9.11.15

vegan antipasto kabobs – healthy tailgating recipe

italian antipaso skewer recipe from sunny vegan

Did you know that antipasto has nothing to do with not liking pasta? No really, it’s not anti-pasta, it means “before the meal”  and is the traditional first course in a formal Italian meal known as appetizers here.

As we are a family of snackers, these cute and healthy kabobs were a hit as we start the tailgating season.  I know they look a little elegant for tailgating, but if you had a pile of these in a cup or on a paper plate, they will taste just as wonderful! So many tailgating foods are full of fat, cholesterol, sodium and calories. Combining not-so-healthy snacks with mindless eating for hours in front of the tv or in a parking lot is a perfect recipe for heartburn, indigestion, and spending half the game in the restroom! Not my kinda fun.
My friends over at Nuts.com have more healthy snack ideas for you, be sure to check it out. I recently found their site and LOVE their selection or organic and raw nuts, yum!

I decided to go with skewers because pretty much everything taste better when eaten off a stick. Not only that, but since you don’t need any utensils, you can just grab a skewer and get back to the game! Of course I wanted them to be super pretty, but the taste combination was amazing! The sweet tomato followed by cool basil and tofu, then a zing from the artichoke and olive, all topped off with a homemade sourdough crouton was an unexpected hit. The fact that they are super easy to make means that we may just have a new fave appetizer in the house.

 

Ingredients: 10 skewers

7 ounces organic extra from tofu, drained and pressed, then cubed
1 Tbs organic italian salad dressing
10 gourmet olives- we used garlic stuffed olives
10 grape or cherry tomatoes
10 pieces marinated artichoke hearts
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
3 large slices bakery bread- cubed
1-2 Tbs olive oil
salt and pepper

Method:

marinate cubed tofu in italian dressing for at least one hour. brush bread cubes with olive oil then toast in skillet or grill pan over medium heat until lightly browned, turn over and brown other side, allow to cool and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  assemble skewers in desired order, refrigerate or serve immediately.

 

tailgate antipasto skewer recipe from sunny vegan

Filed in: appetizer
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9.4.15

5 vegan things to do on a last summer weekend!

vegan end of summer recipes

 

sunny vegan gardein grilled teriyaki chick

 

 

 

Fall is just around the corner but don’t forget to savor these last gorgeous summer weekends. We have had a great summer and I am definitely going to do these things this weekend with my girls before the school stuff gets super busy and we are running in 20 different directions.

1. make some popsicles.
use up the seasons last strawberries and basil in this popsicle.

2. host a vegan bbq.
with grilled gardein, veggie dogs and grilled veggies.

3. make sun prints.
this one is just for fun, but you can use it to discuss nature and conservation before the leaves start to fall.
simply lay leaves, branches etc on colored construction paper and leave it in the sun, fun prints will be left behind.

4. savor the summer salad.
get in that last gorgeous summer produce in a salad using tomato and peaches, strawberry and arugula, and radishes.

5.make vegan ice cream.
it’s easy, healthier, and the kids love making their own. this one is one of our faves, cherry chip ice cream.

strawberry basil popsicle recipe healthy and vegan

What are you end of summer plans?

Filed in: recipes
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September 23, 2015 - 7:06 am

Jessica Lane Massingill - I seriously love your blog. Will be following it 🙂

5.14.15

super simple spinach salad #EatRightForYourSight

Spinach is one of my fave veggies, especially in a salad. While I eat lots of salads, there is something that keeps me coming back to delicate organic baby spinach. The amount of spinach I go through is almost comical. I toss it into smoothies, pasta, vegan creamed spinach, and tons of salads. This is one of my faves – first, because it is so simple, and second because it’s delicious!

sunny vegan spinach salad with apples and walnuts copy

When I was contacted by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation about their #EatRightForYourSight campaign, I was totally in. I truly believe that food has the power to heal or make you sick and focusing on foods hight in antioxidants, omega 3’s and healthy fats can be great for your eyes. Just one cup of spinach has lots of of lutein and zeaxanthin—two nutrients that do wonders for your eyes. Walnuts contain those omega 3’s as well as zinc and the olive oil in the dressing has healthy fats for you too.

I hear all the time that eating healthy is TOO complicated, I don’t have time to prepare fresh food and blah, blah, blah. This salad took less than a minute to make and I’m sure you can spare a minute to improve your health. So eat up my friends!

Ingredients: 4 servings

6 cups organic baby spinach
1 organic fuji apple
1/3 cup organic raw walnuts
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled extra firm tofu

dressing:

1-2 teaspoon shallots, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup olive oil
1-2 teaspoons dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

Method:

layer salad ingredients into bowl or onto serving dish. combine dressing ingredients in large bowl and whisk until combined. drizzle over salad mixture and serve immediately.

sunny vegan spinach salad with apples and walnuts recipe #eatrightforyoursight

 

I'm Blogging for Eye Health, #EatRightforYourSight

Filed in: detox | kid friendly | recipe | recipes | salad | side dish
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5.11.15

grilled Gardein teriyaki chick’n skewers #meetchef

sunny vegan gardein grilled teriyaki chick

I’m all about healthy food that tastes delicious, looks gorgeous and is ready in minutes!

When the opportunity to showcase Gardein products AND share a coupon with you came up, I was totally thrilled.
Everyone in my house loves Gardein, from the #meetchef Teriyaki  Chick’n Strips to Fishless Filets, it never occurred to me that you all didn’t already know about this amazing company and their products, so make sure you grab your $1 COUPON and give them a try.

While I am vegan ( ummm- the site is sunny vegan) I hope to let people know that you don’t have to be vegan to make a difference. Did you know that reducing your meat intake just 1 day a week can have a considerable impact on your health. It increases life expectancy while reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes. So why not give meatless Monday, or Thursday, a try and see how you feel?

I’ve never had chicken, but I always thought skewers look so delish, I just had to make my own version with Chick’n Strips. This recipe is so easy, took 6 minutes to cook, it’s now in heavy rotation for a quick weeknight meal. I can’t wait to serve this at summer barbecues too.

 

sunny vegan gardein grilled teriyaki chick

for the skewers-  if using bamboo, soak for 15 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
I used a grill pan, no soaking necessary
Ingredients: 3 servings

1 package Gardein Teriyaki Chick’n Strips
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cup pineapple, cut to approximately same thickness as Chick’n Strips
2 green onions, sliced *optional
1/4 cup chopped cilantro *optional
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds *optional

Method:

pre-heat grill or grill pan. thaw Chick’n strips for a few minutes, just until soft enough to insert skewer without it cracking. cut each strip in half, then alternate Chick’n and pineapple until skewers are all full. brush or spray with olive oil and grill each side for 2-3 minutes. drizzle Teriyaki sauce ( included with Gardein ) over chick’n and pineapple, top with optional garnish and serve immediately.

sunny vegan gardein grilled teriyaki chick

for the asian slaw

Ingredients:

salad-
3 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

dressing- 
1 glove garlic- minced
1 lime – juiced
1/4 teaspoon lime zest
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon agave
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon sesame oil

Method:

combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. in a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until combined. pour dressing over salad mixture, stir and allow to stand for 15 minutes. top with sesame seeds and serve.

 

Filed in: misc posts
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May 11, 2015 - 5:22 pm

Debbie - These look delicious! I’m loving checking out all the Gardein posts. So many great recipes!

May 12, 2015 - 8:08 am

Susie @ SuzLyfe - Pineapple, teriyaki, and “chicken” are a match made in heaven!

3.27.15

rosemary lemon sugar scrub – spring shape up!

 

easy rosemary lemon doterra body scrub recipe - sunny vegan

It’s that time again, time to peel off the winter wear and bare those lovely legs and shoulders. Nooooo!
Despite having a mild So-Cal winter, my skin looks like I have been hanging at the north pole for the past 4 months. And we are leaving for spring break to a warmer climate so I will be wearing shorts and tank tops soon. To ensure that I don’t scare the general public with my paper white, dry legs, I need to do something now!
I generally like my Spring shape up time because it forces me to take a little time to take care of myself but I have been super busy and would rather spend money on our vacation than expensive body scrubs, so this quick fix is perfect! Chances are you have the ingredients in your kitchen right now so you too can get your scrub on.

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup turbinado or brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1-2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
5-7  drops lemon essential oil- I use doTERRA

Method:

combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

 

Usage Instructions:

in the shower, scoop up a small amount of scrub and rub into skin in a circular motion, paying extra attention to knees and elbows. rinse well and follow with your favorite lotion.
Common Sense Notes- avoid eyes and mucous membranes, use of oil will make your shower or bath slippery so be careful.

Filed in: diy | esssential oils- doterra | spring shape up
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