WHAT IS CINNAMON VANILLA CASHEW BUTTER?

Well, I’m so glad you asked! It’s your regular nut butter with a gorgeous, put-me-in-the-holiday-mood kick! Who doesn’t love warm notes of cinnamon and dreamy vanilla? This nut butter is dressed up and ready for a night on the town. It’s all-natural and all-delicious!

WHY I LIKE THIS CINNAMON VANILLA CASHEW BUTTER

I am someone who is obsessed with nut butters, but ever since groceries have skyrocketed in price, peanut and other nut butters are basically unaffordable. I mean, seven dollars for a jar of peanut butter…are you nuts?! So now, I head to Costco, buy a large bag of cashews for cheap and makes TONS of nut butter with it. It’s much more cost effective, not to mention I can see everything going into it!

THE INGREDIENTS

Another great thing about this recipe is the minimal ingredients. Just three to be exact (not including salt). They are:

• raw cashews
• cinnamon
• vanilla
• pink Himalayan sea salt

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON VANILLA CASHEW BUTTER

The first, and arguably, the most important step of this recipe is toasting the cashews. With an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, roast cashews for 5-8 minutes, checking often. Nuts burn easily and quickly, so it’s important that you keep an eye on them. Once they start turning light brown, remove them from the oven.

Now, you just add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Make sure you have a high processed blender, like the Vitamix, or the Ninja, and be patient with it! It takes about 15-20 minutes to become “butter,” so just trust the process.

TIPS

• Use 100% real vanilla – it’s much better than the artificial stuff
• Have a spatula while the nut butter is blending and scrape down the sides often
• Give the engine of your blender a break now and again to preserve it’s life

OTHER HEALTHY SPREADS YOU NEED TO TRY

Vegan Cilantro Lime Dressing (I put this stuff on everything)

Pink Hummus (perfect for date night or Valentine’s Day)

3-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam (would go perfectly with this cashew butter)

TOOLS I USED TO MAKE CINNAMON VANILLA CASHEW BUTTER

Click below to access the tools I used for this recipe:

Cinnamon Vanilla Cashew Butter

Servings: Makes approximately 1 cup

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups raw cashews
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt (or just regular sea salt)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place cashews on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until they begin turning a light golden brown colour. Watch carefully – they burn quickly!
2. Once the cashews are toasted, add them to a food processor with the cinnamon, vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Pulse a few times and then blend. Stop the motor every so often and scrap the sides down. It will look very grainy at first, but after about 15 minutes of blending and scraping, it will start to smooth out. The longer you blend, the smoother it becomes.
3. Once the cashews have reached the texture you like, taste it and add more salt if desired. Spoon the butter into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 weeks.

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WHAT IS VEGAN CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

Okay, I’ve been struggling big time. I love a creamy dressing, more than words can express, but usually they have a dairy base, and I’m just not down for that. Thank goodness I tested out this creamy Vegan Cilantro Lime Dressing using cashews instead, and it worked! It is just as creamy, dairy-free and so delicious. Therefore, you must give it a try!

WHY I LIKE THIS DRESSING

Other than because it is vegan, I love this dressing as it is multi-purpose. It’s not just for salads, but also is great for using as a dip or a drizzle on potatoes, French fries, buddha bowls, and so much more! It is also super healthy, packed with cilantro, which has a plethora of health benefits, including hosting a number of vitamins.

THE INGREDIENTS

This is the simplest dressing to make. It requires:

• Soaked cashews
• Cilantro
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic

MAKING VEGAN CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

To make this dressing, simply pack all of the ingredients into a blender and whip up until smooth – it’s that easy! Add in a tiny bit of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

TIPS

1. Make sure you soak your cashews for at least three hours. This will allow them to soften up and blend easily, resulting in a smoother, creamier dressing.
2. Use the stems and leaves of your cilantro – less prep and more nutrition that way!
3. After blending your ingredients, give the dressing a taste and add more salt, pepper, lime juice or cilantro, according to your taste.

SALAD RECIPES TO TRY

Jewelled Brussel Sprout Kale Salad (the perfect Fall side)

Candied Walnut Salad with Pear and Gorgonzola (another Fall favourite)

Beet and Orange Salad with Goat Cheese (fresh for summer)

TOOLS I USED TO MAKE THIS VEGAN CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

Click on the images below to see what I used for this recipe.

Vegan Cilantro Lime Dressing

Serving size: Makes 8oz

Prep time: 5 minutes

Inactive time: 3 hours

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw cashews, soaked for 3-4 hours in water
• 1 cup cilantro, packed (leaves and stems)
• juice of 1 lime (approximately 2 tbsp)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 tsp salt
• pinch of pepper

Instructions

1. First, drain the cashews from their soaking water and rinse well.
2. Add the cashews, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper to a blender with two tablespoons of water and blend until creamy and smooth. If the dressing is too thick, continue to add more water, one tablespoon at a time until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
3. Finally, try the dressing and add more salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour into an 8oz mason jar or a small, airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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WHAT IS PINK HUMMUS?

I’m a regular hummus lover for sure, but when you jazz it up by making it pink, it’s even better. I mean, you eat with your eyes first…am I right?!

This Pink Hummus is made with the legendary beetroot, meaning it is slightly sweet, yet earthy and aesthetically, it’s super vibrant! A definite show-stopper when brought to any party.

WHY I LOVE THIS HUMMUS

GOOD hummus is a labour of love, I’m not going to lie. However, the amount of time that hummus takes is mostly passive time. You don’t have to be in the kitchen during the entire process. And, it takes so long because this method of making hummus is going to give you the smoothest results, meaning the most delicious hummus.

Other than the smoothest, most velvety texture, I love this hummus because of the colour. It’s so fun and playful – perfect for kids or a crowd!

Also, I add roasted garlic to this recipe for maximum flavour and there’s nothing better than a head of roasted garlic, in my opinion.

THE INGREDIENTS

The ingredients to this recipe are simple, but it’s how you prepare them that really makes a difference. Here is what you will need:

• dry chickpeas
• beets
• tahini
• lemon juice
• garlic
• salt

HOW TO MAKE BEETROOT HUMMUS

The key to the smoothest hummus possible is using dry chickpeas. They take a while to prepare, so aim to make your hummus in the morning or early afternoon. First, you must soak the chickpeas overnight. By doing this, you will notice that they double in size and absorb a lot of that water.

In the morning, drain and rinse the chickpeas and add them to a large pot of water with some baking soda (to help soften them) and some salt. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low rolling boil, letting them cook for about an hour and a half, until they are nice and soft.

While the chickpeas are cooking, roast your beet in the oven by wrapping it in a piece of foil and placing it on a baking sheet. If you are adding garlic to the hummus (which I highly recommend), slice the top off the whole head of garlic to expose the top of each clove. Drizzle the cloves in olive oil, wrap the head in tin foil and roast in the oven for 45-55 minutes.

When the chickpeas are cooked, add them to a high-powered food processor, along with the tahini lemon juice, salt, garlic and the roasted beet. Blend for one minute until everything is incorporated, then scrape down the sides. Blend for another minute while drizzling in ice cold water until it is smooth and the texture is perfect.

TIPS WHEN MAKING PINK HUMMUS

1. Even though this recipe only requires one cooked beet, I would roast more to top the hummus with, and to have on hand for a quick snack – I love my beets with a little bit of olive oil, feta cheese and some salt and pepper!
2. Drizzle olive oil over top of the hummus before storing in the fridge to avoid discolouration or a “skin” forming on the top.
3. Use a high-powered food processor to ensure your hummus whips up to the smoothest consistency. I have the Ninja food processor and I love it!

MORE VIBRANT RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

3-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam (summertime in a jar)

Strawberry Honey Ginger Galette (a sweet pie with an unexpected bing-bang-boom!)

Simple Beetroot Pasta (more beets, but this time with pasta)

TOOLS I USED TO MAKE THIS PINK HUMMUS

Click on the images below to see what I used for this recipe.

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when purchases are made after clicking the links, at no cost to you – thank you!

PINK HUMMUS (BEETROOT)

Serving size: Makes about 3 cups

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1.5 hours

Passive time: 6-8 hours (overnight)

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry chickpeas
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• salt
• 1 beet*
• 1 head of garlic (optional)
• juice of half a lemon (2 tbsp)
• 1/2 cup tahini
• olive oil

Instructions

1. Place chickpeas in a bowl and cover with a few inches of water. Soak overnight or for 6-8 hours. When they are done soaking, proceed with the next steps.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
3. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and place them in a medium-sized pot with baking soda and one teaspoon of salt. Cover with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. If you see foam rising to the top, skim it off with a spoon and discard. Turn the heat down and simmer, covered, for an hour and a half, or until chickpeas are soft and tender – you can cook them for as long as two hours.

Preparing the beets

1. In the meantime, get started on roasting your beet – place washed beet on a piece of tin foil and wrap it up like a present, making sure there are no holes in the foil where the steam can escape. Place on a baking tray in the oven for an hour and a half, or until the beet is tender enough to slide a butter knife easily into the centre.

Preparing the roasted garlic

1. If you are adding garlic to the hummus – slice the top quarter of your head of garlic off and drizzle the top of the visible cloves with a tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap in a tin foil package, similar to the one you wrapped the beet in and place on baking tray with the beet and roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes. The cloves will caramelize and be super tender.

Putting it all together

1. Remove and carefully open the tin foil packages. Let the beet sit for one minute and then use a paper towel to hold it in one hand and another paper towel to peel away the skin with your other hand. The skin should remove easily when the beet is fully cooked. Rinse the beet in cold water and slice into quarters.
2. Add a few ice cubes to a small measuring cup filled with cold water and set aside. When the chickpeas are done cooking, drain, transfer to a food processor and add the tahini, lemon juice, half teaspoon of salt and the beet quarters. Squeeze three (or more to taste) of the roasted garlic cloves out and add to the food processor. Blend the ingredients for about one minute and then scrape down the sides of the processor. Remove ice cubes from measuring cup and measure out one-quarter cup of the ice-cold water. Turn the motor back on and slowly drizzle the water into the food processor and blend for another minute. Try the hummus and add more salt or lemon juice, if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.

Store the hummus in an airtight container in the fridge with a drizzle of olive oil that covers the surface to avoid discolouration and a “skin” developing.

NOTES:

*I recommend roasting more than one beet to have some for a meal later on.

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WHAT IS A MEDITERRANEAN RICE BOWL?

This recipe is a mix between a buddha bowl and a salad. It’s all of your favourites from a Greek salad thrown together with some rice and, my favourite – homemade hummus!

THE INGREDIENTS

I love this Mediterranean Rice Bowl because the ingredients are so fresh and vibrant. They are easy to prepare and can be swapped out or omitted based on your preferences. You will need:

• your favourite rice
• spinach (or your favourite lettuce)
• cherry tomatoes
• cucumber
• feta cheese
• olives
• homemade hummus
• olive oil
• red wine vinegar
• a lemon
• dijon mustard
• garlic
• dried herbs (oregano & basil)

HOW TO MAKE THIS MEDITERRANEAN RICE BOWL

There are two cooked components to this bowl – the rice and the hummus. You may choose to use store-bought hummus, but if you haven’t made your own before, I highly suggest you try it. Check out my recipe here. It’s seriously a game-changer!

The rest of the ingredients are “toppers” which will be added to the bowl with the rice. Dice up your cucumber, halve the tomatoes and olives, and crumble up the feta.

To prepare the dressing, stir together the vinegar, juice of half a lemon, mustard, minced garlic and herbs and then drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to combine.

BUILDING THE BOWL

Firstly, lay your spinach in the bottom of your favourite bowl. Top it with the rice, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, feta and a big dollop of the hummus. Next, drizzle your dressing over top of the ingredients and toss with two spoons to combine. Add salt and pepper according to taste, dig in and enjoy!

MORE RECIPES IN A BOWL

Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Garlic Tahini Dressing (taste the rainbow and get all your nutrients)

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl (protein-packed and super easy)

TOOLS NEEDED FOR THIS RECIPE

Click below to check out what I use to make this Mediterranean Rice Bowl.

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when purchases are made after clicking the links, at no cost to you – thank you!

MEDITERRANEAN RICE BOWL (GF)

Serving size: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup rice
• 4 handfuls baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup cucumbers, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought hummus

For the dressing:

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• juice of 1/2 a lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• salt
• pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
2. Place one handful of spinach into each of the four serving bowls and top with the cooked rice. Divide the tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese and hummus amongst the four bowls, on top of the rice and spinach.
3. In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic, lemon juice and mustard. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to combine and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing overtop of the assembled bowls. Toss, serve and enjoy!

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WHAT IS VEGAN ORANGE CAULIFLOWER?

We’ve all heard of (and possibly tried) the famous Chinese orange chicken dish. It’s sticky, saucy and absolutely slammin’ with flavour! Since I don’t eat meat, I wanted to sub the chicken for a plant-based ingredient, and what’s more versatile than the humble cauliflower?! Nothing is – cauliflower wins, hands down.

Personally, I am in love with this dish and most dishes with cauliflower as the star. Eat it with rice, some green onions and your choice of protein – vegan or not!

THE INGREDIENTS

Although this recipe may seem intimidating, the ingredients and method are truly simple. I add a medium head of cauliflower to the batter (as outlined below), bake it, and then quickly coat it in the sauce after they are baked through.

The batter:

• Whole wheat flour
• Paprika
• Salt & pepper
• Plant-based milk

The Sauce:

• Juice from an orange
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Maple syrup, agave or honey (if not vegan)
• Garlic
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch

HOW TO MAKE STICKY VEGAN ORANGE CAULIFLOWER

After you have washed, dried and broken up your cauliflower into florets, you will want to coat them in the batter. Whisk together the flour, spices and milk, and dump the florets into the smooth mixture, coating fully. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, turning halfway.

While the cauliflower bakes, mix the sauce ingredients together and add to a hot pan with some sesame oil. Create a slurry with the cornstarch and some water and add it to the sauce with the baked cauliflower. It will get nice and thick and ooey and gooey. It’s like a saucy, boneless chicken wing, minus the chicken. So good!

OTHER CAULI-FORWARD RECIPES

Sumac Roasted Cauliflower (a crowd-pleaser!)

Hot and Sweet Cauliflower Wings (an amazing substitution for regular wings)

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower (AS good as mashed potatoes)

Easy Creamy Cauliflower Soup (perfect for a cold winter day)

TOOLS NEEDED FOR THIS RECIPE

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when purchases are made after clicking the links, at no cost to you. Thank you!

Sticky Vegan Orange Cauliflower

Serving size: 4-5

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, washed, dried and cut into florets
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 1/4 cup plant-based milk (I use oat milk)
• juice of one orange
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. For the batter: Whisk together the flour, paprika, salt, pepper and milk until smooth. Coat each cauliflower floret in the batter and shake off any extra. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 25 minutes, turning halfway through. While the cauliflower is baking prepare the sauce.
3. For the sauce: Whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar and garlic. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.
4. Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When the cauliflower is ready, add it to the hot pan with the sauce and cornstarch slurry. Mix continuously for a minute or two – the sauce should thicken immediately. Remove from heat, sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve!

NOTES:

• This vegan orange cauliflower is great with rice and green onions

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I have to admit, I’m a fruit person. Fruit is good on everything – pizza, salads, even sandwiches! I consistently put fruit in my salad, and this recipe is no different. Seasonal pears are so good, and when they are matched with a potent cheese and some sugary-sweet nuts, life is good!

INGREDIENTS IN THIS CANDIED WALNUT SALAD

• The fruit – I love, love, love pears, and Bartlett are my favourite when they are ripe and ready to eat. They are in season in the Fall and are a perfect replacement for your typical veg in any salad.
• The creamy and salty – If you are someone who scrunches their nose up when you think about blue cheese, I’m sorry, but HOW!? Sometimes you just need a stinky cheese. BUT, if you can’t get over it, then it can totally be replaced with any of your favourite cheeses in this recipe. Goat or feta would be exceptional!
• The sweet and crunchy – CANDIED WALNUTS. These are “cash money” as the young kids would say. They barely made it to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients because they kept making stops at my mouth on the way. They are absolutely my favourite part.

THE DRESSING

What would be a more perfect vinaigrette than maple syrup? Drizzle those greens in this dressing that’s made with dijon, 100% pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, some seasonings and olive oil. Perfection, if I do say so myself!

More Salads for your Diverse Needs

Beet and Orange Salad with Goat Cheese (fresh and vibrant!)

Make-Ahead Vegan Sweet Potato Salad (perfect for a family dinner)

Jewelled Brussel Sprout Kale Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing (the show-stopper)

Orzo Halloumi and Roasted Grape Salad (a fun twist on a side dish!)

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when purchases are made after clicking the links, at no cost to you. Thank you!

Pear, Gorgonzola and Candied Walnut Salad

Serving size: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the salad:

• About 4 handfuls tuscan kale, stems removed, washed and chopped
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• salt
• 1 cup walnut halves
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 Bartlett pear, diced
• 1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing:

• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• pinch of salt
• pinch of pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

For the salad:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Drizzle the olive oil on the kale as well as a pinch of salt and massage with fingers until kale turns a deep green colour, approximately 1 minute. Set aside.
3. Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Watch carefully as they burn easily! Remove and set aside.
4. In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, until the sugar starts to bubble. Add the walnuts and cook another 2 minutes. Spread the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with a few pinches of salt and pull apart with a fork. Let cool completely, about 10 minutes.
5. Assemble the salad by placing the diced pear on top, followed by the gorgonzola and candied walnuts. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently.

For the dressing:

1. Combine all ingredients into a single serve blender and blend until combined, or, place in a small mason jar and shake well.

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WHY CHOOSE CHIA SEEDS?

I love chia pudding as my morning meal because these seeds are full of energy-boosting nutrients to start your day. Firstly, FIBRE. Absolutely essential for a healthy lifestyle, fibre enhances gut health and makes you feel full, longer.

Chia seeds are also high in protein. Protein is needed in the body to help rebuild muscle, strengthen hair, skin and nails, and provide energy. Chia seeds are a great way to incorporate protein into your diet, especially as a vegetarian or vegan!

This superfood is also high in iron. As someone with low iron, I’m always searching for more iron-rich foods to add to my diet. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body and develop red blood cells.

If that isn’t convincing enough, chia seeds also contain calcium, good fats, antioxidants and have no sugar. Get yourself a bag of seeds and I’ll show you how to use them in this yummy parfait recipe!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKING THIS EASY CHIA PUDDING PARFAIT

Chia seeds are like sponges – any liquid added to them gets sucked up and the seeds expand and become almost gel-like. You can add any kind of milk you prefer, but this recipe is fully vegan and therefore calls for plant-based milk.

HOW TO MAKE EASY CHIA PUDDING PARFAIT

When mixing the seeds with your choice of liquid, I like to whisk them together in a bowl to avoid forming clumps. I set the bowl in the fridge for about 10 minutes and then whisk again. After another 10 minutes, the seeds have usually absorbed their capacity of liquid and are ready to be made into a parfait!

Depending on you, many of the extra ingredients in this recipe can be swapped out for others you prefer.

For example, if maple syrup isn’t your favourite choice of sweetener, feel free to switch it up by adding agave or honey (not vegan). Cinnamon can be taken out completely or swapped with a superfood powder, such as beetroot or spirulina. Maybe you would like to get funky with it and use an almond extract or a hazelnut syrup instead of the vanilla. Be crafty! The possibilities are endless.

STORING YOUR EASY CHIA PUDDING PARFAIT

If you are following this recipe to meal prep, it makes four servings. I love using these cute little mason jars to store them in, as they are airtight and keep them fresh in the fridge.

OTHER MEAL PREP IDEAS

Vegan Power Muffins (for a quick energy boost)

Middle Eastern Orzo Pilaf (makes a great side to any meal)

The Fluffiest Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes (perfect for the kiddos – make ahead and pop in the toaster for a quick breakfast)

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when purchases are made after clicking the links, at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting me!

Easy Chia Pudding Parfait

Servings: 4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Chill time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 1.5 cups plant-based milk
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup coconut yogurt
• fresh fruit, for topping
• granola, for topping

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes, whisking a few times in between.
2. Divide the mixture between 4 mason jars, or bowls, if serving immediately. Top with 1/4 cup of yogurt and some of the fruit. Sprinkle with granola before serving!

Store jars in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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This tzatziki sauce is thick, creamy, refreshing and a great spread for wraps and gyros, or to go with falafel, fries, bread or vegetables. It’s the perfect match for anything that needs a creamy element! I love it with my Easy Za’atar Socca bread.

Tzatziki is popular around the Middle East and the Mediterranean, especially in Greece. It is my dream to travel to Greece one day and learn more about their cuisine, but until then, I will have this recipe on repeat, so I can pretend I’m there.

Tzatziki is simply a combination of yogurt, fresh herbs, lemon, cucumber, garlic, olive oil and salt. It’s a perfect summer dip, sauce or spread, as it’s cool and bright!

It is incredibly easy to whip up at home. Follow my recipe below, and feel free to add extras of your favourite ingredients!

Homemade Tzatziki

Serving size: Makes 1 cup

Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cucumber, shredded
• 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 clove of garlic, grated
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• pinch of salt
• olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place cucumber in a clean tea towel or paper towel and squeeze the liquid out over a sink.
2. Mix the cucumber, yogurt, garlic, lemon zest and juice, dill and salt in a bowl. Transfer to a small plate and use the back of a spoon to spread it out over the surface. Drizzle with a little bit of olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately.
3. Store extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

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There’s no easier recipe, I promise you that. This whole-roasted cauliflower head is simple to prepare but complex on the palate! It’s vibe is very Middle Eastern – sumac, currants, pomegranates, pistachios. It’s visually stunning and a perfect side to go along with the rest of your dinner.

To prepare, combine the sumac, salt and olive oil, and pour over the cauliflower. Roast in a dutch oven (click here to see the one I use) for about 40 minutes until it is tender. Drizzle with the zingy-est chimichurri and top with all the fixings. Chef’s kiss!

Sumac Roasted Cauliflower

Serving size: 4-5 people

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp sumac
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils, for topping
• 1/4 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped, for topping
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, for topping
• 2 tbsp dried currants, for topping

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or less if you don’t want it as tangy)
• 2 cups packed fresh herbs (I use basil, cilantro and parsley)
• 1-2 cloves of garlic
• pinch of salt
• pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove the leaves of the cauliflower, rinse the head well and pat completely dry. Cut off the bottom part of the stem to make the cauliflower level and have a flat surface to sit on.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, sumac and salt. Place the cauliflower head upside down into a dutch oven. Pour 1/2 of the olive oil mixture onto the bottom and allow it to drip down into the crevices of the cauliflower. Turn over and pour the rest on the top, using a pastry brush to help coat the sides. Put the lid on and then place in the oven to roast for 40 minutes or until fork-tender. Cook time depends on the size of your cauliflower.
4. While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the chimichurri. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
5. Place currants in a small bowl and cover with boiling water to rehydrate them. Let sit for at least 5 minutes before draining.
6. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a serving platter. Drizzle with the chimichurri and top with the pomegranate arils, pistachios, currants and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately!

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I traveled to SE Asia during the summer of 2017. Those were the days, man. It was like 6 weeks of pure foodie inspiration. Rice, curries, fresh fruit, toasties from the 7/11…If you know, you know.

The abundance of carbs I ate while there was record-breaking, and the best part is, I didn’t gain a pound…I actually lost weight. Afterall, you step outside and instantly sweat off a few kilos in the 50-degree weather. And now, I have a plethora of different rice dishes under my belt!

So let’s chat about this coconut rice dish. I just love coconut ‘er-thang! This rice makes for a perfect side dish to any meal – It has a creamy quality to it and it takes minutes to whip up. Here is what you will need:

• jasmine rice
• coconut milk
• salt
• lime
• cilantro

Let’s get started!

Coconut Lime Cilantro Rice

Serving size: 3-4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• salt
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Add rice, coconut milk, water and a generous pinch of salt to a saucepan and bring up to a boil. Turn heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes (or according to rice package directions).
2. Remove from heat and add the lime juice and cilantro to the rice, fluff with a fork to combine.
3. Serve immediately.

NOTES:

*Add a touch of honey to the rice while cooking for a hint of sweetness.

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