Vegan No Bake Cookies

It's a good week for chocolate.  

And an even a better week for the laziest (and most delicious!) recipe ever created.  

Vegan No Bakes

Prep Time: 20 minutes

No Cook Time!!!  

Cooking Stuffs: 

2 Cups Raw Sugar (Mines from Costco)

1/4 cup organic Cocoa powder (I used Trader Joe's Brand)

1/4 Cup Vanilla Coconut Milk (Silk Brand)

1/2 Cup Earth Balance margarine (I probably didn't use the full 1/2 cup)

1 tsp Vanilla 

pinch of Sea Salt

 1/2 cup peanut butter (I used Adam's)

 2 cups Oats (I don't buy quick oats, so normal it is!)

In a pot on the stove, start with adding coconut milk on a low temp.  Stir in raw sugar, cocoa powder, margarine, salt, and vanilla.  When combined, add peanut butter as well.  Allow to mix thoroughly.  This liquid combination should never come to a boil, or even a high temp.  When the sauce is fully melted, shut the stove off and mix in your oats.  Use a cookie scoop to portion them out onto wax paper and allow them to dry overnight.  

Enjoy!

<3thehappyinsomniac

Blackened Tofu

Anyone had blackened chicken?  I was in love with it before I jumped on the vegan train especially drowned in fettachini alfredo sauce.  Luckily, on accident, I created recipe of my own. 

I love it so much I have a hard time not eating it out of the pan... 

Technically I suppose it's just burned chicken, but it has a nice, crusty, seasoned layer on the outside that makes it crispy and delicious.  Enjoy!

1 package extra firm tofu
sesame oil
soy sauce
garlic, chopped
sea salt (soy sauce is saltly enough alone, so be careful)
Sprinkling of Oregano

Preheat a cooking skillet and throw in the garlic to brown.  Drain the tofu and cut into small cubes.  When the pan is hot (you'll know because the garlic will be browned lol), throw the tofu in and allow to cook for approximately 2-3 minutes or until it starts to get tender.  Spread the cubes evenly out in the pan and drizzle with a modest amount of sesame oil and sprinkle with sea salt.  Toss and allow to cook slightly until it begins to brown.  If it's not browning, you may add a bit more oil.  When the majority of the cubes are browned, add about 4 Tablespoons of soy sauce in the bottom of the skillet, and allow the cubes to soak it up. Toss until completely brown and the soy sauce has evaporated.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Makes a good "crouton" for salads, or a quick, yummy snack.

<3thehappyinsomniac 

Easy Vegan Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup vegan margarine
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Whip on high until fluffy!


<3 The Happy Insomniac

Black Bean & Rice Salad

This recipe has been around my house, I think pretty much forever.  Most college kids live on mac n' cheese...I pretty much lived on this.  I actually have the recipe memorized!  My mom's made it for years and without fail, the large amount it yields never goes uneaten.  As it turns out, now it's just as popular in my household, and a popular 'take-leftover-to lunch lunch'.

I actually had to call my mom to find out where it came from originally, and then tracked it down via Google.  It was originally published in Bon Appetit magazine in August of 1991, and is now posted on epicurious.com's website.  Track down original recipe HERE.

Tip: Jake's pretty miffed that I used the coffee grinder to grind cumin seeds for "fresh cumin powder",  use the Cuisinart instead...or buy a coffee grinder just for spices :)



Black Bean & Rice Salad 
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour

• 
  
• 1 1-pound package whole wheat rice 

• 2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained, rinsed
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 medium bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing: 

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly juiced orange juice 
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin (freshly ground is better)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh cilantro sprigs, finely chopped

In a rice cooker, cook approximately 10 cups of rice.  Drain, rinse and prep your veggies.  If you're in a hurry, throw everything into the Cuisinart  *chop chop* and you're done.  In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, peppers, onion & cilantro.  In a smaller bowl, whisk the olive oil, juice, vinegar, and seasonings.  Pour dressing over the rice mixture while the dressing is still well mixed. If it settles & separates, whisk again before pouring.  Toss the salad thoroughly so that the dressing covers the entire salad.  Cover & refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.  

Always better the 2nd day!!!

Happy Cooking! :)   

<3thehappyinsomniac

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

I've been craving potato soup all day.  So I came home, and made some.  It turned out wonderfully and was vegan to boot.  Enjoy!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Cooking Stuffs:

• 6 Large Potatoes, washed 
• 3 Stalks of celery, rinsed&chopped
• 4 Cloves of fresh garlic, minced
• 3-4 Cups Coconut milk
• 1/4 white onion
• 2 Tablespoons concentrated vegetable soup base (I use Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base...any grocery store carries it, I think I got my jar at Safeway)

Seasonings to Taste:

• Sage
• Oregano
• Sea Salt
• Pepper
• Chives

Using a sharp knife, slice each potato down the center to allow for venting, and microwave all six potatoes together on a plate for 8 minutes.  While your potatoes are microwaving: Set a large pot on the stove on medium heat and mix 3 cups of coconut milk & the veggie base, stirring well.  If the milk begins to boil, turn down immediately.  Add celery, minced garlic, and onion allowing them to cook thoroughly.  When the potatoes are done cooking, cut them into chunks and add to the pot.  Stir regularly, allowing the soup to thicken.  As the potatoes break down, add the remaining cup of coconut milk as needed to avoid over-thickening. 

Allow the soup to come to a slight boil, and serve immediately. 

Happy Cooking! 

<3TheHappyInsomniac

My Black Thumb

Basil plants #2 & #3 just croaked...I think I'm going to give up on trying to grow herbs :/

Bad-Day Banana Bread

Banana bread is amazing no matter why mood you're in, but this recipe definitely falls into the comfort food zone, is completely vegan-safe (cinnamon rolls...You're next, muahaha), and will turn any bad day upside down.

Generally, vegan banana bread seems to be particularly grumpy when it comes to either cooking all the way through, having a poor flavor, being to dry, lumpy, and just overall blah.  However, this one I tripled, which tells you how good it must be. :)

As always, most recipes I post are open to creative interpretation by the baker and often have room for add-ins to cater to your preferences. Extra goodies that would be good in this bread would be unsweetened coconut flakes, vegan chocolate chips, or sliced almonds.  Also, since it's not overbearingly sweet, it pairs well with strong coffee & tea (especially for those of you who are creamer fans)!

Bad-Day Banana Bread
Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes
Bake Time: 1-1 1/2 hours

Cooking Stuffs:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 Tablespoons flax meal (ground flax seeds)
• 3/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/8 cup raw sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• sprinkle of salt

In a large bowl, peel the bananas and using a potato masher, mash thoroughly.  Slowly stir in the remaining ingredients using an electric hand mixer or a wooden spoon (com'mon muscles!).  It should make a fairly thick batter that smells divine!  Pour into a loaf pan, 9x13 glass dish, or cupcake pan that has been greased with olive oil.  Bake for 45 minutes, then use a knife to see if the center is done.  If not, bake in addition 15 minute intervals until the knife comes out clean.  Allow to cool and serve.  Store in a sealed ziplock to preserve their freshness and they are completely freeze-able!

Happy Baking!

<3thehappyinsomniac