| Hello again! I hope you're enjoying a relaxing weekend and staying warm wherever you are. We had a big snow day here in Kansas yesterday, so we've been warming up with my 3-ingredient hot chocolate. (Which is date-sweetened!) In other news, I'm also getting back into filming cooking videos again! I used my basement "kitchen" for the first time yesterday. I use the term kitchen generously, because my basement really only has cabinets and a sink. There's no stove or oven, so I'll have to improvise. If you'll recall, I spent my summer painting the counters to look like marble, which was a very affordable DIY makeover, and then I also painted the walls and cabinets, to lighten-up my basement space as much as possible. I'm feeling VERY rusty when it comes to filming and editing videos of myself, but there should be a new YouTube video coming up soon. If you like watching tutorial-style cooking videos, make sure you're subscribed to my YouTube channel so you'll be notified when the next one is up! Here's What You Missed If you haven't visited the website this week, here's what you missed: Vegan Pho. This comforting noodle soup is usually made with bone broth that has to simmer all day, but this easier vegetarian version cooks in 30 minutes or less! Load it up with your favorite veggie toppings, for a restaurant-style meal at home. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu. This is the first tofu recipe that's ever been on my website! I've been having fun with my air fryer, and this was a popular reader request, so I hope you'll enjoy it. (P.S. I'll work on a baked version next, if you don't have an air fryer.) As always, I also included research in this post, with links to the studies, on why you might want to try adding more tofu in your week. Dinner Ideas for the Week Need some dinner inspiration? Here are some delicious ideas to help! Sunday: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. Enjoy winter squash while it's available with this comforting past dish. It's dairy-free, but so creamy! Monday: Vegan Pho. Serve it with crispy air fryer tofu on top for a complete source of plant-based protein, or try it with chickpea linguine noodles, for extra protein that way. (I like Banza brand the best so far.) Tuesday: Cowboy Caviar. This bean salad is a great source of plant-based protein, and the leftovers make an easy packed lunch. To make it more filling, I sometimes serve it with cooked quinoa stirred inside, or I'll serve it inside taco shells, or over nachos. Keep this recipe in your back-pocket for game day, too. It makes a great appetizer for a crowd! Wednesday: Easy Butternut Squash Soup. This cozy soup features apple, cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne. It's ultra comforting when the weather cools down, and it couldn't be easier to make! Serve it with my Apple Walnut Salad for a complete meal. Thursday: Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls. Have you tried cooking two dishes at once in your pressure cooker? This recipe is low-carb and Whole30 friendly, for those following a special diet. If you need a vegetarian option, try my Chipotle Burrito Bowls, where the rice and beans both cook from scratch at the same time! Friday: Kung Pao Chickpeas. This tastes like your favorite take-out, but it's easy to make at home! For a thicker sauce, stir together a tablespoon of water and arrowroot starch in a separate bowl, then add it in at the end of the cooking cycle. Saturday: Day off from cooking! (Leftovers or take-out) Healthy Snacks & Desserts Here are some more delicious recipe ideas to help keep you satisfied this week: - Zucchini Hummus. An easy bean-free dip that you can serve with sliced veggies or crackers.
- Perfect Stovetop Popcorn. This is the perfect salty snack, and this tutorial shows you how to make it at home, without getting chewy or burnt on the bottom!
- Date Energy Balls. These are my go-to snack when I want something sweet. They are always in the fridge!
- Best Bean Dip. It really is the best bean dip I've ever made, and it takes almost no time at all! Use it for veggies, baked chips, or add it your meals during the week. It's great in tacos, burritos, and bowls.
- Sweet Potato Brownies. Get some extra fiber in your dessert this week, with these nutrient-rich brownies! They are super moist, and egg-free.
- Flourless Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. I love these cookies! They remind me of the kind I grew up eating, only without the white flour.
- Healthy Hot Chocolate. This is a great way to wind-down in the evening, without a crazy sugar rush later.
*If you try one of my recipes this week, could you please take a moment to leave a star-rating and review directly on my website? It's one of the most helpful things you can do! It let's me know which recipes you are enjoying, and it's the best place to ask questions if you have any. I read the comments there myself every day. (It also lets Google know that other people like my recipes, and Google is what allows me to keep providing FREE recipes for you! So, we want to keep Google happy.) Until next time, I hope you have a great week! xo Megan | | | | | |
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