This Week: Fresh Tofu Ricotta

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FRESH TOFU RICOTTA

A staple recipe in vegan cooking. This basic recipe can be used for pasta dishes including lasagne, stuffed shells, manicotti, and baked pasta casseroles but is also the perfect base for  baked vegan quiches, frittatas and hot party dips.

 

 

 

CHICK’N STREET TACO DINNER FOR 25

High protein tofu, prepared in just the right way, looks and tastes like chicken.  This is a set of guidelines for planning and preparing a vegan dinner party for up to 25 people. The recipes can be scaled up and were actually tested on a group of 100. Vegan street tacos, house made black beans, and cilantro lime rice. A great meal for a crowd.

 

 

APPLE CRISP

A traditional fall favorite veganized.  Celebrate fall with a hot fragrant freshly baked apple crisp. Serve it a la mode with vegan ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy all the goodness of pie without the crust.

 

 

GRILLED CHICK’N CAESAR SALAD

Try it as an entree or in a wrap. This veganized salad is everything the original was just better. No cows or chickens required. Make the dressing from scratch or find Follow Your Heart’s Caesar Dressing in the refrigerator section of many grocers.

 

 

 

 

SANTA MARIA STYLE VEGAN CHICK’N & TRI-TIP

Tastes like….chicken and beef! Learn how to nail the texture and flavor of chicken and beef with organic tofu and Bob’s Red Mill vital wheat gluten. Turn it into tacos that can fool first-timers and non-vegans into thinking they are eating real meat!

 

 

 

FRESH SPRING ROLLS

Master the art of wrapping spring rolls. These wonderfully refreshing and satisfying fresh rolls make a great lunch on the go. Prep the rice noodles, veggies, and tofu first. Dip a rice wrapper in warm water just long enough to begin to soften then layer on your fillings, tuck in the sides and roll.  Serve with sides of Thai peanut and sweet chili sauce

 

MOCK TUNA SALAD

All the flavor and satisfaction, no fish required. Mix up a great combo of mashed garbanzos with organic celery, onion, red bell pepper, fresh dill, parsley, and a dressing of tahini, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning and vegan mayo. Use this salad in a sandwich, as a topping for canopies or served in a half tomato.

 

GRILLED TOFU SANDWICH

It’s the new white meat seasoned and grilled, so delicious!  Use a high protein extra firm tofu. Slice the block into thin slabs then grill them with a little avocado or high heat oil. Season them the last few minutes of grilling and serve on toasted bread with vegan mayo, lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, avocado, onion,  and sliced cucumbers. Quick, easy, and very delicious.

 

 

KIDS CUPCAKE PARTY

Vegan chocolate, vanilla, or marble cake with decorator frosting…so easy even kids can do it! Get the recipes, instructions and tips on providing a group of up to 12 kids with a vegan cupcake baking and decorating party.

 

 

 

 

TEMPEH BLT

Smokey maple tempeh bacon. Quick and easy to make, fry up slices of tempeh right out of the package then pour a dressing of tamari, liquid smoke, maple syrup and freshly ground black pepper over the bacon during the last few minutes of cook time. Brown it up  and you’ll have a delicious protein-rich low-fat version of a traditional favorite sandwich. Don’t forget the vegan mayo!

 

GARDEN SPINACH VEGGIE WRAP

Green protein. This is a sandwich that is crunchy, light, and leaves you feeling energized. Layer on hummus, avocado, thinly sliced cucumbers lots of fresh greens, grated carrots and chopped tomatoes.  Drizzle on your favorite salad dressing and it’s a meal. This sandwich travels well and is great for lunches to-go.

 

 

 

MUD PIE

So Delicious. Another dessert veganized to perfection. You can have it all again with coconut based mocha almond fudge ice cream and a vegan chocolate cookie crust.

 

 

 

 

 

RAINBOW FRUIT KEBOBS WITH LEMON MOUSSE

Fruits in every color of the rainbow. Fun to make, pretty to look at, nutritious and delicious. Served with a quick and easy silken tofu based lemon mousse and sides of toasted pecans and flaked coconut. This colorful creation is great for kids and grown ups too.

 

 

 

POKE BOWL WITH COCONUT JASMINE RICE

Catch of the Day: Fresh Watermelon Just replace the tuna with cubed watermelon and you’ll be surprised how  good this bowl can be. Add cubed baked tofu, edamame, avocado, and veggies. Serve this with hot fresh coconut jasmine rice for a spectacular complete meal.

 

 

 

MEDALLIONS OF LEMON HERB TOFU WITH COUSCOUS

A center of the plate masterpiece. Use canopy or cookie cutters to cut creates shapes from blocks of organic extra firm tofu. Lightly coat each piece with a high heat avocado oil, grill them a few minutes on each side then finish them with gourmet lemon pepper seasoning and a fresh lemon herb butter sauce. Lightly roast organic grape and cherry tomatoes for an extra enjoyable side dish of warm couscous with grilled asparagus and fresh sourdough bread.

 

 

 

PROTEIN ENERGY BITES

One recipe, three flavor options. Use the base recipe then make one or all three: Cherry Almond, Pineapple Macadamia, or Chocolate Chip  Walnut. These are a perfect between meal treat that will keep you going.

 

 

 

 

APPLE CHEDAR KALE SALAD

Sweet, savory, and crunchy. This combination of organic pink lady apples, three greens (Lacinato and curly leaf kale with baby spinach) vegan cheddar, and candied pecans can be served as a light first course or add cooked whole grains to make it an entree salad. Top it with your favorite gourmet balsamic dressing and you’ll find this e salad is a delicious way to get your greens

 

 

ASIAN LETTUCE WRAPS

A base of protein-rich tempeh with all the familiar flavors and freshness. Tempeh, a fermented soy product, is one of the most protein rich food sources in the world of plant-based foods. Steam it to soften the texture and flavor then brown it with mushrooms, fresh ginger, garlic, soy, hoisin, and water chestnuts.  Serve with fresh lettuce leaves, hot mustard and a soy-based dipping sauce.

 

 

 KIDS PIZZA PARTY

Ready made dough makes this a quick and easy project. Here is a recipe with instructions for leading a group of up to 12 children through a vegan pizza making session that introduces them to brands like LightLife Gimme Lean Sausage, Miyoko’s Mozz, Follow Your Heart shredded parmesan and Nooch It! vegan shakeable grated cheese.  Fun for everyone!  (Photo: Westminister Presbyterian Preschool Vegan Pizza Workshop) 

 

BERRY TARTS

Berry tarts made easy. Start with an almond meal crust sweetened with a little coconut sugar and a pinch of cinnamon…fill it with a vanilla custard made from cashews and organic tofu…top it with fresh berries and serve chilled. Who knew dessert could be so healthy and delicious too

 

 

 

SPINACH AND TOFU RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS 

All the flavor and satisfaction of the traditional recipe with just the shift of a few ingredients. Baked stuffed shells are one of those comfort foods that are just simply satisfying and delicious. Top it with freshly cut basil and grated vegan parmesan cheese

 

 

COCOYO CHIA PUDDING 

Super nutritious Cocoyo pro-biotic rich chia pudding, a excellent non-dairy yogurt alternative. This “high octane” breakfast fuel gives you all kinds of great energy to start your day. Top it with granola and fresh fruit.

 

 

 

 

CRISPY JACKFRUIT CARNITAS TACOS

Jackfruit is natures amazing substitute for pork. Enjoy all the flavor and satisfaction without the high level of fat and cholesterol found in traditional carnitas.  Take a crispy organic corn tortilla and fill it with jackfruit carnitas, guacamole, lettuce, vegan white sauce, and mango salsa for a delicious healthy twist on an old favorite recipe.

 

 

 

MAC ‘N CHEEZE

Creamy mac ‘n cheeze with a crispy seasoned crumb topping. This recipe uses a sauce base of steamed carrots and potatoes with non-dairy milk and just the right seasonings. Vegan specialty parmesan is mixed in both the sauce and the crust. The crumb topping is seasoned breadcrumbs or a gluten-free alternative mixed with hemp seed, freshly chopped parsley and more vegan parmesan.

 

 

VEGAN CEVICHE

Simple and smart…and no fishy business. It looks and tastes like ceviche, if you didn’t tell people it wasn’t they might not know the difference. Combine a pint of fresh pico de Gallo with a chopped hot house cucumber, fresh cilantro and seasoned rehydrated textured vegetable protein and serve with fresh chips and an avocado garnish. You can have it all again plant-based.

 

 

 

COLD ASIAN RICE NOODLES

Enlightened Buddha brand dressing makes this a go-to favorite.  Rice noodles, veggies, and tofu come together to make a hot or cold dish dressed with the amazing Buddha Enlightened or your favorite Asian dressing. Serve topped with chopped peanuts, green onions,  fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

 

 

 

CHIPOTLE CHICK’N SANDWICH

Tastes like chicken! This chick’n sandwich is really good!  Chipotle mayo, avocado, Chao creamy vegan cheese and Gardein’s seven grain crispy tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato and onion. Severed with a side of fries and some extra chipotle dipping sauce, that’s a meal.

 

 

 

 

THE RUBEN SANDWICH

On the menu at many popular vegan restaurants and delis.  We’ve cracked the code on making this popular sandwich at home.  It’s a hot deli sandwich favorite.

 

 

 

 

FRESH FETTUCCINI

Fresh hand-made artisan pasta. Made with Bob’s Red Mill Semolina flour, tofu, olive oil, water and a pinch of salt. The base recipe for not only cut noodles but ravioli too.

 

 

 

KUNG PAO TOFU

Make it at home. The combination of toasted red chilis tamari, brown sugar fresh ginger, garlic, and dry sherry or rice wine create a rich sauce over sautéed veggies (try pineapple too), golden tofu, and toasted peanuts served with fresh Jasmine brown rice.

 

 

 

VEGAN GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

No difference. No one needs to know it’s vegan, it’s just delicious chocolate cake with a coconut pecan filling and chocolate fudge frosting. Try it with vegan ice cream for a nothing left to be desired dessert.

 

 

 

 

TOFU SATAY WITH RED THAI PEANUT SAUCE

Tofu is the new white meat. Marinated and grilled organic artisan extra firm tofu has all the same flavor, texture, and satisfaction that it’s meat-based counterpart offers…only it’s better with zero cholesterol.

 

 

 

 

DUTCH APPLE PIE

So easily veganized. Just switch out the butter for vegan butter and serve it with non-dairy ice cream. You can have it all again plant-based.

 

 

 

 

GREEK GYROS SALAD

Complete with vegan feta and gyros strips, this entree salad has all the flavor, texture, and satisfaction of it’s meat and dairy based counterpart. Served with a fresh lemon herb, red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. Served with hot pita bread and your favorite hummus, babaganoush or tzatziki.

 

 

HEARTY MINESTRONE SOUP

A nice warm bowl of satisfaction. Loaded with fresh herbs and vegetables, beans, pasta shells,  an optional cup of red wine and served with a side of garlic bread.  Nothing left to be desired, delicious!

 

 

 

TORTILLA SOUP

Chicken-less all veggie tortilla soup. Served with all the toppings and a squeeze of lime, this soup is a fiesta of goodness in a bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

VEGAN CHARCUTERIE BOARD

You can have it all again plant-based.  This traditionally meat and cheese heavy party tray is complete with Miyoko and Daiya vegan cheeses, Field Roast Sausages and Tofurky deli meats, then presented with lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and dips, party heaven on a platter.

 

 

 

CELEBRATION ROAST

A super easy solution to holiday cooking. You can make them from scratch or go the quick and easy way.  Simply bake the roast with assorted winter vegetables and you’ll have a great center of the table entree.

 

 

 

 

VEGAN HOLIDAY COOKIES

Substitute the traditional dairy and eggs in your holiday cookies with vegan alternatives and no one knows the difference! Share the joy of the holidays with recipes for vegan snowball and roll-out sugar cookies.

 

 

MAPLE OAT NUT SCONES

A Starbucks inspired recipe veganized.  I used to love the maple icing covered scones at Starbucks, until I discovered they were loaded with dairy. This non-dairy version is so close to the original, no one would know the difference.

 

 

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE & GARLIC BREAD

An incredible “meat” sauce that has all the flavor and satisfaction. Tested on about 150 high school students, this recipe is a big winner and easy to make!

 

 

 

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Dairy-free decadence. Vegan cheesecakes are a rich, creamy, wonderful dessert.  Made with a base of soaked cashews, pumpkin puree, and organic tofu, this holiday specialty is a surprising pleasure.

 

 

 

GREEN CHILI & CHEESE TAMALES

Tamales made easy. The masa in traditional tamales is made with manteca de puerco or pork lard and chicken broth, then they are filled with meat and cheese! You can have it all again plant-based with the switch of a few ingredients and still get all the flavor and satisfaction.

 

 

VEGAN PHO WITH CRISPY TOFU

A bowl of spicy freshness with crispy delicious tofu. Toasted cinnamon, anise, and cloves and a variety of fresh vegetables with rice noodles make this a super healthy satisfying meal.  The crispy tofu is so good you’ll have a hard time saving enough for the soup!

 

 

 

HERBED TOFU CHÉVERE

Organic artisan tofu can be transformed into a variety of vegan cheeses.  Serve this cheese hot or cold. It’s great crumbled into pastas and salad. Wach for ingredients in your choice of crackers.  Many contain milk powder and are not vegan.

 

 

DELUXE DELI SANDWICH 

Here’s to sliced vegan meats and cheeses! This classic deli sandwhich has been veganized with plant-based deli alternatives and vegan mayo. Try it with an additional spread of hummus and a sprinkle of oil and vinegar dressing.

 

 

 

CHIPOTLE TOMATO BISQUE & VEGAN GRILLED CHEESE

Warm, satisfying and delicious. Traditional recipes for Tomato Bisque use chicken broth and lots of dairy. Try this plant-based version for all the same satisfaction and splurge on your favorite vegan cheese for an accompanying vegan grilled cheese sandwich, such a great meal.

 

 

 

VEGAN BRATS & GERMAN POTATO SALAD

A new Octoberfest tradition. You can have it all again plant-based. This quick and easy meal is a favorite any time. Grill Tofurky brats and toast a deli roll with creamy vegan cheese and top it all with your favorite mustard, sauerkraut, and fresh sliced tomatoes.  Super delicious, so easy.

 

 

 

 

 TEMPEH LOAF WITH MASHED POTATOES & GRAVY 

Today’s new meatloaf made with super protein rich tempeh and traditional veganized mashed potatoes and gravy.  Many veggie burger recipes can also be baked into loaves, this one can also be used to make tempeh veggie burgers.  Or take left overs and grill slices of the meatloaf for a great vegan meatloaf sandwich.

 

 

GRILLED VEGGIE LASAGNE

A great menu item for entertaining, this is a recipe that can be made in  advance and even freezes beautifully. Layers of grilled veggies, sauce, noodles (make it gluten-free), and a home made tofu ricotta cheese.  Try it topped with sliced tomatoes, fresh herbs and vegan parmesan.  All the goodness of a hearty lasagne plant-based.

 

 

 

TOFU STROGANOFF

Non-dairy sour cream creates a great base for this cholesterol-free version of a traditional favorite recipe. Meat is replaced with a savory marinated tofu and added to caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. It’s topped with freshly chopped herbs and served with a side of salad, artisan bread, and vegan butter. Try adding a splash of vegan white wine! (Not all wines are vegan, learn more at www.barnivore.com)

 

 

MEDITERRANEAN VEGGIE BURGER

Flavors of Greece Garbanzo beans, artichokes, spinach, red bell pepper, purple onion and olives are bound together with organic whole grain bread crumbs and seasoned with lemon juice, fresh oregano, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.  Serve with sides of hummus, antipasto, and pita chips.

 

 

SPANISH GAZPACHO

A taste of  Spain.  Blend together fresh tomatoes and veggies with  a premium quality Spanish Olive Oil and Sherry Vinagre de Jerez for a cool and zippy classy soup that can be served as an entree in the summer or as a tapas appetizer anytime.

 

 

 

VEGAN CRAB CAKES

Made with a base of garbanzo beans, artichoke hearts, and traditional  seasonings, this a surprising healthy fun appetizer. Vegan seafood is growing in popularity, serve these on a bed of baby greens with a homemade remoulade and a wedge of lemon. Delicious!

 

 

TOFU CURRY SALAD

So much like egg salad some people don’t know the difference! Try this great recipe with an extra firm tofu, spice it up with a little jalapeño and serve it on gluten-free bread.  (Special thanks to Loran Ciccone of Finding Healthfulness.)

 

 

 

VEGAN PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SANDWICH

Learn how to make hot vegan deli sandwiches at home.  This incredible vegan version of the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is made with super meaty homemade seitan, grilled veggies, and a rich and creamy vegan cheese all piled on a grilled ciabatta or French roll.

 

 

 

NO-FISH TACOS

Catch of the Day: Crispy battered or grilled fillet of zucchini. Served on warm organic corn tortillas with a white vegan sauce, mixed cabbage, pico de Gallo, avocado and a squeeze of lime. Watch out Ralph Rubio… this vegan version is on it’s way to taking over the original.

 

 

 

 

THE CLASSIC BEYOND BURGER 

This leading brand of vegan meat is popular in a growing number of  restaurants but you can make it at home too. Today’s plant-based foods can provide an experience so similar to eating real meat that lots of people can’t tell the difference!

 

 

GRILLED CAULIFLOWER STEAKS

Cauliflower steaks make a great center of the plate entree. Lightly oil thick slabs of cauliflower then season and grill them until tender.  Serve them topped with a cashew cream and freshly chopped green onion and fresh herbs.

 

 

 

VEGGIE FAJITAS QUESADILLAS AND CAESAR SALAD

Vegan Mexican food, always a winner. You can have it all again by just simply switching out a few ingredients and leaving out the meat and dairy.  These super veggie stuffed “cheezy” quesadillas are served with fresh sides of Jensen’s house made guacamole, pico de gallo and a vegan caesar salad to make one incredibly satisfying meal.

 

 

ITALIAN VEGAN SAUSAGE

Learn the fundamentals of making vegan sausage from scratch and discover how these basic techniques can be duplicated to make a variety of  sausages.   Vegan sausage is used just like regular sausage; crumble it, slice it, grill it, serve it on a bun.  Lots of  versatility and satisfaction with this recipe.

 

 

CHOCOLATE MINT CHEESECAKE

A classic dessert, veganized. The surprise base ingredient is a firm organic tofu blended with dark chocolate, cashews, maple syrup, vanilla, and a non-dairy milk all on top of a chocolate almond crust.

 

 

RED CURRY AND RICE

A hearty warm meal served with red rice and topped with chopped cilantro, peanuts and lime. Simmered in coconut milk and made with steamed organic tofu, this meal is high in protein and has a burst of smooth tangy flavors and the nuttiness of red rice

 

 

 

WHOLE WHEAT BANANA NUT PANCAKES
WITH COCONUT MILK WHIPPED CREAM

With the switch of just a few ingredients you can have it all again. No one would know the difference, substitute the traditional milk for non-dairy milk, the eggs with tofu or flax seed, the butter with vegan butter and the whipped cream with coconut cream. No cholesterol, no animals required…yet all the same flavor and satisfaction.

 

WEEKEND TOFU BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE WITH SKILLET POTATOES

Master the tofu scramble for a variety of great breakfast options. Tofu scrambles are great in breakfast burritos, on top of chiliquilles, they can be made with any variety of seasonal vegetables and used as a protein rich entree for any meal.

 

 

RAINBOW KALE SLAW WITH TOASTED SLIVERED ALMONDS

This slaw is so simple, delicious, and satifsying…enjoy it as a meal by itself! The combination of crunchy vegetables and toasted almonds with the creamy tartness of the simple vegan mayo and apple cider vinegar dressing make this an easy to prepare, high octane, nutritious side dish or meal.

 

 

TOFU BENEDICT 

All the decadence and satisfaction without any of the cholesterol. This incredibly rich breakfast entree is a winner.  Served on a toasted english muffin with a base of freshly steamed spinach or kale, grilled tofu, vegan hollandaise sauce, freshly sliced avocado, shitake mushroom bacon, and a side of fresh fruit…there’s nothing left to be desired.

 

 

VEGAN SPANISH PAELLA

Impress your friends with a fresh plant-based version of a traditionally meat and seafood heavy dish. Make it all veggie with artichoke hearts and hearts of palm to take the place of seafood, try adding vegan sausage and you’ll find you can have it all again, plant-based.

 

 

VEGAN CHOCOLATE LOVERS CHEESECAKE

This decadent chocolate cheesecake delivers flavor, all the familiar texture and satisfaction. Life is short, have dessert first! Master the art of making vegan cheesecakes and you’ll be amazed at the new options you have that don’t require any dairy products, are cholesterol-free, and environmentally friendly. Love, love love!

 

 

VEGAN CARNE ASADA TACOS

All the flavor and texture of meat, plant-based.  Wheat meat is made from vital wheat gluten or the protein from wheat, and it’s easy to make. It looks like meat and tastes like it too, use the marinade in the recipe or just sprinkle carne asada or any seasoning on your wheat meat, grill it, chop it and put it in tacos.

 

 

 

 

BLACK BEAN VEGGIE BURGER

A smokey black beans, sweet potato, and veggie patty topped with vegan cheese.  Easy to make and both kids and adults love them. Slip your kids their their veggies with baked or grilled black bean veggie burgers and watch them eat them up!

 

 

 

SOUTHWEST BUDDHA BOWL

Lentil taco meat, fresh pico de gallo, greens, and quinoa make this a complete meal. Plan meals in advance and cook up these great recipes that can be used together to make a buddha bowl or by themselves as part of additional meals through the week.

 

 

 

 

VEGAN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Discover how tofu can be used as a substitute for eggs and no one will know the difference.  Take traditional recipes and veganize them by replacing the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with tofu.  Replace each one egg with 1/4 cup firm tofu, cream it well with the sugar and butter and you’ll have cholesterol-free chocolate chip cookies everyone will love.

 

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