Warming Red Coconut Curry

Tempeh Bacon Lettuce & Tomato Sammies (5)

Happy New Year! We’re just 5 days into the new year and  I’m feeling like poo. And right now, I am trying to get myself back to optimal health. The holiday’s really took a toll on my body and really has me focusing on self-love and self-care. I don’t think I’ve forced myself to rest as much as I have for the last few days. And to be honest, it feels hellagood.

I’m always running around with an endless to-do list, forcing myself to be busy and saying yes way too much. One of my intentions (not resolutions- this makes me think there is a possibility for failure) for this year has to be saying no more (without guilt) and saying yes to rest and doing absolutely nothing (more often than before).

One of my favorite things to do while resting and getting much-needed recovery time is whipping up nourishing and warming meals that require little to no effort. And that’s exactly the deal with this curry. It’s customizable and versatile making virtually any veggie you have on hand absolutely mouthwatering and delicious. I mean, come on. Curry + coconut milk is a match made in culinary heaven. The only real thing you’ll have to go out to get would be the curry paste (and it lasts for a decent amount of time in the fridge for future curry creations). Amazeballs, right?

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The Best Vegan Coquito

Tempeh Bacon Lettuce & Tomato Sammies (1)

Guys and gals, Christmas is upon us (like 2 days away OMG). And do you know what that means?! Egg nog! Okay maybe not exactly. Not in my fiance’s family. His Puerto Rican side of the family is lively, loving and HUGE and one of my favorite things I look forward to each year has to be the coquito. And last year we had a coquito tasting contest (best believe I was judging and enjoying every bit of it-vegan or not).

What in the heck is that?!

It’s a eggnog-like drink made with rum, coconut milk, sweet condensed milk, egg yolks, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

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The Pumpkingingercoco Smoothie [Happy Holidays]

Tempeh Bacon Lettuce & Tomato Sammies

Whoa, I know the name sounds like a MOUTHFULL! Well…it’s a mouth full of AWESOME! Seriously. It just doesn’t seem like the holidays if there isn’t some combination of pumpkin, gingerbread or coquito (a Puerto Rican version of egg nog just coconut cream/milk based-it’s delish, just don’t forget the rum). And in case you didn’t know this about me already, I’m a fan of holiday beverages (remember the vegan pumpkin spice latte recipe) just, I like to do it my way.

I figured I could combine all these flavors that I crave in one smoothie.

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No Way It’s Vegan Mac n Cheese

Tangy watermelon salad (1)

A few weeks ago I had to put myself in the mindset of a child and think about the things they would truly enjoy for my first ever kids cooking class. And to be honest, that was SUCH a challenge! Kids are picky! How the hell was I going to get the pickiest of eaters to eat healthfully AND enjoy veggies with so much flavor?!

I thought…hmm…kids seem to really enjoy mac n cheese. So, cleverly thought I could hide some veggies (ahem butternut squash) in the cheese sauce while also giving kids the option to add in their fave veggies. You’d be surprised, some actually chose to add broccoli to their mac n cheese and those who didn’t still got a dose of veg with the butternut squash hiding in plain sight in the cheese sauce.

For those of you who want a super cheesy but still nourishing baked mac, I’ve provided an additional version for your pleasure 😉 A little something something for all mac n cheese lovers, vegan or not.

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5 Nourishing + Comforting Vegan Soups

Tangy watermelon salad

Can you feel the chill of winter? Or do you just plain ol’ love soup? How about both? There’s nothing quite like slurping down a big bowl of soup topped with crunchy croutons (if that’s your thing- I’m big on crunchy) and cuddling on the couch when it’s cold outside.

Not only is soup AMAZEBALLS and delicious, it is a great way to get in those veggies while enjoying an abundance of flavors. I mean think about it, there are endless opportunities for flavor combos (have you tried white miso, ginger and butternut?!) and you can really experiment with a wide variety of seasonal veggies (we’re in root veggie town). I’ve put together a few of my favorites to get you inspired and in cuddle mode.

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