What's New this Week

Foolproof Vegan Walnut Basil Pesto

Almonds and Walnuts give the texture and mouth feel of parmesan cheese.  Nutritional yeast adds a hint of cheesiness. Combined with lemon and basil leaves, you get the bright, fresh taste of pesto!

Click for the full recipe

 

Looking for something specific?

• Looking for a recipe? or a specific ingredient? Go to the COOKBOOK page and use the search bar at the top. It will look for whatever words you put in whether they are in the title, the list of ingredients, or the text.  (We don’t recommend looking up recipes containing the word, “the.”
• Want to browse recipes by category?  Click any picture in the COOKBOOK grid and you can browse all our recipes in a category.
• Can’t find something? Want to make a suggestion? Email Chef Leander!
• Curious about becoming a Patreon Sponsor?  Support our work with donations of $3 or more.  Become a Cordial Host, join the Hungry Mob, or be one of our Friday Nite Regulars!  You will help us encourage healthy, nutritious, plant-forward eating with hundreds of great recipes.  Patreon.com 

 

Matt Haynes, is a good friend and the Artistic Director for a local theatre group, The Pulp Stage. Monthly, we will walk the neighborhood discussing our current creative musings. Most recently the conversation turned to people experiencing food insecurity.

Matt had recently made a meal and had a few connections.  I had been musing about volunteering to help feed people. And a plan was born.

With some of the  money from our Patreon supporters, Matt, Brian (one of our skBT videographers) and I gathered to make 48 high-nutrition burritos (with all the trimmings) for one of eight Transitional Housing projects here in Portland. Matt also brought ingredients for a delightful pear and roasted nut salad. While we were at it, we also made a little extra for a family that was facing Surgery the next week.  Matt delivered the meals that evening for Sunday’s dinner.

We certainly didn’t change the world that night, but there was fresh, healthy food for their Sunday dinner.

Thanks Matt, Brian, and all our Patreon supporters for helping us make a positive impact on our local community!

To your health!  Chef Leander.

This Week’s Recipes

The Instant Pot made cooking this meal a cinch.  Using the portion multiplier, we doubled the recipe and tossed it in the Instant Pot. In less than two hours the filling was ready.

Quick Burrito Filling — Instant Pot

A quintessential batch cooking recipe. Load your instant pot in less than 20 minutes. Set up your assembly line and you can make burritos, salads, stuffed peppers, and freezer portions for later use.  And you likely have all the ingredients in your pantry right now!!

Click for the full recipe

Chili Mango Lime Dressing

Try this amazing dressing inspired by three of my favorite flavors! Mango, Lime and Tajín (a traditional central american spice sprinkled on fresh fruit).  It is made with chili, packed with flavor, but not “hot” at all. Try it!  It’s “!un fiesta en tu boca!”  (…a party in your mouth!)

Click for the full recipe

 

Looking for something specific?

• Looking for a recipe? or a specific ingredient? Go to the COOKBOOK page and use the search bar at the top. It will look for whatever words you put in whether they are in the title, the list of ingredients, or the text.  (We don’t recommend looking up recipes containing the word, “the.”
• Want to browse recipes by category?  Click any picture in the COOKBOOK grid and you can browse all our recipes in a category.
• Can’t find something? Want to make a suggestion? Email Chef Leander!
• Curious about becoming a Patreon Sponsor?  Support our work with donations of $3 or more.  Become a Cordial Host, join the Hungry Mob, or be one of our Friday Nite Regulars!  You will help us encourage healthy, nutritious, plant-forward eating with hundreds of great recipes.  Patreon.com 

 

Instant Pot Black Beans — No Soaking, 5 Flavors!

Beat the grocery store prices!  You can make your own black beans in the Instant Pot.  No soaking!  Make 8 jars for the price of one can!

Click for the full recipe

Tex-Mex Casserole! w/Polenta & Tajin

Simply the BEST TexMex dish of the year! This is a great recipe to show off your freshly cooked black beans!   Top it with chili lime polenta and it’s a winner every time! Easy, Gluten free and Vegan!

Click for the full recipe

Feel like hunkering down to get away from the chilly temperatures outside?  I love soups in the winter…especially the ones with more bite than broth.  Check out the ingredient list and this will likely become one of your favorites. 

Masala Red Lentil and Farro Soup

Garam Masala is a traditional Indian spice whose name is best translated, “warmth.”  It is not difficult to find. For authenticity look for a mix that features cumin, cinnamon and coriander near the top of the ingredient list. If you would prefer this soup to be gluten-free, it is a simple matter to substitute quinoa for the farro.  Enjoy!

Click for the full recipe

Winter is a time for gatherings with friends.  And somehow food seems to always be on the table.  So I’ve put together some of my favorite “crowd” recipes for this month.  This week we start with a healthy and nutritious power ball, and some edgy fresh pretzel bites with sour cream and queso dip.  You could even grab a pre-cut tray of veggies on the way to the gathering!

To you health! Chef Leander

Sesame Cashew Power Balls

Indulge yourself! Here is a great tasting, chewy treat that travels well and satisfies the afternoon (or morning) munchies. Six ingredients and 15 minutes is all it takes. They are one of my favorite snacks. Not too sweet, and oh so satisfying!

Click for the full recipe

Ridiculously Easy Pretzel Bites

Fresh and hot out of the oven, these pretzel bites are super easy, and are an amazing freshly-baked snack. Serve them with some mustard, or add them to a buffet table Cashew Queso, vegan sour cream, and even fresh veggies. Guaranteed to be a hit.

Click for the full recipe