Kathy Hester's Blog, page 93

Quinoa Flour and Flax Gluten-free Noodles

It seems that allergies are becoming more of the norm and since I’m an inclusive cook I try to have a little something for everyone that sits at my table. These noodles are gluten-free, soy-free and have no added oil so they fit in most people’s diets.

These quinoa noodles are easier to make than you think and you can roll them as thin as you want or leave them thick for hearty soups and stews. They are more delicate than semolina noodles, but in my opinion homemade noodles only are better bec...

Slow Cooker Not-Refried Black Beans

You can’t go wrong by making beans for dinner. They are healthy, easy and hands off once they go into the slow cooker plus you can even freeze the leftovers for later.Sometimes I go ahead and make up some burritos with the leftover beans and put them in the freezer for an instant last minute meal.

Since Friday is my brunch obsessed day, I have to mention that these beans would make a killer tofu rancheros or breakfast burritos this weekend.

Making some refried beans is fun and you can make them...

Vegan “Seafood” Recipe Roundup

Photo by Vegkitchen.com

Surprise! There are vegan substitutes for some of the seafood dishes you might be craving.I’ve rallied vegan bloggers from all over to pitch in and show you how delicious it is to go vegan.

Nava Atlas from VegKitchen.com has the perfect solution for your tuna salad cravings in her Tofuna Salad Sandwich. It is made from baked tofu and can be put together in a flash. Be sure to look through her book, Wild About Greens for more exciting recipes.

Photo by Emily von Euw

Jicama...

Vegan Chocolate Caramel Mug Brownie

Here’s a quick and easy mug cake that’s all vegan and cooks in just 1 minute!I usually prefer to make little cakes for two in my small slow cooker, but lately I’ve been experimenting with the more conventional mug cakes for one that you cook in the microwave.

I have to admit that I’ve always been anti-microwave, but in our new house once was already installed and it would be harder to take it out than to learn to live with it. That means I’m using it on rare occasions and I can’t think of a be...

Vegan Almond Milk Fro-yo is at TCBY!

It always warms my heart to see vegan options pop up in the national arena. Even better I love seeing this soy-free, gluten-free and nondairy frozen vegan yogurt right in my own backyard. I’m hoping this is showing up in airport because it would be awesome to have an option there too.

They released a chocolate flavor first and now there’s a vanilla one too.My favorite was the vanilla and it would make a great base for some fresh berries and slivered almonds. Cheryl made a sundae with chocolate...

Irish Cream Oat Pancakes

With St. Patrick’s Day behind me and a whole pitcher ofvegan Irish Cream Liquorin the fridge it’s time to make some Irish cream recipes.

I thought pancakes would be a good place to start. After all the Irish cream is mostly coconut and cashew and that makes everything moist and magical.

Vegan Irish Cream Pancakes

soy-free

Makes about 6 medium-sized pancakes (1/4 cup batter each)

1/2 cup rolled oats blended into a flour or oat flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 tea...

Cashew Coconut Irish Cream

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In my pre-vegan days I loved Irish cream and while you can’t buy a vegan version at the store it’s easy enough to make yourself. Plus you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free Irish whiskey like Jameson.

First you make a cashew cream and then add in some lite coconut milk and brown sugar. Cooking it dissolves the sugar and gives us a chance to infuse the base with some spices and vanilla that really make this version stand out.

Then after it’s simmered a...

Slow Cooker Beyond Meat Chili

I have to say this has not been my favorite week. We didn’t have power for 3 days and with our well that means no water too. I now know that I haven’t appreciated water piped in the house nearly enough. Then yesterday the power went off again while I was working on a tight deadline. I put on my big girl panties, packed up my stuff and drove to the closest coffee shop.

Guess what? Their internet was down and by the time I got a drink the power was back on at the house. I’m starting to think tha...

Creole Okra Corn Soup

Just when I think winter has finally gone away we get snow and frozen rain again. It’s March in North Carolina and it’s just not supposed to be like this! It was 70 degrees over the weekend and 12 degrees this past Monday night. I have a suspicion that these crazy ups and downs are why all my friends and family are getting sick.

Cheryl has had a rough night of it and I just hope she feels a little better in the morning. I wasn’t feeling very good myself yesterday morning and when I don’t feel...

Weekend Spelt Vegan Sausage Pancakes

It’s Friday so that means it’s time to figure out what to make for brunch this weekend. I’ve been on a pancake kick at home. I like that everything I need is there waiting in my pantry. I also love the flavor of sausage spices with pancakes covered with maple syrup.

I thought why not combine them and only dirty up one pan? Those of you that haveThe Great Vegan Bean Bookalready know I have those sausage-spiced mini pancakes that are topped with maple balsamic cashew cream. They aren’t as hearty...