The Kalevangelist

07/03/2023

Wow, I haven't posted since August! I've made lots of fabulous recipes, but this one was incredible. I didn't even plan to make it, but I had a lot of frozen spinach so I thought, let's see if I can find a good saag recipe. This one by Vegan Richa was incredible!! I'd have no problem paying ca$h money for this in a restaurant. See comments to see my changes/substitutions. Then make this!! https://www.veganricha.com/palak-tofu-tofu-in-spinach-curry-vegan

04/08/2022

Lemon orzo salad with chickpeas, asparagus, and sundried tomatoes. Simple and so tasty!!

03/08/2022

Why haven't I made portobello steaks before??? Holy cow these were tasty, with roasted broccoli and mashed potatoes in the instant pot. All oil free!

18/05/2022

Have you ever cooked with textured vegetable protein (TVP)? I'd only used it a couple times before last night. Made some amazing sloppy joes with it and some tasty "bacon" bits. Wondering what TVP is? Read this: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-tvp

Well last night's experiment was a huge success. TACO TVP! I used this recipe, but to make it really easy skip the seasonings and use taco seasoning to taste. https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/easy-tvp-tacos/

I didn't have onions, so I just heated up the broth and TVP with dehydrated onion flakes and little frozen cubes of garlic from Trader Joes. Then I made some TASTY crunch wrap quesadillas with it, using my favorite queso made with OATS (Forks Over Knives recipe), guac, 1/2 tostada, lettuce, and chopped olives and tomatoes. They heated up GREAT in the oven for lunch today, so this could definitely be a make-ahead meal for a crowd.

And I had a margarita, (FINE, I had two) cuz duh.

17/05/2022

Super easy and tasty dinner tonight, thanks for the recipe Lisa!! 😁 Coconut peanut tofu with rice. And of course I chopped up some kale and added it. Eight thumbs up in my family of four!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 https://www.noracooks.com/peanut-buddha-bowl/

10/05/2022

So much goodness!!!

06/05/2022

Such a great dinner tonight! Made crunch wraps with lentil taco "meat," homemade queso (made with oats! An easy and tasty recipe), guac, chopped black olives, and tortilla chips. No leftovers here, they all got gobbled up! The picture SO does not do it justice.

05/05/2022

Made my favorite tofu scramble recipe, added in some chopped steamed kale, sauteed mushrooms, Morningstar Farms breakfast patties, and a little homemade cashew cream cheese. Wrapped it up in puff pastry (yep, it's vegan!) and baked. So tasty!! This will be a great make-ahead breakfast....leave in the fridge until ready to bake.

Tofu scramble recipe: https://rainbowplantlife.com/eggy-tofu-scramble/ -recipe-container-11576

01/05/2022

Holy cow this is tasty. I made steel cut oats yesterday (I always throw some chopped dates in with them while cooking...they sweeten the oats and add some good nutrition. I also always add ground flaxseeds) and had leftovers in the fridge. Added some vanilla chia pudding I made last night (sooo easy), banana, cinnamon, and cardamom. It was great (cold) just like that, but then I decided to add some homemade chia berry jam (again, sooo easy) and pepitas/pumpkin seeds. Sometimes I even add lentils to my oatmeal ... You can hardly tell they're there and they add even more fiber and protein. I cook a bunch, let them cool, and freeze them (in a thin layer, so I can break off chunks) and then they're ready any time. 🌱❤️🥬

23/04/2022

In honor of Earth Day....did you know that eating a plant-based diet is one of the best things we can do for the environment, if not THE best thing? An Oxford University study identified going vegan as the “single biggest way” we can reduce our carbon footprint, shrinking it up to 73% (!!!!!). Switching to a vegan diet reduces your individual water footprint by up to 55%. I could go on and on, but let's just say that I switched to a plant based diet for my health, and stuck with it because of just how amazing those health benefits were, lower grocery bill, easier kitchen clean up, tastier food (my family never loved my cooking this much before we made the switch). As I learn about how much better this way of eating is for the environment, it confirms that this was the right move for our health and for the planet.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now and dig into this AMAZING kale salad with a cashew-ranch dressing and baked buffalo tofu. I even sprinkled some homemade cashew parmesan on top (WAY tastier than the stuff in the green can).

https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/vegan-diet-environment

15/04/2022

Best sandwich ever!! Easy homemade tofu "bacon", roasted tomatoes and asparagus, home grown broccoli sprouts, and a wee bit o' Vegenaise. All on some killer homemade ciabatta my son made. He even said it was better than a "real" BLT!

Plant based eating can be SO MUCH TASTIER than eating animal products!

14/03/2022

Portobello steak with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes. Plants are SOOOO GOOOODDD!!!

08/02/2022

Yay, kale!!

Vegetarians have a lower risk of dementia, according to a study published in Nutrients.

06/02/2022

I'm still alive!! As you may have noticed, I haven't released a podcast episode for about 8 months (and probably haven't posted in that long either), and I am not sure if I will go back to creating new episodes. It is SO MUCH WORK to find guests, create a recording and edit it. But, I got to thinking, I should still share tasty vegan recipes and opportunities with y'all!

I made this Mu Shu Veggies/Tofu tonight and it was a huge hit!! Enjoy!

https://food52.com/recipes/25868-mu-shu-vegetables-vegan-but-your-friends-will-never-know?epik=dj0yJnU9dEZFY2hSMUFNOTRGdFY4YldsZldtNnZvejVPdjNlMU4mcD0wJm49Yko0b244NEtPbXdvNDUzMXFzdi0zUSZ0PUFBQUFBR0hfS19V

17/09/2021

Stop what you're doing right now and make these dee-licious spicy chickpea quesadillas with caramelized onions! Spicy chickpea hummus, caramelized onions, and spinach on a whole wheat tortilla. Very filling and lots of fiber and goodness. Yummm. Scroll for recipe.

14/09/2021

These overnight oats are da 💣!! I added chia seeds and topped with banana and berries. I only soaked it for 2 hours because I couldn't wait to eat it. Thanks Fit Foodie Finds !! https://fitfoodiefinds.com/maple-french-toast-overnight-oats/

10/09/2021

It has been aaaaages since I've posted on here! I've been busy loving every minute of summer, but I just had to share this recipe! I made this queso tonight, and served it over baked potatoes topped with broccoli and soy chorizo mixed with lentils. It is soooo good!! It's a recipe from Forks Over Knives, and it has a cup of oatmeal in it....whodathunk?? https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/vegan-sauces-condiments/vegan-queso-sauce/

13/07/2021

With the gobs of zucchini in our garden, I knew I needed to find ways to use them! In addition to sauteing one with kale for my lunch today, and adding two to tonight's spaghetti sauce (along with cooked lentils), I made this yummy oil-free, date-sweetened chocolate zucchini bread by .healthy.kitchen . SOOO yummy!!! I look forward to enjoying many more zucchinis for dessert this summer with this recipe!!

Recipe link here: https://thishealthykitchen.com/chocolate-zucchini-bread/

29/06/2021

I've shared this one before, but it's so tasty and simple I just had to share again. Creamy Cajun Pasta with Vegan Chorizo Sausage by the vegan afterglow - healthy, easy + oil-free recipes . I use the soy chorizo crumbles from Trader Joes and add lots and lots of chopped veggies while sauteeing the onions...tonight I added chopped cauliflower, carrots, and frozen chopped kale. Once the veggies are done I add the vegan chorizo to heat it up. So glad there are leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Recipe link below:

https://theveganafterglow.com/cajun-sausage-pasta/

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26/06/2021

Yummmm!! Vegan Mac n cheese by The Detoxinista . I use half the pasta it calls for and make up for it with oodles of baked chopped cauliflower. I also used Banza chickpea noodles....first time using them and it won't be the last. Served with mushrooms and broccoli sauteed in veggie broth and sprinkled with Cashew Parmesan by Courtney's Homestead (a staple in our house, SO good).

Mac n cheese:. https://detoxinista.com/best-vegan-mac-n-cheese/

Cashew Parmesan: https://courtneyshomestead.com/cashew-parmesan-cheese/

23/06/2021

Cauliflower steaks with mushroom gravy by Rabbit and Wolves (yum!!). I didn't fry these, rather I just baked them longer (20-25 min). Sprayed with a little avocado oil to help them crisp up, but I may skip that next time. And the mushroom gravy is soooo good!! I left out the olive oil and just sauteed the mushrooms and garlic in a dry pan. The mushrooms release enough water that it's not needed. Also made some super easy, tasty mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot by Veggies Save The Day and sauteed green beans. Fab dinner!!

Recipes here:

Cauliflower Steaks and mushroom gravy: https://www.rabbitandwolves.com/vegan-crispy-black-pepper-cauliflower-steaks/

Mashed Potatoes: https://www.veggiessavetheday.com/instant-pot-mashed-potatoes/

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18/06/2021

OMG amazing dinner tonight!! This is SO going in the rotation. Easy Vegan Calzones by THE SIMPLE VEGANISTA . I didn't have mushrooms, so I made soy curl pepperoni by Courtney's Homestead (see earlier post). The cashew garlic cream in these is ah-may-zing. And I'm happy, because the sauteed veggie mixture includes kale! We dipped them in pizza sauce sprinkled with Cashew Parmesan, also by (parmesan recipe link in an earlier post).

I even made a homemade pizza crust and I'd still say it was a simple meal to make!

Recipe here: https://simple-veganista.com/portobello-kale-calzone-with-garlic/

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17/06/2021

Sooo excited for dinner tonight!! Making vegan calzones with this Soy Curl Pepperoni from Courtney's Homestead . I've made this pepperoni before and it is always a hit! I left out the oil and it's still great. Recipe here:
https://courtneyshomestead.com/vegan-soy-curl-pepperoni/

Yummmm!!

This easy Vegan Soy Curl Pepperoni recipe is the perfect addition to your vegan pizza. It's a great alternative to the real thing and is quick to make.

10/06/2021

My usual exercise is a walk or two around the neighborhood every day. But it's raining and dreary today, so I didn't feel like doing that. I remembered that one of my podcast guests, Lynn Byerley, told me about some workouts she does on a YouTube channel by . So, I thought I'd give it a try! Today I did a 45 minute walking workout (low impact, steady intensity) and had so much fun with that I followed it with a 20 minute flat tummy cardio workout (higher intensity using the whole body). Loved it! His workouts are easy to follow, he doesn't talk at all, and each exercise is only 30 seconds long before you move on to the next one so it keeps you on your toes and doesn't get boring. He has TONS of videos and posts a new one EVERY DAY. I love the fact that he's in Nairobi, Kenya, and I can work out with him in Idaho....how cool is that?? Check out his channel, subscribe, and let's work out "together!"

https://youtube.com/c/FocusFitnessGlobal

10/06/2021

Holy moly. Vegan Lemon Lavender Shortbread by .well. SO GOOD!!

So there's 1/2 cup of vegan butter in this recipe which made 10 cookies, so it's not necessarily a low-fat treat, but MAN is it good!!

Recipe: https://beplantwell.com/lemon-lavender-shortbread-cookies/

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08/06/2021

Am I the last person to know that Trader Joe's marshmallows are vegan?? Most marshmallows contain gelatin, a very non-vegan ingredient (wanna know how it's made? Read the first comment below... it's pretty gross). These are tasty, relatively inexpensive compared to some of the hoity toity vegan brands, and easily available!

25/05/2021

Vegan "Chicken" Nuggets by Jessica in the Kitchen ! These little baked nuggets of tofu goodness were a huge hit with my family the other night. I didn't tweak anything, they were perfect as-is. Per one of the comments, I made a dipping sauce with homemade cashew mayo, sriracha, dijon, and a little maple syrup. We had with salad, but these would also be great in a wrap or with corn on the cob. Yum!!
https://jessicainthekitchen.com/vegan-tofu-nuggets-crispy-crunchy/

23/05/2021

I've been on a scone kick lately, so I was excited to find this oil-free recipe for Vegan Churro Scones by Vegan Richa . Oh. Em. Gee. So, so, so good. Make them now!! Wonderful on a Sunday morning with fresh fruit and hot tea. I followed her suggestion for using both whole wheat and all-purpose flour. Now, hopefully my family will wake up and enjoy them before I enjoy my way through the entire batch! Okay, I have more self control than that....but not much. 😁

Recipe link: https://www.veganricha.com/wprm_print/31209

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20/05/2021

Simple and tasty Vegan One Pot Caramelized Tomato Caprese Pasta from Rabbit and Wolves ! Yum!! I used about 1/2 cup less coconut milk than it called for and replaced with more cashew milk....I'm considering going with even more cashew milk next time. Soooo yummy-- fresh basil, burst tomatoes, garlic, whole wheat thin spaghetti, all in a delicious creamy sauce!

Recipe: https://www.rabbitandwolves.com/vegan-one-pot-caramelized-tomato-caprese-pasta/

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19/05/2021

NEW EPISODE! Married for over 50 years, Pat and Ruth Clifford are a delight. Their mutual respect, love, and fun-loving ways come through in this conversation. Years ago, Pat was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Yet it was what his doctor said to him after the diagnosis that changed the course of Pat's life and health. He said, "You're diabetic, but you don't have to be." He inspired Pat to remove all animal products from his diet and incorporate plentiful whole foods onto his plate. Pat and Ruth took on the challenge, and as a result, Pat has never had to take insulin, nor is he on any diabetes medication...and he loves all the plant-based goodies Ruth whips up in the kitchen!

Catch the episode on just about any podcast platform, or here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1715090/8544118