4-Layer Pudding Pie

Okay, so technically this one's 3 layers & topped with nuts. But it's a take on what my mom used to make a lot around the holidays, that has a crust of flour & ground walnuts, a layer of "cream cheese" & powdered sugar, your pudding flavor of choice (I think chocolate is best), and usually whipped cream. This is a vegan version of just that (but I couldn't get my hands on any vegan whipping cream, and apparently didn't scour the net enough for a homemade recipe - because I am now fairly certain you can make some with coconut milk & sugar). So...I definitely won't mind re-doing this the "right" way! :)

Belle Birthday Cake

This was a smash at my daughter's 5th birthday party! I will admit, this was a bit tricky for me - mainly baking the "skirt" of the dress in a metal bowl! If the bowl is overfilled, the middle will never get done - so I had to layer a round cake with what was baked in the small metal bowl. The regular-sized doll is still too tall for this, however! (I wanted my daughter to be able to have the doll to keep when the cake was done with, but they do specially make half-dolls for cakes of this nature). Next time, I think I will use a bundt cake pan in addition to a couple rounds layered up for a nice effect. I also made & piped the icing in quite a hurry (trying to coordinate other birthday activities!), so that could definitely use some improvement. Other than that, a very cute cake!

Black Bean Enchiladas

I realized that I hadn't made black bean enchiladas since I was 12 (when they were a big hit!), so I decided they must promptly be made again - and veganized! I went mostly by an old Betty Crocker recipe, which calls for you to make your own zesty tomato sauce topping (more like a salsa, really) - with fresh tomatoes, onions, cumin & cilantro. What really made this dish outstanding (if not a little on the hot side!) was Upton's Naturals brand seitan, in chorizo style! I wasn't sure if I -ever- liked chorizo anything, but I like this seitan! After rolling the seitan & black beans filling up in the tortillas & topping with the tomato sauce, I of course smothered it in cheddar-style Daiya before baking and serving. I like mine with better than sour cream and black olives on the side - I bet guacamole would be fantastic with this.

Quesadillas!

These are surprisingly easy to make when you saute the Gardein beefless tips in a pan separately first, seasoning with taco sauce if desired. Then just slice them into smaller chunks, add them + plenty of Daiya cheddar-style shreds to the tortillas & fry in veggie oil. Voila! Serve warm & gooey with salsa & Better than sour cream!

Vegan Fried Shrimp

I love this brand of breaded vegan seafood - Sophie's Kitchen! They also make some bangin' calamari rings, and I've yet to try their breaded fish fillets (but can't wait to - vegan essentials has been sold out of them every time I place my order!) Not only are these superior in flavor and texture, but I love that they are pre-breaded and thus hassle-free! A quick and tasty treat that rivals a sit-down seafood restaurant's meals when paired with these organic fries or tater tots and cocktail sauce!

Crispy Rice Treats

These are great around the holidays! When using the Chicago Soy Dairy brand of vegan marshmallows, no other alteration of the original recipe is necessary :) Nice to have a quick & easy treat!