Easy Vegan Pancakes

If there is any comfort food that I love, its is pancakes. I love to make too! Of course, pancakes are definitely a food that you can make your own. Why not spice it up a bit! Here is a very easy recipe I came up with, again , you can tweak it to your liking. Enjoy!

 Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Makes: 4-5 servings

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana (with spots)
• 1 cup flour (any flour is fine, I used whole wheat flour)
• Give or take 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (to your sweet preference)
• Non-Dairy milk of choice (I used coconut milk)
• Splash of vanilla extract
• Dash of cinnamon/nutmeg
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mash 1 ripe banana
2. Add in flour, mix and mash in with the banana
3. Add sugar, spices and baking powder into the flour and banana mixture. Mix.
4. Add vanilla and milk to the mixture. Mix. (add desired amount of milk until a semi runny batter is formed)
5. Apply Vegan butter to the pan and begin cooking up your cakes!
6. Add toppings, *Vegan butter is amazing*, fruit, maple syrup etc.

ENJOY!

NDN Tea

If you grew up in the Southwest, you are probably familiar with NDN Tea or Navajo Tea. This pretty little yellow petaled flower is simple yet nurturing. Its more common name, Greenthread Tea, has some pretty amazing benefits to the human body. Navajos, Hopi's and Pueblo people alike, share this beautiful tea with their families, ceremonies and feast days. It is incredibly sweet naturally and is great hot or cold.

Here is a list of why you should drink this tea and ditch your favorite sugary drinks!

Benefits of Greenthread Tea

1. Prevents Inflammation
2. Calms nerves
3. Soothes upset stomachs
4. Purifies the blood
5. Soothes sore throats

Give this tea a try! Your taste buds will thank you as well as your body!

Loaded Breakfast Sweet Potato

Fall time is here! I've been craving something warm for a breakfast that is protein packed as well as sweet and savory. Who doesn't want that?! This is a super simple recipe idea that is satisfying in all aspects. Give this a try! 

Ingredients

Yam
Peanut Butter/ Nut Butter
Chia Seeds
Banana/ any fruit topping
Pumpkin seeds/seeds
Foil
Baking Sheet
Vegan Butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 Degrees (toaster oven does not work very well lol)

2. Wash your potato and make little slits with a knife all over the skin.

3. Wrap it in some foil and place into the oven for 30-35 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce through the skin.

4. Once the potato is done and is warm, cut the potato in half.

5. Now, you can add all of your toppings and you are done!

6. Enjoy and share with others :)

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Happy Fall! The trees and leaves are changing and the air is crisp. I absolutely love this time of year. I also love the different spices and foods that change with the season! So! I have come up with this simple yet nourishing and delicious on-the-go breakfast. Its very close to the holiday favorite, Pumpkin Pie. Same great flavors, Vegan style. I hope you give this a try and be sure to share this recipe with others :)

Ingredients

Mason Jar
Oats of your choice
Non-dairy milk
Pumpkin puree
Maple syrup
Spices of choice

Instructions

1. Grab a Mason jar and fill it half way with Oats.

2. Add your spices, close with lid and shake it up!

3. Once combined, add your non-dairy milk, pumpkin puree and maple syrup. Stir with a spoon until mixed.

*Add any extras! I also added some Chia seeds for added nutrients. You could also add some fruit too!

4. Store in fridge overnight and let everything absorb. That's it! Maybe even add a dollop of Coconut whipped cream while you're at it ;)

Easy Vegan Sushi

I have been absolutely craving Sushi so bad lately. Obviously, I don't actually want real Sushi BUT I wanted something similar. I have created this healthier and Vegan friendly Sushi roll but with a few twists I think you will find pretty satisfying. Still having that same great taste just not as fishy. I have substituted white rice with Rainbow Quinoa and the fish for Trader Joe's Sriracha Tofu. (It's so bomb I definitely recommend it!) I also incorporated some sauteed Bell Peppers, Onions and Zucchini for a little extra flavor and vitamins. I gotta say, this was pretty darn good and comparable. That saying a lot coming from me. So please give this a try and share with other Sushi lovers!

Ingredients

Nori Sheets

Rice/Grain of choice 

Cooked/flavored Tofu

Sliced or Sauteed Veggies

Spices 

Instructions

1. Cook rice/grain ( I used Quinoa at 2 parts water, 1 cup quinoa. Was enough make 2 rolls)

2. Let the rice/grain cool completely. 

*You can add Rice Vinegar to give it a sweetness. Ive added 1 teaspoon of Maple Syrup.

3. You can choose to either cook all your veggies and Tofu OR just add it in raw. I decided to cook everything and season. If you do this, you should let everything cool as well.

4. Once everything is completely cooked and cooled, set aside for assembly.

5. Place a Bamboo Sushi Mat flat 

*TIP* Ziplock your mat, that way you can keep things really neat and clean. 

6. Place your mat flat and add the SMOOTH side of the Nori sheet face down. 

7. Start adding your rice/grain onto the sheet pressing it down, leaving about a half inch between the grain and end of the sheet. Fill up the sheet.

8. Add the veggies and and Tofu (closer to one edge is better)

9. With the Bamboo mat, start rolling. Lifting the mat and with contents on top still, use the "Tuck and Roll" method. 

10. Once you have a roll completed, use a SHARP and slightly damp knife blade to cut into slices. (Make sure to wet the blade everytime you cut. Also, keep in mind, slower cuts are going to be working in your favor.)

11. Enjoy! Serve with sauces of your choice!

FORBIDDEN RICE BENEFITS

Forbidden Rice

And why you should eat it!

Forbidden Rice, also known as “Black Rice”, is an ancient grain that is the most beneficial grain of time. The health benefits of this rice are unique and unlike the leading grains like Brown and White rice.

Benefits:

-       Rich and powerful disease fighting antioxidants

-       Dietary fiber

-       Anti-Inflammatory properties

-       Helps to prevent the development of diabetes, heart disease and weight gain

-       Great source of Iron

One of the most interesting facts about this grain is that it contains one of the most important layers. The bran hull (outermost layer) contains one of the highest levels of antioxidants or Anthocyanin, found in ANY food. A great indication of this is the rich deep purple color it has. Remind you of any berries you’ve seen? That’s right! Blueberries! Blueberries are high in Antioxidants and also give off that beautiful deep purple and blue color.

Why are Antioxidants or Anthocyanin important?

Helps to:

-       Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

-       Protect against Cancer

-       Improve brain function

-       Reduce inflammation

Heart Health

We are all aware of the importance of Heart Health. Forbidden Rice also helps to decrease dangerous Atherosclerotic plaque formation in the arteries. HUH? Basically, we are talking about the fatty deposits that builds up inside your arteries. Its not a good situation. Forbidden rice helps to reduce those deposits from building up.

Detox

Along with a healthy heart, its also important to have healthy insides as well. Forbidden Rice helps to detox and cleanse the liver of toxic build up.

1/2 cups = 160 CALORIES

1.5 grams of FAT

34 grams of CARBS

2 grams of FIBER

5 grams of PROTEIN

4 % DV for IRON

How to make Amaranth Porridge

Amaranth Porridge is a great breakfast to have. I love foods with texture. This is a hearty breakfast meal that will have you full and satisfied until your next meal. Watch this video and give it a try. Enjoy and share!