Instant Pot Butternut Soup - Vegan and Gluten-Free

Creamy, rich,silky, satisfying soup that is ready in under 15 minutes in the Instant Pot!

This is a classic Fall recipe, but is still perfect for those cool, early spring evenings.  It is especially good for a fast, but nourishing dinner on a busy weeknight. This soup is even better the next day, when the flavors have fully developed and it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. If you don't have an instant pot, I have included the instructions for the conventional method below.  It is still fairly quick, if you steam the squash in the microwave.

My Instant Pot is a Mini (3 quart), so if you like, this recipe may be doubled.

Watch how I make this soup in the video below:

Creamy Penne with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Vegetables (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

My favorite creamy pasta dish made vegan and gluten-free.

This has been a go-to meal for our family for a long time.  It is easy, fast (takes less that 30 minutes to make) and you can use vegetables that you have on hand.  I used mushrooms and asparagus this time (my favorite!), but I have used green beans, spinach and kale - all with great results.

When we began our plant based diet, I missed this dish.  I needed to find a substitute for cream - and discovered cashew cream.  Amazing!  

Watch how I make this recipe in the video below:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars - Vegan & Gluten-Free

The perfect combination of peanut butter cups and chocolate covered pretzels.

If you are craving a rich indulgent treat that is both vegan and gluten-free, this is for you!  My family goes crazy for these.  They are sweet, a little salty, creamy,crunchy, peanut buttery and chocolaty.  Beware - they are highly addictive!

 Watch how I make this recipe in the video below:

Sesame Noodles

Quick and easy rice noodles in a rich Asian inspired sesame sauce.

The original recipe was from a Susan Branch cookbook that I have had for over 20 years.  I was recently reminded of it when we made it with my parents at Christmastime.  It is now a regular item in our family rotation.  If you love Pad Thai, this will be right up your alley.  And if you like dinner in a hurry,  this will be ready to eat in 10 minutes!

Watch how I make this recipe in the video below:

Recipe:

12 oz. Brown Rice Noodles

1/4 cup Tahini

1/4 cup Water

1/4 cup Coconut Aminos

1/4 cup Oil (Avocado or Canola)

2 Tbsp Sugar

2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar

1 tsp Garlic, minced

1 Tbsp Sriracha

2 tsp Sesame Oil

1/4 tsp Salt

Green Onions

Fresh Cilantro

Prepare noodles according to the package instructions.

Whisk all of the ingredients except the green onions and cilantro in a large bowl.

Add the cooked noodles to the sauce mixture and toss to coat thoroughly.

Top with green onions and cilantro.

Enjoy!

Healthy Morning Muffins (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

This is for you Carrot Cake Fans!

My recipe for Gluten-Free Healthy Morning Muffins is one that our family has enjoyed so much, and I shared it with you a while back on this blog.  In our transition to a plant-based diet, I am adapting as many of our favorites as possible.  The results are sometimes disappointing, but not with these muffins!  They are just as moist and delicious.
If you are a fan of carrot cake, I know you will love these muffins.
Go on - eat some carrot cake for breakfast and know that you are eating something healthy to start your day!

Watch how I make this recipe in the video below: