearwood with Garth Brooks

capture_10092014_133015Dairy ricotta cheese is a common ingredient in lasagna.  In this video, watch Trish Yearwood and Garth Brooks prepare and enjoy a homemade non dairy “ricotta cheese” in a lasagna with black beans.  Garth likes this version of ricotta cheese better than the dairy version.  Here is another example of friends, a beautiful couple, cooking and enjoying a delicious and healthy meal together. Continue reading

Grilled Seitan and Tempeh by Toni Fiore

capture_01092014_075937Toni Fiore demonstrates it is to very easy to grill both/either seitan and tempeh, while presenting some good grilling tips for them.  She creates a barbeque rub with seasoning and a little oil, and also uses some sugar free barbeque sauce.  Any number of seasonings, regularly available in supermarkets, can be used in her easy techniques.  The grilled seitan and tempeh are vegan grilled meat alternatives, and are delicious. Continue reading