Simple vegan Spring dinner: Toasted baguette with marinara, vegan cheese, Side of steamed asparagus and raw veggies

It is Spring so I like to make light, healthy meals that aren't too heavy. I love all the beautiful flowers that have bloomed so of course when I see a pretty bunch of them I must snap a pic. The recipe I made below is simple and super easy to follow. I am not into overly complicated recipes unless it is a particularly special occasion and I get some help in the kitchen.

I got most of my items at my local Trader Joes. They have quite a few vegan things. The baguette I got was vegan. It is usually listed on the bag but if it isn't and you aren't sure you can always check the ingredients or ask a staff member. I toasted the bread and warmed up about 2 tablespoons of marinara on top than I topped that with one slice of vegan Chao cheese that I got at Whole Foods. I sliced 1/2 a red bell pepper and spread a generous dollop of hummus on top for protein. I steamed some asparagus (make sure you steam in pan with water and put a lid on top) I like mine a bit al dente and less mushy but if you like it softer you can steam for over 10 minutes. I always dry my asparagus on a paper towl and let it cool. Sometimes I place a dollop of vegan mayo or olive oil and vinegar on the side to dip my steamed veggies in. I chopped up an organic tomato  for more vitamin C and color. I don't like all my food touching too much. I am like a little kid so if you are like me try putting all food on a larger plate and it makes for cooler pictures too if you take pics. 

Happy St. Pattys!! Vegan style

Today for St. Patty's we made traditional Irish colcannon but we made ours with earth balance and paired it with more veggies and vegan sausage. We made a vegan gravy with veggie broth. (make sure if you use veggie cubes you get the kind without any msg or additives) 

After my Irish feast I had some vegan vanilla ice cream topped with vegan cookies and organic blueberries. Yum Yum Yum

I always make a snack plate when I am extra hungry. I either the same salad every night with olive oil and vinegar or I make a simple veggie plate with baby carrots, cut up cucumbers and rice crackers. I always add a dollop of hummus for some protein or some vegan cheese slices. 

Vegan meatball sub recipe and dessert

For these: I used vegan meatballs I found at store. We pan fried with olive oil some mushrooms, 1 zucchini chopped, 1/2 a yellow onion chopped and some garlic. Sprinkled with garlic powder and olive oil. Heated a bit of marinara and poured it over toasted whole grain buns. You can use vegan cheese to sprinkle on the top if you like but it is not needed. 

I don't always have dessert unless it is berries but if I wan't some junk food I head to my local Whole Foods or Trader Joes for some vegan cookies and some soy or almond milk ice cream. I topped it with some flax seed and placed a chocolate chip cookie with walnuts inside. Sooo good! 

Day at the Farmer's Market

First things first I woke up and ate some food channel dip recipe that I veganized. 

I made vegan peanut butter cookies last night! 

Grabbed bagel and vegan cream cheese at cafe' and almond soy latte. I always bring my own cream cheese since most cafe's do not have vegan versions. 

Picked up some delicious persimmons, fresh almond butter and grapes at Farmer's Market. SO much vegan food and yummy things to eat there. It is always amazing. 

Vegan Makeup

Check out your local Whole Foods market for coupons. Often they have cool deals. This week I got $3 of of any one item from the Gabriel or Zuzu Luxe makeup lines or any one item from the Dr. Hauschka decorative cosmetics line. I used my three dollar off coupon for a lip liner from Zuzu Luxe and also found a nice dual powder/foundation that was on sale there. The best part is the makeup was organic and vegan! I love finding products not tested on animals and super organic and good for my skin.

Vegan Comfort Food

       It has been a while since a post. I am going to be updating a lot more. I have been living elsewhere for quite some time and also traveling so I haven't been on here much lately but I will be posting some delicious food soon.

     Even when it is Spring/Summer months I love vegan comfort food. In SF and Oregon they have some amazing places with delicious vegan comfort food so that inspired this post. I love teavana because I always love warm tea in the summer months. Usually I make fresh cut ginger lemon and put a bit of whole, organic sugar in or some agave but in the Spring when it starts to get a bit warm I switch to iced teas in the day. Teavana is a bit pricey but to me it is quite  a treat and worth it. I love all the delicious smelling loose leaf teas and if their bar is open they will make you something!

       Another food that I crave constantly that brings me comfort is vegan grilled cheese. Daiya cheese slices make the best grilled cheese ever! So creamy and delicious and the slices melt really well. I put some on whole grain and try not to over cook. The other item that brings me comfort is vegan nachos and a good salsa. During the summer I make salsa not too spicy and add fresh cucumber to make it taste a bit "cooler" and more refreshing. My favorite thing to dip is no salt chips or blue corn chips. I ate an entire bag of organic blue corn chips the other day. It was pretty awesome.

My vegan salsa recipe: 

* 2 Persian cucumbers chopped small

*Half sweet onion

*Hot pepper (only use part if you want it less spicy)

*vine tomatoes (they are super sweet but you can also use roma)

* can of black beans (for extra protein/optional) 

*1 lime

*cilantro (handful) minced

*Blue corn chips to dip

Farmers Market

I try and go to the farmers market every other week or few weeks when I can. Don't forget to support your local farmers. I love farmers markets because I feel shopping at the store can be a bit impersonal at times. I know not everyone always has the time but it is good to get to know farmers, ask questions, sample foods and build a relationship with them. A lot of times people even give me recipes to try. Let them know you are veggie and they are always delighted to help you find the best selection for your palette. 

More fresh veggies and vegan bisque soup

I love a good bisque soup and I love fresh veggies. This is what I have been eating lately but it is getting warmer so we will be making gazpacho and cold soups soon.

Community Gardens

I love the idea of community gardens. One of my mom's friends gave us tons of amazing organic veggies from her community garden. We have our own garden since we have a pretty large backyard but I would love to someday join a community garden. 

Our cosmos flowers finally bloomed!