My Grandpa John Baines Bailey had a serious reputation for making fantastic chili. In fact, he had a pot going when he first met his first grandchild (moi) and my mother tells the tale of how he would not put me down all day and was up stirring the pot and instructing me on the …
Classic Garden Frittata
I pulled together a really nifty frittata made from organic eggs we bought at the Farmer’s Market, green onions, baby portabella mushrooms, kale leaves and grape tomatoes. A frittata, is an Italian crust-less quiche really or maybe it is like a giant unfolded omelet. In any case, it is a really quick and easy dinner, …
Vegan Paprikash
Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish that literally translates as Paprika Chicken because of the ample use of the spice paprika in the dish. It bears a family resemblance to Goulash. Typically the meat is slowly simmered in a paprika infused roux and then onions, sweet peppers, tomatoes and such are added in. The finishing …
Vegan Sugo alla Puttanesca
Puttanesca or rather alla puttanesca is my most favorite pasta sauce. It is fragrant, tangy and robust and contains some of my favorite things. Merriam Webster defines it as “served with or being a pungent tomato sauce typically containing olives, garlic, capers, hot pepper, and sometimes anchovies” and the literal translation from Italian is “in …
Zoodles alla Primavera
The name Pasta Primavera or Pasta alla Primavera literally means pasta with Spring vegetables. In this case my pasta IS a vegetable. Zucchini noodles or Zoodles have become all the rage because they are gluten free and low carb which fits in very nicely with many diet regimens today. Our vegan pasta alla prima vera …
Vegan Starch-Free Stuffed Peppers
I grew up in a family where stuffed peppers (Green Bell Peppers stuffed with a rice filling with tomato sauce, onions and ground meat) were a regular feature on my mom’s table. I always looked forward to stuffed pepper night too, because well, my mom made the very best stuffed peppers of course. I still …
Ravioli Chicken Lasagna
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food… all those lush layers of pasta, meat, vegetables and cheese, glorious cheese. But it is a bear to put together, very labor intensive. I wanted the flavors and textures of lasagna, but not the work it requires, so I decided to try a lasagna made with frozen ravioli. I …
Braised Asparagus with White Mushrooms
This is a super simple side dish that brings a fresh green elegance to any meal. I served this recently to my family with some Quinoa-Kale patties and my husband’s Country Style grilled ribs. It was perfection! I am currently in love with the produce at Costco which is where I bought this perfect bunch …
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
After the holidays, we had a lot of left over Garlic-Rosemary Mashed Potatoes so a Shepherd’s Pie was in order! But not just any Shepherd’s Pie, a meatless pie filled with yummy vegetables and a surprise ingredient; roasted Watermelon Radishes! The Watermelon radish, also known as Roseheart or Red Meat radish, is an heirloom Chinese …
Vegan Lasagna
It is a little chilly here today in North Florida, meaning it is 70º F and so I needed to wear a light sweater over my sleeveless dress. Before leaving for our meeting I put together a vegan lasagna in the crock pot — it should be ready just in time for dinner. About a …
Mushroom Stroganoff
As the weather starts to cool we crave comforting warm foods. Beef Stroganoff, a dish of Russian origin traditionally comprised of flour dredged beef cubes in a sauce of mustard and bouillon that is finished with sour cream, is a favorite on many lists. But when you are determined to embrace a more plant based …
Pastitsio
Pastitsio (pronounced Pahs-tee-cho) is a Mediterranean baked pasta dish that is normally made with ground meat. Pastitsio takes its name from the Italian pasticcio which is derived from the word pasta, and means “pie.” So we are essentially making a pasta pie. Many think of Pastitsio as Greek lasagna since it is assembled in layers; …