Sauteed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
Sauteed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad totally made my mouth melt. I purchased Trader Joe’s 10 minute barley & 10 minute farro a couple of weeks ago and knew I’d eventually use the farro for a salad. If you’ve never had farro, you’re missin’ out! It’s an ancient wheat grain with a fabulously chewy texture. It’s an excellent source of protein, fiber, and nutrients like magnesium and iron, so eat up veg-heads and vegans! Or, of course, anyone wanting an awesomely healthy grain. 😉 I love my Paderno Spiralizer almost as much as I love my Vitamix, so that’s saying a lot! I spiralized my zucchini and then shaved my carrot with my spiralizer. I sauteed spinach, broccoli, and small white beans with some herbs and garlic powder. I had some farro that I had cooked with veggie broth (the BEST) and then put it all together in a bowl, tossed it with some Goddess dressing, and voila! A salad star was born. I was definitely left full and satisfied, as a good salad that is meant to be a meal should leave you feeling. When people tell me they don’t like salad or that it doesn’t “fill them up,” my response is that they’ve never gotten creative enough in the salad making department, and with a few ideas, they could eat a different salad everyday of the week that would totally satisfy them, fill them with nutrients, and load their mouths with deliciousness. I’d bet my Paderno on it! 😉
If you’ve been regularly following my blog-o-la, you’ll know that I’m not happy with my weight. I have gained a bunch since last year and miss my beautiful wardrobe. I moved from Beijing, China back to the US a year and a half ago and gave all of my clothes away before I left. Upon my return, I purchased a seriously dope, brand stinkin’ new, amazeballs, wardrobe that is just waiting to get back together with me, as I am, with it. I told myself that if I lost 5 lbs by this Sunday (almost there; gonna happen) I’d treat myself to a haircut and nail appointment. It’s been far too long since I pampered myself. Plus, I cut my hair the week after I moved to the US… I’ve occasionally trimmed it myself over my garbage bin at work only to have my students ask me why I have pieces of “hair” or “string” on my clothing. This has GOT to stop. Haha. Laziness at its finest! Not cool. 😉 Anyway, I mention this because I’m salads, everyday, at least once a day, yoga everyday, at least once a day for almost 2 weeks now and it feels great. I recommend this to anyone looking for health & happiness, or just to lose some holiday bloat. Plus, it’s delish! Inside and out. 😉 Happy salad week to all! XO
PS- This beautiful lil’ leaf is from my adorable kiddo who had come back from the park as I was about to shoot my food. He said, “Mom, this is for you! You can put it in your blog!” So, duh! I totally did! Thanks, G-man! XOXO
- 2 C spinach
- 1 carrot (spiralized or shredded)
- 1 zucchini (spiralized)
- 10 small broccoli florets
- 1/2 a 15oz can of small white beans
- 1 C cooked farro (I use TJ's 10 minute farro & cook with veggie broth)
- Oil for pan (I used extra virgin olive oil)
- Dressing of choice (I used Goddess)
- 1/2 Tbl garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cook the farro on one burner, and heat medium sized pan on another burner on low-med with oil
- Put the broccoli, beans, salt & pepper in the pan and stir for about 3 minutes
- Add the spinach, oregano, basil, and garlic powder - stir for another 2 minutes (broccoli should be cooked but crunchy and still bright green)
- Divide all of the ingredients from the pan, divide the raw zucchini & carrot, and put into 2 bowls
- Toss with dressing
- Done!
- Pinot Grigio
The Ultimate Vegan Christmas Menu
The Ultimate Vegan Christmas Menu is a perfect list of recipes that are delicious and crowd-pleasing for any vegan Christmas. Recipes include a variety of vegan appetizers, soups, salads, main dishes, and cocktails. You can mix and match to make your own perfect vegan Christmas menu!
I LOVE Christmas time. I’m sure I’m not alone in that. 😉 A perfect Christmas, even in the shit-storm we can call 2020, should still include great food and drinks. I know many people will be having a lot of family/friend time over Zoom. We make the most of what we have, right? And, it’s celebratory in its own right since we can say a hearty, “goodbye!” and “FuCk YOu!” to 2020! Wooooo-hooooo!!!
I am supposed to be living in Shenzhen, China right now, teaching music at a dope international school, with my son receiving a free and amazing education there. I am now instead, teaching over Zoom, at night, awaiting the moment I can get my visa.
I miss my friends, I miss a full paycheck, I miss restaurants, activities with my kid like bowling, the zoo, the children’s museum, etc. I miss my kid’s Taekwondo and swimming lessons. This year I was going to start his piano lessons, too. I now also work at my kid’s private Chinese School since I can no longer afford the tuition without it.
This year has also brought intense emotional pain from my ex both pre & post-divorce, panic attacks ending in ER visits, and a litany of health issues stemming from mind-blowing levels of stress. I am more than happy to let go of this shitty fucking year! I KNOW I am not alone in this. 😉
Despite my diatribe of bullshit, I am still standing, and I still choose to celebrate the good in this world. Holidays (to me) are incredibly important to keep our happiness afloat, or at least remind us that we have happiness somewhere still within, if even for a day. Make this Christmas count! Let it be the precursor to the mouth of 2021. Enjoy the shit outta your Christmas company, even if only via Zoom, good food, good libations, the giving of gifts, and of course, good music. Cheers!
If you guys have any staple vegan Christmas recipes/food that you make, please post in the comment section to share some ideas. Enjoy The Ultimate Vegan Christmas Dinner Menu and have an amazing holiday!
An ultimate classic Christmas song from my all-time favorite Rudolph movie! (The movie is free on YouTube btw)…
Also, click HERE for a link to my article, Dear Santa Baby (A letter for adults)
*Click on the name of the recipe to bring you directly to the link!
The Ultimate Vegan Christmas Menu!
Appetizers –
Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers
Artichoke Balsamic & Basil Hummus
Fried Green Tomatoes with Special Sauce (vegan)!
Soups –
The BEST Vegan Pasta e Fagioli
The BEST Vegan Creamy Tortellini Soup! *This could be a main dish, too – SO filling!
Vegan Kale, Broccoli, & White Bean Soup
Lentil Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms (Vegan)
Salads –
Sauteed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
Main dishes –
Vegan Mushroom Lentil Wellington
Vegan Kale Pesto Lasagna with Veggie Tofu Ricotta
Creamy Rigatoni with Lentils & Fresh Oregano – Vegan!
Creamy Vegan Macaroni and Cheese!
Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Stuffed Portobello Mushroom
Cocktails –
Desserts Cocktails –
Spiked Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate!
Minty Cacao Espresso Cocktail (Vegan)
If this is all too overwhelming for you, Whole Foods is doing a pre-made vegan Christmas dinner and I am pretty sure you can pick and choose some of your menu items! Click HERE for the link.
Greyson & my “Happy Holidays” card 🙂
The Best Vegan 4th of July Menu!
The Best Vegan 4th of July Menu! Is my list of awesome appetizer, dinner, dessert, and drink ideas for the 4th. I love celebrating the shit out of any holiday. Mostly, I just love to entertain. My 4th of July decorations are buried somewhere in my storage. I am going to attempt to find them and fish them out for tomorrow. We are hanging with our friends we’ve been isolating with. I’m going to set up the picnic table outside, serve multiple cocktails, my classic infused party waters (strawberry and mint – and fresh lemon and ginger), play bocce ball, cornhole, blast my 4th of July playlist, and eat and drink throughout the day. We’re ending the holiday with our new and totally awesome gigantic outdoor blowup movie screen. The movie is still TBD! I feel this is a recipe for the perfect 4th of July. 😉
I shot the pictures of the hotdogs and the dessert yesterday. I’ll make them into individual posts at some point. I told my kiddo that I couldn’t find anything with a flag, etc. I turn around and he made me that adorable flag that you see in the berry dessert pictures. Grey is amazing. He made my bed, mopped the house, and made me breakfast yesterday. He’s becoming my little man! The menu below is for a large party. If you are going to have a smaller soiree, pick and choose to make your own menu!
Tomorrow is America’s birthday. Now, shit has been CRAZY this past year – virus, politics, #metoo, BLM, natural disasters, etc. I remember leaving the country embarrassed to have been American many moons ago. I’m disgusted by much of what goes on; however, I have seen the other side – communism, extreme poverty on levels I’ve never seen before – and I believe in the bones of this country. I know it could be worse – like, much, much worse. I am happy to celebrate America for its goodness. I’m happy to celebrate for change and hoping to be a part of that change. I want to teach my child to be part of that movement, that beauty. So cheers to America -“the beautiful” that is. Grill, drink, play outdoor games, appreciate the great, and vow to be part of the changes our country needs. Annnnnddd… watch Hamilton on Disney Plus tonight! Rock in the holiday with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the American Revolution!
For your holiday pleasure, I present to you, “Alexander Hamilton:”
CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE RECIPE TO BRING YOU DIRECTLY TO THE LINK! PICTURES TO EACH RECIPE BELOW, TOO. 🙂
Appetizers-
Red Potato Salad With Hickory Bacon (Vegan)
Buffalo Cauliflower
Mexican Vegan Sushi Rolls!
Fried Spiraled Zoodles – Oh, My! (replace egg with flax egg)
Easy Cheesy Vegan Tofu Quesadillas
Fried Green Tomatoes with Special Sauce (vegan)!
5 Bomb Hummus Recipes!
The BEST Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce Ever!
Amazing Classic Guacamole
Main Dishes- (some of these recipes are from the beginning years of the blog when it was vegetarian, not vegan. I’ve replaced the ingredients below)
Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For! (replace real cheese with something like Follow Your Heart Jack Cheese Shreds – I use this one)
The Most Bitchin’ Broccoli & Eggplant Veggie Burger Ever! (replace real eggs for flax eggs, yogurt for soy yogurt, and real parm for vegan parm – I love Follow Your Heart)
The Perfect Purple Potato Veggie Burger (replace egg for flax egg and vegan cheese)
Vegan Kale Pesto Spring Primavera!
Vegetarian Chicken Street Tacos (replace Quorn for any vegan chicken strips and replace queso fresca with vegan mozzarella such as Miyokos – my fave)
Sauteed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
VEGAN HOT DOGS (SEE PICTURE BELOW) –
1- Hummus, sauteed mushrooms (olive oil, lemon, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper), garlic chives (optional), tahini drizzle over hotdog
2- Diced black olives , diced scallions, shredded vegan cheddar (I used Miyokos), diced avocado, sprinkle of cilantro, spicy red pepper sauce drizzle OR hot sauce drizzle
Drinks-
Gin Fresh Fruit Fizz Cocktail
Fresh Blackberry Royale
Dessert- (See picture below for how to make)
Strawberries & Blueberries with Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream
Coconut Whipped Cream – In a bowl, use a handheld electric whisk and blend :
- 1 can coconut milk (refrigerate beforehand for at least 12 hours for the best results – though, not necessary!)
- 3 Tbl powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
The BEST Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
Happy almost T-day, everyone! This is mostly a repost from last year with a few additions. In this post, I am giving you my recipes AND my favorite premade vegan roasts. Honestly, I serve at least one every year. It’s 2019 so we have options, people! When I was 8 years old and vegetarian, it meant I could eat a lot of potatoes and some sides. As a vegan? I would’ve had nothing but some veggies. Then came Tofurky. It was okay at the time. Now, Tofurky has jazzed it up and we have Gardein and Field Roast to give Tofurky some serious competition.
This year my vegan thanksgiving will look a bit different. One, I’m divorced. Thank. Fucking. God. Well, not yet, but soon. It couldn’t come fast enough. I’m doing a Friendsgiving, okay, one of my sisters will be here too, at my new and awesome apartment. I thought I’d miss my house SO much. Turns out, I don’t. I guess home is wherever and whatever you make it. This year, I’m serving many of the recipes below and a roast. I’m also adding a staple salad from Thanksgivings of my childhood. My mother made this salad every year. I don’t have a pic of it, however, I use mesclun greens, red onion, sliced purple grapes and small bits of apple, candied pecans or walnuts, garbanzo beans, vegan blue cheese or vegan feta (optional), and a homemade honey mustard dressing. SO GOOD! My friends, their kids, the Macy’s parade, lots of jazz records, awesome cocktails, dresses that stretch to match my belly as it begins to bust, my couch, and a massive sleepover at my place will complete my holiday of fun. Hell yeah!
Below are recipes for soups, salad, appetizers, entrees, and amazing cocktails. Enjoy the grub and please leave a comment if you make these or even one of these recipes, and let us know what your thoughts are! -FGG
Click on a recipe to bring you directly to the link!
PS- The featured image is by, RUNNING ON REAL FOOD
PPS- I remember seeing this when it aired. I was having a sleepover and my friend and I were watching this from my mother’s bed. I LOVED Adam Sandler. Cheers to the past! 😉
Creamy Vegan Carrot Sweet Potato & Mushroom Soup
Pumpkin Coconut Curry Soup
Lentil Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms (Vegan)
Sauteed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
Artichoke Balsamic & Basil Hummus (If you use the parm, my favorite vegan parm is Go Veggie Vegan Parmesan)
The BEST Pumpkin Seeds Ever!
Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers
Vegan Mushroom Lentil Wellington
Vegan Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese
Vegan Kale Pesto Lasagna with Veggie Tofu Ricotta
Crazy Delicious Veggie Couscous
Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Stuffed Portobello Mushroom
A Maple Bourbon Fruit Fling Named Rosemary
Blackberry Royale
Amazon Link To My Two Self-Published Books!
Image by, Player.One
The BEST Vegan Dinner Christmas Menu!
The BEST Vegan Dinner Christmas Menu! Is complete with amazing vegan appetizers (not just traditional appetizers, different and delicious apps that aren’t your holiday standards), soups, salads, entrees (pastas, Wellington, stuffed potatoes, stuffed portobellos), and of course, holiday cocktails (both warm and cold)! I’ve had many a small, medium, and large sized holiday parties at my home. No matter where I’ve been, whether I lived in Oregon, California, New York, China etc, I’m always the first to host a T-day or an xmas soiree… I LOVE entertaining! As long as I have the kitchen to myself (I’d love to be in the house by myself), wine, and music, I am golden for hours upon hours in the kitchen. Anyone else?
Since we’re in the seasonal spirit right now, I shall leave you with MY version (or desires) of The Twelve Days of Christmas.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
by, Heather Rugile
On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
a day alone with my SANITY
On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with my SANITY
On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with my SANITY
On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Four thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone With my SANITY
On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Five days of PEACE, four thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone With my SANITY
On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Six Brad Pitt’s swimming, five days of PEACE, four thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with my SANITY
On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Seven second homes, six Brad Pitt’s swimming, five days of PEACE, four Thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with My SANITY
On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Eight maids a-cleanin’, seven second homes, six Brad Pitt’s swimming, five days of PEACE, four thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with My SANITY
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Nine buff bods dancin’, eight maids a-cleanin’, seven second homes, six Brad Pitt’s swimming, five days of PEACE, four thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with My SANITY
On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
TEN hours sleeping, nine buff bods dancin’, eight maids a-cleanin’, seven second homes, six Brad Pitt’s swimming, five days of PEACE, four thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with My SANITY
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Eleven days no laundry, TEN hours sleeping, nine buff bods dancin’, eight maids a-cleanin’, seven second homes, six Brad Pitt’s swimming, five days of PEACE, four thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with My SANITY
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Twelve flasks of vodka, eleven days no laundry, TEN hours sleeping, nine buff bods dancin’, eight maids a-cleanin’, seven second homes, six Brad Pitt’s swimming, five days of PEACE, four thousand dollars, three French men, two trips to Fiji, and a day alone with My SANITY
PS- Okay, so I totally cannot get enough of the Pentatonix Christmas songs/videos! I know I used their “Little Drummer Boy” in one of last week’s posts, but I feel the need to share this absolutely incredible winter holiday song! A MUST WATCH!
Click the recipes below to bring you directly to the links!
APPETIZERS:
Fried Green Tomatoes with Special Sauce (vegan)!
Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers
(Use my favorite vegan parmesan! Go Veggie! Parmesan)
Hummus & Veggie “Sushi” Rolls
Tofu Tuna
(Replace the greek yogurt with vegan mayo. In my opinion, the BEST EVER vegan mayo is Vegenaise! Also, you could sub out seaweed for white miso paste! This is one of my all time favorite dips)!
Cheesy Vegan Sweet Potato Fries Nacho Style!
Eggplant Meatballs (Vegan)
(Serve them just like the picture with sauce and some toothpicks)!
Vegetable Gyoza Recipe – Vegan
Spicy & Smoky Vegan Cheddar Cheese Wheel & Sundried Tomato & Basil Hummus)
SOUPS:
Vegan Kale, Broccoli, & White Bean Soup
Creamy Tomato & Cauliflower Soup
SALADS:
Sauteed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
Pesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach Salad
(Use vegan parmesan. Again, Go Veggie! Is amazing)!
ENTREES:
Vegan Mushroom Lentil Wellington
Creamy Rigatoni with Lentils & Fresh Oregano – Vegan!
Spaghetti Marinara with Chard & Burst Tomatoes
Creamy Vegan Macaroni and Cheese!
The Cheesiest Vegan Broccoli & Cheddar Baked Potato Ever!
Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Stuffed Portobello Mushroom
COCKTAILS:
4 Fabulous Christmas Cocktails
Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes & Menu
Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes & Menu is your go-to guide for faux T-day this November. All things delicious, all things festive, and all things healthy. Say whaaa?! I was encouraged to serve vegetarian and meat last year for T-day. I said, “fuck that!” That is demeaning to both myself and my kitchen. Why would my vegan grub taste any different than my vegetarian grub? So, naturally, being who I am, I did what I wanted. After all, it was me, and only me, who was cooking for 8 people. I’m not complaining, I love doing it solo, just don’t tell me what to do in my kitchen. Now, hope you’re not thinking I’m a cruel, control-freak kinda asshole, I assure you, I’m not. I am speaking in defense of food. If you make it well, it tastes good. Simple as that. A lesson to be taught to many who think that no food can be a meal without meat or cheese. That’s nuts-o. It’s 2018. I think by now, we should all be aware that plant-based food is DOPE! Just like any food! If you cook chicken or pasta without flavoring, it sucks. It’s alllll about flavor. I had 2 meat eaters, a gluten free-er, 5 vegetarians and moi last Thanksgiving. The result? Everyone loved the food! And I mean alllll of the food. I made everything GF as well. For me, this holiday is about eating amazing food, drinking copious amounts of delicious wine, shoveling some pie in your overflowing and about-to-burst belly, unbuttoning your pants, or losing the tights, and then enjoying good company with some good games. Last year, we somehow made it to the dart board. I have NO idea how anyone was standing long enough to make that happen. It was awesome.
Below are recipes for: soups, salad, appetizers, entrees, and an amazing cocktail. Enjoy the grub and please leave a comment if you make these, or even one of these recipes, and let us know what your thoughts are! -FGG
Click on recipe to bring you directly to the link!
PS- Sorry for the day-late post! It was my kiddo’s bday party (HUGE) on Saturday, and his actual bday on Sunday. He got all of me. No time for anything or anyone else. My heart, G-man. 😉
PPS- The featured image is by: RUNNING ON REAL FOOD
PPPS- I remember seeing this when it aired. I LOVED Adam Sandler. Cheers to the past! 😉
Creamy Vegan Carrot Sweet Potato & Mushroom Soup
Pumpkin Coconut Curry Soup
Sauteed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
Artichoke Balsamic & Basil Hummus (If you use the parm, my favorite vegan parm is “Go Veggie Vegan Parmesan)
15 Awesome Vegan Recipes for the Fall!
So, it’s been a while… a long while. I am making a vow right now that I am going to get my shit together and start blogging like I was doing before summer hit. In fact, I’m gonna blog ten times f’in’ harder than that! Why? Well, one, because I LOVE it! Two, because I’m listening to “Crushing It!” by, Gary Vaynerchuk and I am sooo inspired! It literally makes me want to pull my car over mid-drive and start blogging, writing my book, and starting my podcast. I freakin’ heart you hard, Gary. 😉
Okay, back to the title of this post: 15 Awesome Vegan Recipes for the Fall! I have compiled 15 of my favorite autumnal recipes (appetizers, salad, soups, pasta, cocktails etc) from the archives of this blog that make my soul warmer and happier in what should be called, the BEST season of the year. Who doesn’t love fall foliage, the crisp air, apple and pumpkin picking, tractor rides at farms, corn mazes at farms, all things pumpkin spice, all things maple, and of course, some warm food on a cold day?! Obviously, only the soulless! Click on the recipe title to bring you directly to the link. See you all soon… -FGG
PS- My mother had said she was listening to George Winston’s “Autumn” the other day which has inspired the musical selection for this post. Totally reminds me of my childhood!
SOUPS:
Pumpkin Coconut Curry Soup, Creamy Vegan Carrot Sweet Potato Mushroom Soup, Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup, Lentil Soup with Sautéed Mushrooms
APPETIZERS & SALAD:
Artichoke & Balsamic Parmesan Hummus (replace real parm for vegan parm – GO VEGGIE is my fave), The BEST Vegan Nach Cheese Sauce Ever! (who doesn’t love nachos during game season?!), Sautéed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
MEALS:
Vegan Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese, Vegan Mushroom and Lentil Wellington, Crazy Delicious Veggie Couscous, Spaghetti Squash with Cheesy Marinara, Lentil Sloppy Joe’s (replace shredded cheese with vegan shredded cheese like Daiya’s)
COCKTAILS & DESSERT:
A Maple Bourbon Fling Named Rosemary, Warm & Delicious Spiked Choco-Coffee, 3 Minute/4 Ingredient Hot Chocolate Mini-Mug Cake (Replace Egg with Follow Your Heart Vegan Egg – this stuff is awesome!)
