Healthy Recipes Archives - Journey With Healthy Me

Vegan Meatball Recipes

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Have you tried the plant based “meats” from Impossible? I don’t eat Impossible Meats often, however I like having a package of the Impossible burgers in the freezer, for an almost instant meal.

Recently I tried the Impossible Meatballs, while preparing a spread of healthy snack foods for Greg and our son Nate to graze on while they watched a program together. The plant based meatballs made an easy to make appetizer that even our non-vegan son enjoyed.

I’ve created several vegan meatball recipes, using frozen Impossible Meatballs as the base. Try these for a plant based appetizer or a quick meal.

Vegan Meatball Recipes title

Where to Purchase Impossible Meatballs

Look for Impossible Meatballs in the frozen foods section of the grocery store, where healthy meal alternatives are offered.

The package contains approximately 14 frozen plant based meatballs.

In the same section, you can typically find Impossible patties, Impossible breakfast sausages and Impossible “chicken” nuggets and strips. All of these products are vegan/ plant based.

Keep Impossible Meatballs in the freezer at home until ready to use. In fact, all the recipes I came up with use the meatballs frozen. No need to thaw them first. And, the meatballs are individually frozen. You can use all of them or select a few from the resealable bag.

Vegan Meatball Recipes impossible — Vegan Meatball Recipes – Impossible Meatballs

Vegan Meatballs Appetizer

These plant based meatballs make an easy and delicious appetizer, ready in minutes using an instant pot.

In the instant pot, combine two packages of frozen Impossible Meatballs, 2 cups of sugar free grape preserves, 12 ounces of Heinz chili sauce and 1/4 cup of water. Stir to coat meatballs, cover instant pot and lock lid into place.

Cook for 6 minutes. Allow natural release. Keep meatballs on warm in instant pot or transfer to a crock pot and keep warm. Serve with long toothpicks on a platter if desired.

These slightly spicy vegan meatballs are wonderful with vegan charcuterie boards, veggie trays, hummus and chips, a fruit platter and an assortment of vegan cheeses and crackers.

Vegan Meatball Recipes appetizers — Vegan Meatball Recipes – appetizers

Vegan Meatballs and Pasta

Another super simple recipe using Impossible Meatballs is to add them to your favorite spaghetti sauce, heat on the stove and serve with pasta.

I used a sugar free spaghetti sauce and gluten free pasta made from brown rice.

Combine half a package of frozen meatballs with a jar of spaghetti sauce and simmer, covered, while cooking the pasta.

When pasta is done, drain, plate and top with heated through meatballs and sauce. Serve immediately.

Vegan Meatball Recipes pasta — Vegan Meatball Recipes – pasta

Barbeque Meatballs and Brown Rice

This equally quick recipe is my favorite.

Combine a package of frozen Impossible Meatballs, 1 cup of sugar free grape preserves, 1 cup of sugar free barbeque sauce and 1/2 cup of water in an instant pot. Stir to coat meatballs, cover and lock lid. Cook for 6 minutes. Allow natural release.

Serve over cooked brown rice. Add mixed veggies or a side salad.

I keep a container of cooked brown rice in the refrigerator, for quick meal prep. And I keep a bowl of chopped veggie salad in the fridge as well. I can have a meal ready in 15 minutes or less.

I’ve found the sauce ingredients can vary, with excellent results. For the latest batch of barbeque meatballs I used 1 cup of sugar free preserves, 1/2 cup of catsup and 2 teaspoons of mustard for the sauce. You can substitute a different flavor of jelly or cranberry sauce for the grape jelly.

I like a sauce that isn’t too sweet, that’s a bit tart and a bit spicy.

Try These Vegan Meatball Recipes

I practice a plant based lifestyle, avoiding animal products in my food, clothing, beauty products and life. And I follow the Blue Zones lifestyle, which discourages processed foods. Impossible meats DO fall under the processed foods category, which is why I use them sparingly.

They make a nice treat when I need a fast meal beyond a salad or a change of pace from beans and rice.

Have you tried Impossible Meatballs? Which of these recipes would you most enjoy?

Vegan Meatball Recipes spaghetti

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Green Beans and New Potatoes

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This week is National Farmers Market Week. These markets are a great place to gather fresh produce, organic ready made meals, handmade goods and a variety of other products such as herbs and plants.

In my community, the Webb City Farmers Market sets up every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday under an open air pavilion. It’s one of my favorite places to visit, especially during the summer and fall months when there is such a bounty of fruits and veggies.

On a recent trip to the market I picked up fresh green beans and new potatoes, along with other veggies. Although I grew up eating green beans and new potatoes that included bacon or ham, I knew I could create a tasty vegan version.

And I did just that! It’s such a simple, wholesome recipe too. Paired with fresh sliced tomatoes, this easy to prepare meal is one of my favorite eats on hot summer days.

Green Beans and New Potatoes title

Health Benefits of Green Beans and Potatoes

Before sharing the recipe, check out why green beans and potatoes are a good for you meal.

Green Beans

These veggies are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world. And they are highly nutritious. Green beans contain vitamins A, C and K along with folic acid, calcium and fiber.

Green beans are also rich in iron, containing about twice the amount found in spinach, which means they are great for boosting energy and metabolism. They also offer an easily absorbed type of silicon, which is crucial for healthy connective tissue, nails and skin.

Because of their vitamin K content, green beans supports bone health, strengthening them from the inside out. And they are loaded with antioxidants that prevent free radical damage in the body’s cells.

The calcium in green beans protects heart health and helps prevent blood clots in arteries. And finally, these nutritious beans help prevent macular degeneration while maintaining good eyesight and night vision.

New Potatoes

Potatoes have a bad rap as an unhealthy food. They are, in fact, a very healthy and nutritious food.

The entire potato is edible, with the skin being very high in nutrients. Because they develop underground, potatoes draw trace minerals from the earth. They are high in potassium, B6 and amino acids…in particular Lysine in its bioactive form. Lysine fights against cancers, viruses such as Epstein-Barr and shingles, liver disease and inflammation.

Potatoes strengthen the kidneys and liver, soothe over excited nerves and help the digestive system to heal from Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers. They are antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial, relieving stress, supporting the brain and helping us to feel centered and grounded.

New potatoes are simply small potatoes dug up from the ground before they fully mature.

Green Beans and New Potatoes from the farmers market — Green beans and new potatoes fresh from the farmers market.

Simple Vegan Recipe

Excited to prepare the fresh from the market green beans and new potatoes, I considered how to season them for the best flavor. I didn’t want to add bacon or ham…but what could I add?

Instead, I came up with a very simple seasoning…smoked paprika. I loved how it gave the green beans and new potatoes a subtle “meaty” flavor and created a rich broth as the veggies cooked.

Here’s what you need for this recipe:

12 small new potatoes, skin on, scrubbed and halved or quartered
2 pounds of fresh green beans, washed and ends cut off
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
6 cups of water or veggie broth

Cooking green beans and new potatoes:

in a large cooking pot, cover prepared green beans with 6 cups of water or veggie broth (make your own vegetable broth HERE)
add smoked paprika and sea salt
bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for up to an hour, checking beans for tenderness after 45 minutes
add prepared new potatoes, stir to combine with green beans
bring mixture of veggies back to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender
makes 4 – 6 servings…store leftovers in refrigerator

Green Beans and New Potatoes plated — Ready to eat…green beans and new potatoes

Enjoying Green Beans and New Potatoes

I tell you sincerely that this recipe is so delicious! I love the combination of these two vegetables. And the flavor added by the smoked paprika was perfect. In fact, the broth is so good you’ll want to drink it if you have any left.

I didn’t miss the bacon or ham at all. With a sliced garden fresh tomato, this is the perfect summer meal. No oven use to heat up the house, one cooking pot and easy clean up. I kept the leftovers in the covered cooking pot and popped it into the refrigerator.

If you don’t have a farmers market near you, or a garden to grow your own veggies, look for fresh green beans and new potatoes in the produce section of your favorite grocery store.

Do you like fresh green beans and new potatoes combined together? If you make this simple recipe, let me know what you think!

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Healthy Fried Apples

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Today I noticed I had several apples that needed to be eaten…soon. I’d already purchased a new bag of red skinned apples. What could I do with these three that appeared a bit past their prime?

I have a wonderful fresh applesauce recipe. However, with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees and fresh snow on the ground, something warm and fragrant appealed to me more.

I came up with a simple solution…healthy fried apples.

Healthy Fried Apples title meme

An Apple a Day

We know how beneficial apples are. They play a crucial role in fighting inflammation of all kinds, calming the systems of the body by reducing viral and bacterial loads that inflame the body. In addition, the phytochemicals in apples feed the neurons of the brain and increase electrical activity. That makes them brain food!

Red skinned apples are especially beneficial. The pigments that create that rosy color have anti-obesity properties and strengthen the digestive system. They are the best colon cleanser. Pectin from an apple rids the intestinal tract of bacteria, viruses, yeast and mold. It also helps to eliminate debris that clogs pockets in the intestines.

And yet, we often turn to an unhealthy treat when hungry for a snack. Or we drizzle apples with caramel, pop them into pies or turn them into a side loaded with butter and sugar. Think about those restaurant style fried apples. We may think a side of fried apples is a healthier choice, but it isn’t.

This easy recipe does not contain refined sugar or butter. It’s vegan and gluten free. And it makes an excellent side dish, stand alone meal or simple dessert.

Healthy Fried Apples diced — Healthy Fried Apples – diced honeycrisp apples

Recipe for Healthy Fried Apples

Healthy Fried Apples

Warm and fragrant healthy fried apples for a side or a simple dessert

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

4 red skinned apples, cored and diced
3 tbsp water
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla

Instructions

In a large non stick skillet, add diced apples and water. Stir over medium heat for 1 minute. Cover and cook apples for 4 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and water absorbed.
Add coconut oil to skillet. Continue to cook and stir apples for 5 minutes.
Add maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla, combining with apples to coat. Cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes, until apples are cooked through completely. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings as a side or 2 servings for main course or dessert.

Keyword Fried Apples

Healthy Fried Apples in the pan — Healthy Fried Apples – stirring and cooking with water

Tips for Healthy Fried Apples

Here are a few tips for creating your own apple side.

Add a bit more water, if needed, while cooking. With medium heat I had no problem with apples sticking to the pan.

Check apples every minute while they are cooking, covered. Stir and cover again.

Omit coconut oil, if desired. Add more water instead, as needed. Or add a tablespoon of plant based butter.

Feel free to add a sprinkle of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

Top healthy fried apples with walnuts or raisins, if serving as dessert.

I enjoyed these wonderful fried apples so much that they became my lunch today. And they truly were perfect for a cold, overcast day. The mouth watering aroma as they cooked warmed me before I even took my first bite!

Plus, as I prepared this dish, another recipe idea came to mind featuring fried apples. I’ll let you know how it turns out!

Learn more about the benefits of apples and other foods in Anthony William’s book below. Click photo to purchase on Amazon.

Best Vegan Chili Recipes

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October is National Chili Month. What a perfect meal to enjoy on cool fall evenings. Chili is a spicy tomato based stew. It contains a blend of beans, seasonings, onions, garlic, peppers and typically, meat. However, I’ve discovered that plant based chilis are just as flavorful, warming and satisfying as those with meat.

This month, or any time this fall or winter, create one of these best vegan chili recipes, all without meat.

Best Vegan Chili Recipes title meme

Best Vegan Chili Recipes

Look through this round up of plant based chili recipes and choose one or try them all. Click on the underlined titles for links to ingredient lists and instructions.

Quick Bean Chili

This quick bean chili comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for an evening after a full and busy day. Having recipes available that can provide a hot meal in a few minutes lessens the likelihood of grabbing fast food on the way home.

This recipe comes together quickly due to using canned goods, instead of dried beans. I like to use great northern beans, however any canned beans works. This is a moderately spicy chili. Adjust the heat level by adding or reducing the cayenne pepper. Use a small vegetable chopper to make quick work of prepping veggies.

Best Vegan Chili Recipes quick — Best Vegan Chili Recipes – quick bean chili

Four Bean Vegan Chili

I created this recipe shortly after becoming plant based. My dad used to make an amazing chili and this recipe is inspired by his, minus the ground beef.

The simple to make, hearty chili comes together in minutes, and uses easily found ingredients. I used organic, and non GMO, canned goods from the grocery store, with fresh veggies such as onion, green bell pepper and garlic.

Best Vegan Chili Recipes four bean — Best Vegan Chili Recipes – four bean

Spicy Lentil Chili

Lentils make a wonderful substitute for beans in this delicious chili. They are inexpensive, easy to prepare and packed with protein. The recipe includes vegetable stock. Make your own with veggie scraps HERE.

Best Vegan Chili Recipes lentil — Best Vegan Chili Recipes – spicy lentil

Instant Pot Vegan Chili

This Instant Pot Vegan Chili, from Choosing Chia, is loaded with protein, vegetables, and savory spices! It’s made with two types of beans, and uses a secret trick to create the perfect chili texture.

Best Vegan Chili Recipes instant pot — Best Vegan Chili Recipes – instant pot. Photo from Choosing Chia.

Vegan Black Bean Chili

From Midwest Foodie Blog, this chili is loaded with more than 50% of required daily fiber per serving and filled with fresh Mexican flavors. This chili fills you up and fuels you through a busy day!

Best Vegan Chili Recipes black bean — Best Vegan Chili Recipes – black bean. Photo from Midwest Foodie Blog.

Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

This slow cooker vegan chili recipe, from Happy Kitchen Rocks, delights the taste buds. It’s not only wholesome but delicious and easy to make. Try this vegan twist on a classic comfort food for the chilly days ahead.

Best Vegan Chili Recipes slow cooker — Best Vegan Chili Recipes – slow cooker, Photo from Happy Kitchen Rocks

Do You Have a Favorite Chili Recipe?

I hope you found new chili recipes to try in this round up! As the temperatures dip this month, it’s the perfect season for stirring up a big pot of chili.

Do you have a favorite chili recipe? Share it with me in the comments below!

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Easy to Make Meals Using 5 Common Staples

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During this time, when the world is a bit different with each new day, food supplies are interesting. I’ve never in my lifetime experienced a shortage of food or toilet paper scarcity. For the moment, it is our reality.

In my corner of Missouri, as in most parts of the world, paper goods, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer fly off grocery store shelves, as soon as a delivery arrives. As we marvel over how golden toilet paper is, other supplies continue to dwindle as well. Eggs, meat, dairy products, bread, canned goods, dry goods and convenience foods such as mac and cheese are not impossible to find, but they are limited.

Going to the market each day, to see what is available, is a bit of an adventure. I squealed today when I found a solitary jar of my sugar free peanut butter. As a plant based person, I’m not eating differently than I was before all this started. I just get creative as I prepare meals. I realize others may be experiencing a temporary form of plant based eating that is new to them and I want to help.

Here are easy to make meals using 5 common staples. I’m sharing more than 20 recipes, prepared with simple, nutritious foods such as dried goods (rice, beans and lentils), canned goods, pasta, herbs and spices and my favorite, fresh produce.

Easy to Make Meals Using 5 Common Staples title meme

Dried Beans Lentils and Rice

These staples have a long shelf life, making them ideal pantry ingredients. In my area, dried goods are not plentiful, however, they do arrive daily in small amounts. Pick up packages of your favorite beans including pinto, navy, black, kidney and chick peas. Dried green, brown or red lentils are so versatile too. And while you are shopping, pick up long grain brown rice as well.

Beans and Lentils

Beans are easily prepared in the instant pot, slow cooker or on the stove top. Try this simple recipe for classic pinto beans. Cover 2 cups of pinto beans with water and let soak overnight. Drain and rinse. Place in a slow cooker. Add 6 cups of water, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder and 2 teaspoons sea salt. Cook on low 8 hours. Or combine all ingredients in a soup pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for an hour on the stove top.

Combine several varieties of dried beans and add cajun spices for a delicious spicy meal. Use cooked beans to create homemade hummus, refried beans or combine with rice for a satisfying meatless meal.

Navy Beans, Brown Rice & Kale

Curried Chickpeas

Black Bean Hummus

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Stew

Dried lentils cook quickly in the instant pot or on the stove pot. Use in curry dishes, shepherd’s pie or combine with rice for a quick and nutritious meal that is high in protein.

Lentils & Brown Rice

Madras Curried Lentils

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Rice

I prep brown rice in the instant pot (2 cups dried brown rice plus 3 cups of DIY veggie broth) and store it in the fridge. Cooked brown rice is excellent combined with stir fried veggies, beans or lentils and as a base for curries.

Dirty Rice

Pineapple Fried Rice

Stuffed Peppers

Curried Chickpeas — Easy to make meals using 5 common staples – curried chickpeas

Canned Goods

So many simple, nutrition packed meals come together in minutes using canned goods. I keep a variety of beans, vegetables and fruits such as peas, non GMO corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green beans and pineapple chunks on hand.

Combine several cans of beans, diced tomatoes and spices for an instant chili. Create a salsa full of chopped veggies, canned black beans and non GMO corn. Make classic hummus from canned chickpeas and serve with crackers or an assortment of veggies. Or simply combine two or more cans of vegetables…such as lima beans and non GMO corn…to make a succotash. Serve with baked potatoes for a hearty meal.

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Easy to Make Meals Using 5 Common Staples — Easy to make meals using 5 common staples – bean chili

Pasta

Pasta is another versatile, easy to use to staple. Because of a gluten sensitivity, I choose gluten free varieties, available in most grocery stores. I keep gluten free macaroni and spaghetti on hand. Stock up on your favorite kinds of pasta.

Create a simple meat free meal of pasta and marinara sauce. (Check out this post, for DIY Marinara Sauce and Pesto.) For another quick meal combine cooked pasta with canned tomatoes. Heat through on the stove and season with a bit of oregano and basil. If you happen to grow your own basil, make a yummy pesto sauce to serve over spaghetti. (See link to post above.) Toss together cooked macaroni and raw or cooked veggies for an instant pasta salad. Or add pasta to soups.

Goulash

Vegetable Noodle Soup

Herbs and Spices

These common herbs and spices add flavor to meals and nutritional value. Keep on hand onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dill, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, cumin, chili powder, ground red pepper, ground ginger, madras curry and curry powder.

I love preparing oven roasted potatoes, two different ways. For a kick of flavor, season cubed potatoes with paprika, sea salt, onion powder and garlic powder. For a savory blend, use rosemary, thyme and dill. A bowl of seasoned roasted potatoes with a big salad or steamed veggies makes a wonderfully comforting meal.

Experiment with seasonings. Add dried herbs to soups, sauces and stir fries. Additionally, those dried herbs make health boosting teas. Steep 2 teaspoons of thyme in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes, for a tea that boosts the immune system and helps fight viral infections in the body.

Fresh Produce

Other than potatoes, fresh produce remains in stock in my local grocery stores. This is good news because there are so many easy meals to make using this staple.

One of my favorite meals is a chopped veggie salad loaded with a dozen or more vegetables. Chop any combo of vegetables and combine with chopped dark leafy greens.

Think beyond salads though.

Another simple meal is the veggie bowl. Combine raw or cooked vegetables together in a big bowl and enjoy. Use onions, green peppers, mushrooms, black beans, lettuce and tomatoes for a Mexican bowl. Or switch it up with Brussels sprouts, asparagus, sweet potatoes and quinoa. Any combination of vegetables is acceptable!

Stir fries are another great way to combine fresh vegetables in creative ways. Start with a base of onions, garlic, carrots and celery and add in whatever you have on hand. Use that same base, add in more fresh veggies and canned peas, green beans and tomatoes plus eight cups of water or veggie broth and you have a delicious soup. Save all those vegetable scraps as you prep food for DIY Vegetable Broth.

Fruit makes an excellent meal as well. Combine fresh and frozen fruit with two bananas and a small amount of filtered water for a breakfast smoothie. Drizzle a mixture of berries with raw honey for a mid afternoon snack. Or toss chopped apples, oranges or berries in with a vegetable salad.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Dairy Free Potato Soup

Orange Avocado Green Olive Salad

Three Healthy Salad Dressings

Easy to Make Meals Using 5 Common Staples

It is disconcerting to walk into a grocery store and see empty shelves. It’s an experience that is new to most of us. The current situation requires adaptability and a positive mindset.

I hope these suggestions and recipes encourage you to create nutritious meals from staples that are available or that you already have on hand. If you are not plant based, meat such as chicken can be added to many of the recipes.

I promise you though, these meals are not only easy to prepare, they are nutritionally dense and satisfying. You will not go hungry and you may even discover that you enjoy this different way of eating.

If you have questions, ask in the comments section below. I’m here to walk alongside you, virtually. We truly are in this situation together. And together, we will overcome. Together we will emerge stronger than before.

Fresh Cara Cara Oranges

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I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

DIY Creamy Cashew Butter

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I grew up eating peanut butter sandwiches. And honestly, I still love the stuff. Oh, I don’t eat bread now, so no more sandwiches. However, one of my favorite healthy snacks is a dollop of organic peanut butter and a cut up apple. Paired with a cup of hot herbal tea, this snack is perfect once or twice a week.

I’ve also enjoyed almond butter and cashew butter. Those jars of nut butters can get pricey though. And it’s important to read the labels, to make sure the ingredients are nuts and sea salt and nothing more.

Recently I’ve wanted to try making my own nut butters. It turns out, the process couldn’t be easier. Check out my first attempt…DIY creamy cashew butter.

DIY Creamy Cashew Butter Title Meme

Advantages of Making DIY Cashew Butter

The primary advantage to making your own nut butter is knowing exactly what’s in it. I purchased raw, organic, non GMO cashews from Natural Grocers. Although I intended to create almond butter first, the cashews appealed to me! I left the store with a 16 ounce package of cashews.

The nut butter is easily customized with healthy additions such as honey, vanilla beans, cocoa or sea salt. Finally, making your own nut butter saves money, especially when nuts are bought in bulk. And you can make a small amount or a larger amount, depending on your needs.

DIY Creamy Cashew Butter Organic Nuts — Raw organic nuts for DIY Creamy Cashew Cream

Creating DIY Creamy Cashew Cream

Cashews have a creamy texture, making them perfect for creating nut butter. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium. Cashews also provide antioxidant properties. Check out the five healthiest nuts in this post.

I felt like the soft texture of the cashews would easily transform into creamy nut butter. And I was right. Using the food processor creates heat, which helps to quickly break the nuts down into a smooth butter.

The process is so simple.

Step 1

Add two cups of cashews, or nuts of choice, to a food processor. That’s it. For DIY creamy cashew butter there is one ingredient…cashews. I chose raw, unsalted cashews, however experiment with salted and roasted and see which suits you best.

Process on high. The nuts immediately become coarsely chopped and then become a fine powder. Stop the food processor occasionally, to scrape down sides.

DIY Creamy Cashew Butter Step 1 — Step 1 – Coarsely ground

Step 2

Continuing processing cashews. As they heat up the nuts release oils. The coarse pieces begin to stick together, forming a paste. Pause again to scrape down sides.

Step 3

Let cashew paste continue to process, until a smooth butter forms. The entire process took about seven minutes for me, stopping twice to scrape down sides…and take photos. Almonds might take a little longer to process.

Stop processor and scrape cashew butter into a glass container. Seal and store in the refrigerator. DIY creamy cashew butter, or any other homemade nut butters, will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator. I don’t think mine will last that long!

DIY Creamy Cashew Butter Step 3 — Step 3 – Creamy butter

Enjoying My Healthy Snack

The DIY creamy cashew butter was so easy to make. I don’t know why I haven’t tried this before. Warm from the processor, I enjoyed a spoonful of cashew butter with a cut up gala apple. Perfection! I didn’t add honey, yet the taste was slightly sweet and the butter so creamy. Cashew butter is excellent with sliced apples or pears, on gluten free crackers or bread and used in baking.

I’m excited to make almond butter and perhaps something more exotic, like pistachio butter. I’ll let you know how that turns out!

Creamy Cashew Butter and Apples — Creamy Cashew Butter and Apple Slices

Use these links to purchase raw organic cashews and almonds.

This is the food processor I use. Click on photo for more info or to order.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

One of the things I’m enjoying, on this plant based journey, is adapting recipes. Stuffed peppers popped into my mind this week. A quick check of my fridge and cupboards revealed I had all the necessary ingredients on hand to create a new healthier version of this old favorite.

My old recipe contained ground beef. My desire to create a veggies and brown rice version seemed doable.

I’ve played around enough with cooking the past couple of years, to gain confidence in pulling together an impromptu recipe.

Here is the result, Vegan Stuffed Peppers.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Vegan Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

journeywithhealthyme

This easy to prepare stuffed pepper recipe has all the flavor and it's full of healthy ingredients. Meat, dairy, egg and sugar free.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients

3 green bell peppers
2 cups brown rice cooked
1 yellow onion diced
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans drained
1 can corn non GMO, drained
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Wash green peppers, cut in half and remove seeds. Place in baking pan, cut side up.
Saute onion and garlic in 1 tbsp coconut oil, until veggies are translucent.
Add diced tomatoes and cumin, onion powder, garlic powder and sea salt, stirring to combine. Add black beans and corn, combining well and heating through.
Add brown rice and combine well. Pour mixture over green bell pepper halves, filling peppers. Mound remaining mixture around peppers. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove covering and bake another 5 minutes. 6 servings.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Recipe Variations

This is one of those simple recipes that can be adapted according to tastes and ingredients on hand. Any color of pepper is suitable. I happened to have green bell peppers in the fridge.

Swap out the black beans for kidney beans or another vegetable. The same with the corn. I only use non GMO corn. Del Monte carries this product. Check the label to make sure it says “non GMO”. Quinoa can replace the brown rice. During the summer, when the garden is producing, fresh tomatoes would taste great, instead of canned. And fresh peppers from the garden….amazing!

Sampling my vegan stuffed peppers, I declared them excellent! I didn’t miss the ground beef at all. These were tasty and filling and something I will prepare again!

Looking for more meatless meal ideas? Check out these:

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Meatless Dirty Rice

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Easy Hot Soups for Cold Days

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We’ve experienced days and days of cloudy, cold rainy weather here in the Midwest. Most of the ice and snow trekked north of my town. However, I’ve chosen to stay indoors nonetheless, cozy and snug. When cold days pile up, my favorite go to food is hot soup. I keep a pot of freshly made soup ready to reheat in the fridge. A hot bowl of soup warms me and nourishes me as well.

Enjoy these easy hot soups for cold days.

Easy Hot Sou[s for Cold Days

Homemade Vegetable Soup

This wonderful soup has been my mainstay the past week. Easy to make, this combination of veggies delivers an amazing blend of flavors and tons of health benefits. It’s so adaptable too. I call it my whatever I have on hand soup. This is a great way to use up the last few carrots in the fridge or half a can of peas. I can toss in whatever veggies and canned goods I want, double the recipe, or cut it in half.

Vegetable Soup

journeywithhealthyme

This richly flavored plant based soup is a great way to use up leftover veggies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 1 hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

1 yellow onion chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
2 celery stalks chopped
3 carrots chopped
4 small potatoes peeled & diced
1 can corn non GMO drained
1 can peas non GMO drained
1 can green beans non GMO drained
1 can lima beans non GMO drained
2 cans diced tomatoes
4 cups organic vegetable stock
8 cups water
1 tbsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil

Instructions

In large soup pot, saute onion, garlic, celery and carrots in olive oil, until veggies are softened.
Add potatoes, vegetable stock, water, sea salt, black pepper and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through.
Add canned veggies and simmer a few more minutes. Makes 12 servings

Notes

Recipe may be cut in half. Any variety of veggies and canned goods may be used. Additional herbs/spices may be added to suit tastes.

I cook in a big soup pot, like this one, and store the soup in the refrigerator in the same container. This vegetable soup only gets better the next day…and the next…as the flavors continue to blend. Seriously, I can and do eat it every day. This week, when the veggie soup runs out, I create another batch. I vary the ingredients slightly, depending on what I have on hand. I enjoy ladling hot, comforting soup into easy to hold cups, like these classic soup mugs.

Homemade Veggie Soup

Links to More Easy Hot Soups

Here are more of my favorites, all easy to make and just as hearty and nourishing on cold winter days.

Dairy Free Potato Soup

Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew

Carrot Potato Soup

Chunky Red Lentil Stew

I’m always on the watch for a great soup recipe. If you have a favorite, please share in the comments below.

Soup really is Mmmm Mmmm good, especially when it is homemade!

Easy Hot Soups for Cold Days

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

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I dearly love my afternoon tea time. Therefore, I’m always excited to find and try a new recipe for a healthy treat that can accompany my hot tea. This easy Vegan Blueberry Banana recipe, adapted slightly from one by Anthony William, is perfect.

This beautiful loaf is free from gluten, refined sugar, eggs and diary products.

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

I used gluten free oat flour combined with arrowroot starch, to help hold the loaf together after it cooled. See this guide about other gluten free flours and starches.

Any unsweetened non-dairy milk is acceptable. I like the combo of almond and coconut. Leave off the walnuts if you are watching fats.

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

Healthy version of a classic favorite, with the added benefits and taste of wild blueberries.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Cooling 30 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened almond coconut milk
1 1/2 cups gluten free oat flour
1/2 cup arrowroot starch
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp aluminum free baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
chopped walnuts, for topping optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mash bananas in a bowl with fork or potato masher. Add maple syrup, coconut sugar, vanilla extract and almond coconut milk. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine oat flour, arrowroot starch, sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add wet ingredients and stir gently, until ingredients form a batter. Add frozen blueberries and fold in very gently, stirring just until mixed in.
Pour batter into loaf pan. Top with walnuts, if desired, and bake in oven for 40 minutes. Then turn off oven and leave blueberry banana bread in oven for another 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely, on a rack, before slicing. Serves 4.

Keyword Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread Use a potato masher to easily mash up ripe bananas.

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread Ready to bake. I LOVE using parchment paper and line all baking pans and cookie sheets with it. Try this one from If You Care. This parchment baking paper is unbleached, compostable and totally chlorine free.

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread Isn’t that a gorgeous loaf? It smelled so wonderful as it cooled.

The two main ingredients in the Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread have important health benefits.

Wild Blueberries

These berries contain powerful antioxidants. According to Liver Rescue there’s not just one pigment inside a wild blueberry, there are dozens of pigments. The wild blueberry is to the liver as mother’s milk is to a baby. The pigments in wild blueberries have the ability to penetrate deep into liver cells and cross cell walls and membranes inside the liver, spreading their blue everywhere. Wild blueberries also enhance the intestinal tract, feeding good bacteria there, which benefits the liver greatly.

Bananas

Did you know that the fructose in bananas is the liver’s favorite source of food? It provides quick fuel to the liver and wakes up sleepy cells, increasing their ingenuity and work output. Bananas soothe the lining of the intestinal tract and also calm the nerves attached to the intestinal tract. This fruit is one of the most antibacterial, anti-yeast, antifungal foods available. It’s a great food to combine with other nutrient-rich foods or to take with supplements, because they improve the liver’s ability to absorb nutrients. (from Liver Rescue)

Perfect Afternoon Tea

This Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread is great as a breakfast bread or works well as a light after dinner dessert.

I paired a slice with a cup of hot spearmint tea, for the perfect afternoon break. The texture is light and the bread tastes slightly sweet, loaded with bananas and wild blueberries. I topped this first loaf with walnuts. Those can be omitted, if desired.

This recipe definitely goes onto my “make again…often” list. Is tomorrow too soon, to pop another loaf into the oven?

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

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Dairy Free Turmeric Milk

I enjoy a warm drink in the evening, year around. During the summer, my drink of choice is a cup of hot herbal tea, brewed from herbs freshly picked from my garden. With the arrival of cooler weather, I look for additional nighttime drinks to sip on. It is essential to me that these bedtime drinks be warming and soothing and also full of health boosting benefits.

I was excited to try this dairy free turmeric milk. I found the recipe on Facebook, in a group I am part of called Avocado. This delicious and easy to prepare recipe comes from Anna Davis.

Warm Turmeric Milk

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried turmeric

• 1 tablespoon raw organic honey

• Dash of coarsely ground black pepper

• Dash of cinnamon

• 1 cup of unsweetened dairy free plant based milk such as almond or coconut

In a small bowl mix together honey, turmeric, black pepper and cinnamon, making a paste. Warm plant based milk. Add small amount to turmeric mixture, stirring until smooth and thinned out. Add turmeric mixture to remainder of milk. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and enjoy.

I used unsweetened almond coconut dairy free milk. The coconut adds a subtle flavor that I like. Plain almond milk can be used as well. As the milk heated, I whisked the honey, turmeric, and black pepper together.

The spicy aroma was wonderfully tantalizing as I added a small amount of warm milk to the honey mixture. After it was thinned out, I poured the mixture into the cup of milk.

A sprinkle of cinnamon on top and my bedtime turmeric milk was ready to savor. And savor it I did. This drink was so good that I had to pace myself. The taste is full of flavor but mild.

Turmeric is considered one of the most effective medicinal herbs with powerful benefits for the body. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The body absorbs curcumin much better when black pepper is ingested at the same time.

Curcumin is linked to improved brain function and a lessening of brain diseases, less risk of heart disease, cancer prevention, depression prevention, inhibition of Alzheimer’s, improvement of arthritis through lessening of inflammation and it has anti-aging properties.

That’s a lot of health benefits packed into a tasty nighttime drink. In addition, turmeric soothes the digestive tract, which contributes to a better night’s sleep.

Raw organic honey, locally produced, is a good source of antioxidants. Health benefits of honey include soothes the digestive tract, eases seasonal allergies and sore throats, protects the body from cell damage, and it is antibacterial and anti-fungal.

Best of all, this drink centers me as it warms me, preparing me for a time of deep rest. My body craves it, encouraging me to sip on a cup every evening. Turmeric milk has become my favorite bedtime drink!