Cheezy Tater Tot Casserole

Merry Christmas. This year we have new vegans (yay!!), those limiting their meat intake (yay too!), a baby (!),  and my daughter, who has been diagnosed with Celiac disease. So.. I had to prepare a complete vegan & gluten free breakfast for Christmas brunch. Challenge accepted! 

I probably was great entertainment for the staff at our local Harris Teeter. I walked back and forth through the store,  looking at Pinterest (my saving grace most night!), searching for ingredients, and coming up with a plan to make tge best vegan & gluten free breakfast for my family - one that even the picky ones would eat & enjoy (no pressure 😂).

This was the filling, crowd pleasing recipe I can up with to make everyone happy. My entire meal plan is in the footnotes, if you want to know how to make a gluten free & vegan brunch fir your family.

Recipe:

2 bags frozen tater tots

Olive oil

paprika 

8 oz. Sliced mushrooms, chopped 

8 oz. Kale, chopped & de -stemed

1 Tbsp. Cumin

1/4 cup vegetarian chick'n broth (or veggie broth)

1 tsp. Onion power

1 tsp. garlic powder 

Salt & pepper

1 recipe Easy 5 minute vegan cheese sauce

method:

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Pour tater tots into a greased 11x13 pan. 

3. Toss tater tots into a little olive oil and paprika.

4. Bake about 20 minutes, until tater tots are brown. 

5. While tater tots are cooking, make your cheezy sauce (see recipe link above).

6. Once cheese sauce is ready, start your vegetables. 

7. Steam your chopped mushrooms and kale in the vegetarian chick'n broth, paprika, cumin, onion powder,  garlic powder, salt and pepper. 

8. Cover & steam over medium heat until softened.

9. Remove tater tots from the oven.

10. Top tater tots with kale/ mushrooms and  the cheeze sauce. 

11. Toss lightly to mix all ingredients. 

12. Bake 30 - 40 minutes, until golden brown. 

Makes 8 servings. 

* Entire vegan & gluten free breakfast plan:

1. Delicious Scrambled Tofu

2. Vegetarian baked beans

3. Southern style grits

4. Cheezy Tater Tot Casserole 

5. Olive platter

6. Fruit roasted with pecans 

Italian Roasted Veggies over Chive & Turmeric Mashed Potatoes

It's Summer time and vegetables are plentiful. We have so many fresh zucchini, summer (yellow) squash, green beans, & tomatoes. Roasted Veggies is a very frequent meal at our home in the Summer and mashed potatoes are ALWAYS a favorite...so let's have BOTH!

This is an easy meal. I'm taking the short cut of using mashed potato flakes and "doctoring" them for convenience (nothing against homemade, please use homemade if you have the time). All you have to do is cut up your vegetables, toss them in your marinade (which becomes a delicious sauce for your potatoes!), and roast while you do your laundry,  help kids with homework, or enjoy a glass of wine while catching up on one of your favorite shows. This is so simple, it will become a staple in your home too.

Looking for more easy vegan family meals? Try my Vegan Cabbage Rolls, BBQ Tempeh over Southwestern Cauliflower "Rice", Baked Crispy Tofu, Kale Stuffed Eggplant "Parm", Chipotle Mac-n-Cheese with Smokey Lentils, Creamy Jackfruit Casserole & Baked Ziti

RECIPE:

3 small yellow squash, chopped 

1 large zucchini, chopped 

8 oz. Mushrooms 

2 cups green beans, chopped 

2 cups carrots, chopped 

1 large purple onion, chopped 

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes w/ juice

1 head of garlic cloves, pealed

1 cup Italian dressing 

Salt, pepper, paprika to taste

6 servings of mashed potatoes 

Fresh chopped chives 

1 Tbsp. Turmeric 

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 450°

2. Toss chopped veggies with diced tomatoes (do not drain!), Italian dressing, salt, pepper & paprika.

3. Pour veggies into a large roasting pan. 

4. Cook 30- 40 minutes (depending on how large you chopped your veggies), stirring once about half way through.

5. Prepare your mashed potatoes adding fresh chives and turmeric. 

6. Once your veggies are "fork tender", remove from oven.

7. Layer your mashed potatoes & top with roasted veggies. Make sure you get the pan sauce to pour over your mashed potatoes because it's delicious!

Makes 4-6 servings

Vegan Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are great! You can make large batches and freeze for later. You can eat them as "breakfast for dinner". You can pack them up for a "breakfast on the go". This is a great recipe to use up leftover veggies too! Breakfast burritos are good for you and make your life easier too, gotta love that!

Looking for more vegan breakfast ideas? Try Chocolate Protein Pancakes , Veggie & Tofu Quiche with a Crispy Potato Crust, Maple & "Sausage" Bites, Green Coconut & Citrus Smoothie, Big Family Style Breakfast, Blueberry Breakfast Cookies, & Spicy Tempeh & Grits with Cheddar Biscuits

Recipe:

2 (14 oz.) Extra firm tofu, drained well

3 Tbsp. Earth Balance vegan butter

3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast 

1 tsp. each- garlic powder, turmeric, chicken seasoning, paprika 

Ground black Sea salt (regular salt if you don't have it, but black salt is preferred)

Fresh cracked pepper 

4 cups cooked, cubed potatoes

 8 flour tortillas 

2 cups cooked, shredded kale (optional)

I prepared package vegan bac'n or sausage, crumbled (optional)

Leftover veggies like mushrooms, onions and peppers (optional)

Vegan cheese (optional)

Salsa (optional)

Method:

Melt vegan butter over medium heat. 

Add your tofu, crumbling as you add it to the pan to resemble scrambled eggs.

Add nutritional yeast, spices, salt & pepper to tofu.

Turn heat to medium- high and cook tofu until all liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes, depending if you liked a softer scramble or a hard scrambled texture.

In a large mixing bowl, combine tofu, potatoes, kale, vegan bac'n or sausage, leftover veggies, and vegan cheese (or any combination you like with your tofu).

Mix well and divide evenly between the 8 tortillas. 

Top tofu with salsa (optional) and roll up tightly into a burrito. 

Serve immediately, or freeze once they are completely cooled.

Makes 8 servings 

Tuscan Gnocchi Bake

I love gnocchi.. this is not a secret to anyone who knows me. I also love olives  (especially kalamata olives!), spinach, sun dried tomatoes, zucchini, onions, and vegan cheese sauce that's extra garlicky.  This is my perfect dish. Creamy, salty, loaded with veggies and soft gnocchi.

This us my dream dish for you.. and it's EASY to make. 

Looking for more great vegan recipes? Try my Kale & Almond Pesto Pasta, Vegan Fajita Soup , Mushroom Egg Rolls , Mediterranean Hummus Pizza, Basic Marinara Sauce, and Chocolate Covered Cherry Cupcakes 

Recipe :

2 (17.5 oz) packagesof gnocchi 

1 bunch of fresh spinach 

1 large zucchini, chopped 

1 onion, chopped 

Italian seasoning 

3 Tbsp. Vegan butter 

3 Tbsp. Flour 

3 cups unsweetened plant milk

5 cloves of garlic, crushed 

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 (3 oz.) package of sun dried tomatoes*

1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped 

1 (8 oz.) Daiya mozzarella shreds**

1 cup panko breadcrumbs  (optional)

1/2 cup of vegan Parmesan  (optional)

Salt and Pepper to taste 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°

2. Sautée onions and zucchini over medium heat with Italian seasoning until tender. Set aside. 

3. In a large skillet over medium heat,  melt butter and flour together to form a roux. Stir with whisk to prevent lumps. 

4. Once you have a blonde colored roux, add plant milk, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to form your sauce. 

5. Whisk well as the sauce comes to a boil. This will prevent lumps.

6. Add your Cheese and allow to melt and become thickened.. about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. 

7. Pour your packages of gnocchi into an 11×13 casserole dish. 

8. Add fresh spinach, zucchini and onions, sun dried tomatoes, olives and your cheese sauce. Toss well.

9. Bake gnocchi for 20 minutes. If using breadcrumbs (see below), add to your gnocchi when there is 10 minutes left to cook. 

optional topping: 

1. In a small dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese. 

2. Pour breadcrumbs over gnocchi. 

Makes 4-6 servings.

* if you don't have sun dried tomatoes in your grocery store.. substitute 1 (15 oz) can of  petite diced tomatoes, drained well. 

** You can use any vegan mozzarella you enjoy. If you don't like processed vegan cheese, you can use 1/2 to 1 cup of nutritional yeast in its place.. adjust to your tastes. 

Vegan Fajita Soup

Who doesn't love all the flavors of fajitas? I know we do! This is a easy recipe to pull all those flavors into an simple, one pot meal. Just serve with some colorful tortilla strips and a few chunks of avocado and you have a new "go to" soup for those lazy nights. 

This soup can be easily modified to fit your tastes and time schedule. If you prefer to use a vegan protein like Seitan or chick'n in this dish, it will still work perfectly. Just cut your vegan protein into bite sized pieces and cook as you would the mushrooms. I just used mushrooms because that's what we had on hand & they are easy to find in all parts of the world. You can substitute the vegan cream cheese for silken tofu and my vegan cheese sauce for any vegan cheese you can find at your local store, nutritional yeast, or just leave it out if you're not a fan. To make it easier, a bag of frozen bell peppers and onions can be used in place of fresh, chopped peppers & onions. 

All my recipes are open to your own personal interpretation. Just use the recipes as a guide as you learn to cook vegan meals. As you get used to the substitutions, please, make it your own! I love it when readers leave comments on their adaptations they have tried & enjoyed so others can try their creations too... that's how we learn 💜

Looking for more great vegan recipes? Try my Cheesy Cuban Black Bean and Plantain Bowl, BBQ Tempeh over Southwestern Cauliflower Rice, Spicy Ramen with Tofu and Asian Veggies, Vegan Fried Chick'n and Gravy, Vegan Comfort Soup, & Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

Recipe:

1 (8 oz) package of mushrooms, chopped 

1 (15 oz) can of corn, drained 

1 pobalno pepper, seeded & chopped 

1 purple onion, chopped 

2 bell peppers, seeded & chopped 

1 (1 oz) package of taco seasoning

1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed well

1 (15 oz) can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed well

2 (32 oz) vegetable broth 

1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies 

1 (8 oz) container of vegan cream cheese 

1 cup of my Easy 5 minute vegan cheese sauce  

1 bunch of fresh spinach, chopped 

**Optional add ins & toppings**

1/2 tsp of liquid smoke  

1 fresh jalapeño, chopped 

Vegan sour cream 

Crispy tortilla strips 

Chopped avocado

Lime wedges 

Fresh chopped Cilantro 

Method: 

1. In a deep, soup pot over medium heat, cook your mushrooms, poblano pepper, bell peppers, onions and corn until tender. 

2. Add black beans, pinto beans, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, vegan cheese sauce, vegetable broth, vegan cream cheese, liquid smoke (optional), spinach, salt and pepper to your soup pot. 

3. Reduce heat to medium low and cook an additional 15 minutes, until warm and bubbly.

4. Top with chopped jalapeños, tortilla strips, vegan sour cream, lime juice, Cilantro, and avocado (or other desired toppings) before serving. 

Makes 6 servings 

Vegan Mac-n-cheese with Green Peas

This is as simple as it gets. Vegan comfort food that even your kids will love. This mac-n-cheese has become a staple at our house because it's quick and easy. 

You could buy one of those boxed vegan mac-n-cheese meals, nothing wrong with that. I, honestly, use them when I'm short on time. I try to make this more than the boxed stuff just because we enjoy cooking as a family. 

This recipe is simply the old standard recipe I used to make before going vegan, veganized. I absolutely love taking a family recipe and making it vegan. It's a great way to prove that "anything you can make, I can make vegan!" Mac-n-Cheese is not the exception to that saying,  it's the proof that it's always true!

Looking for more great vegan recipes? Try my Sriracha Black Bean Burger, Buffalo Chic Pea Quesadilla, Stuffed Eggplant Parm , Baked Spinach and Artichoke Pasta , BBQ Tempeh over Southwestern Cauliflower "Rice" , & Triple Berry Cobbler

Recipe:

1 ( 1 lb.) box of pasta, cooked according to box directions & drained well.

3 Tbsp vegan butter 

3 Tbsp flour 

2.5 cups unsweetened plant milk 

1 tsp. yellow mustard 

3 slices of Chao creamy original cheese* 

4 slices of Daiya cheddar slices*

Salt, pepper and paprika to taste 

1 cup frozen green peas, thawed & warmed up in a microwave safe dish

Method:

1. Prepare you pasta according to the package and drain well.

2. In a large skillet, heat butter and flour over medium heat. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Cook 3-4 minutes, until well combined and "blonde" colored.

3. Add plant milk, salt, pepper, paprika and mustard. Whisk again to break up any lumps. Continue whisking occasionally until mixture comes to a boil and becomes thick. 

4. Add your cheese and stir until it all melts into a creamy cheese sauce. 

5. Toss pasta and green peas with your cheese sauce. Allow to cook a few more minutes until everything is heated throughly. 

6. Sprinkle with a little paprika before serving. 

Make 4-6 servings.

* If you don't have, or can't find, the Chao or Daiya I used in this recipe, use any combination & brands you like. Just make sure your cheese combination equals about 2 cups for this recipe. 

You can also use 1/2 - 3/4 cup of nutritional yeast in place of the cheeses I used in this recipe. It will not be as creamy, but the flavor will be similar. 

Deliciously Sweet Beet & Apple Juice

I have STRUGGLED to like beets. I need to like them. They are really good for your body, especially when you have problems with inflation in your joints, like I do. 

I have been on a "quest" to enjoy this red, beautiful veggie. I have tried different juices, pickled beets, and even beet salads.. hated them all equally. 

Today, finally, I tried a beet juice that I loved! My oldest daughter, Britani, made me a pitcher of beet juice and insisted I try it.  I did so, only out of love for my daughter. I was so pleasantly surprised! It was sweet and delicious! My daughter is a genius. This is her recipe for really good beet juice ( never thought I would publish those words!)

Looking for more refreshing vegan recipes? Try my Mediterranean Hummus Pizza, Black Bean Salad W/ Crispy Polenta, Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, Turkish Stuffed Grape Leaves, Black Eyed Pea Salad, Green Citrus Smoothie, Summer Berry Cobbler, Kale & Almond Pesto, Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, & my Basic Marinara Sauce

Recipe:

3 whole organic beets, chop off tops and roots. Cut into pieces. 

3 honey crisp apples, cored & chopped 

Method:

Put your beets and apples into your juicer.

Strain using cheese cloth, if desired.

Serve cold. 

Buffalo Chic Pea Quesadilla

I made this teice today because I loved it so much & it's so EASY!! I think this is my new "I need something quick" meal. 

This recipe is so easy, even a kid could make it (with supervision, of course). 

Looking for more great vegan Mexican style recipes? Try my Black Beans over Crispy Polenta, Vegan Taco Tuesday, Baked & Loaded Burritos, Baked Enchiladas, White Bean "Queso" Dip, Buffalo Jackfruit Quesadillias, Caribbean Burrito, Cheezy Stuffed Jalepenos, Enchilada Pasta, Jalapeno Popper Dip, Protein Power Burrito & Mexican Lasagna

Recipe:

2 (15 oz.) Cans of chic peas, drained  **(keep that liquid! You can freeze aquafaba  (chic pea brine) to use as a vegan egg replacer later. 3 Tbsp = 1 egg)**

Buffalo sauce 

Vegan butter

Flour Tortillas 

Vegan cheddar style shreds 

Vegan ranch

Method:

1. Smash your chic peas in a bowl and add buffalo sauce. Mix well.

2. Butter one side of your flour tortilla. 

3. On the opposite side of the butter, cover 1/2 your flour tortilla with your smashed chic peas. 

4. Top chic peas with vegan cheddar style shreddedcheese and a drizzle of vegan ranch. 

5. Fold tortilla in half.

6. Place your quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat.

7. Cover skillet while your quesadilla is cooking to make sure your cheese throughly melts & your chic pea filling is warmed completely. 

8. Brown quesadilla on both sides

9. Remove from skillet and use a pizza cutter to quarter your quesadilla. 

10. Serve with additional vegan ranch for dipping. 

Makes 4 quesadillas. 

Mushroom Egg Rolls

My children LOVE Chinese food, especially egg rolls. Tonight was Chinese take out night at home. I made Sriracha Roasted Tofu with Rainbow Veggies , miso soup with Ramen noodles added and these easy egg rolls for dinner. We all ate with chopsticks and enjoyed a Chinese meal at home. 

These egg rolls are so easy to make. You could definitely serve them as an appetizer or to accompany your favorite Chinese food. 

Look for more great Vegan recipes? Try my Italian Roasted Tempeh W/ Whole Garlic Cloves, Vegan Family Breakfast, Portobella Philly & Cheeze, Three Cheeze Baked Ziti, Jalapeno Popper Dip, Super Bowl Party Appitizers, & Orange Creamcicle Cupcakes

Recipe:

1 ( 14 oz.) Bag of Cole Slaw veggies... (if you can't find these, use 4 cups shredded cabbage and carrots)

8 oz. Finely chopped mushrooms 

1 Tbsp. soy sauce 

1 Tbsp. avocado oil ( any oil will work)

1 Tbsp. sesame seeds 

1 tsp. ground ginger

Oil to fry

8 (egg free) egg roll wrappers 

Method:

1. Heat Cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, soy sauce, avocado oil, sesame seeds, and ginger in a non stick pan over medium high heat until tender 

2. Heat frying oil in a skillet over medium heat. 

3. Place 1/8 of the filling in the middle of an egg roll wrapper. 

4. Fold both sides in and then roll up like a burrito. Seal the end with a little water.

5. Repeat until you have 8 egg rolls. 

6. Place egg rolls carefully in your heated oil & fry until golden brown. 

7. Let egg rolls cool on a paper towel for a few minutes before serving. 

Makes 8 egg rolls.  

Enchilada Pasta

It's a COLD and icy night here in North Carolina. It was so cold today that I was late this morning because my garage door was frozen closed (the first time that's ever happened to me). It's cold, icy, dark, kids are out of school and I'm tired of looking at my house. Time to add a little warmth and excitement to our night. After a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is spend over an hour cooking enchiladas, but that was the request from my family tonight. It's time to compromise. This dish is my quick and easy compromise... 

Looking for more easy Vegan pasta ideas? Try my Hearty Spaghetti, Mac-n-cheese with Chipotle Lentils, Butternut Macaroni, Lemon & Garlic Pasta with Tempeh & Broccoli, Baked Spinach & Artichoke Pasta, 3 Cheeze Baked Ziti, & Kale & Almond Pesto Pasta

Recipe:

2 cups frozen beefless crumbles*

1 (7 oz.) bag frozen peppers and onions 

1 cup chopped fresh kale 

1 packet taco seasoning**

Salt and Pepper to taste 

Chili powder to taste

1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes with green chilies, drained

1 (15 oz.) can of black beans, drained and rinsed 

1 (10 oz.) can enchilada sauce 

1 (1 lb.) box of pasta

2 cups 5 minute vegan cheese sauce

Method:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.

While pasta is cooking, cook beefless crumbles*, frozen peppers and onions, and kale over medium heat until tender. ( no need to add oil).

Add taco seasoning**, chili powder, tomatoes and black beans. Cook an additional 5 minutes. 

Stir in 1/2 can of enchilada sauce.

Toss pasta, beefless crumbles mixture and vegan cheese sauce together.

Before serving, garnish each bowl of pasta with remaining enchilada sauce. 

Makes 4 - 5 servings. 

* you can substitute diced mushrooms or TVP for beefless crumbles.

** to make your own taco seasoning, use 1 tsp. Cumin, 1 tsp. Paprika, 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder, & 1/2 tsp. Onion powder.