Recipes from Vegetarian Vegan Cooking Classes

                                         Maybe you have seen the delicious dark chocolate vegan cheesecake whose major ingredients are chickpeas and firm tofu? I got to thinking that, hey, other vegan cheesecakes could have this same unusual foundation and be just as yummy (and high protein, for those who are looking for additional protein in their vegan diet). Here are recipes for three such cheesecakes:  1. Lemon Vanilla Chickpea-Tofu Cheesecake,  2. Maple-Pecan Chickpea-Tofu Cheesecake 3. Cherry or Strawberry Swirl Chickpea-Tofu Cheesecake  Scroll down to the recipes-- excited to see what you think!   1. ** L emon-Vanilla Chickpea-Tofu Cheesecake ** Lemon-Vanilla Cheesecake. Image generated by Firefly. ** Crust: ** - 1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free cookie crumbs) - ¼ cup (60 mL) melted coconut oil - 2 tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup ** Fill...

The delicious vegan Carob Waffle  (NOT Pancake) I have been publishing (and sampling) so many carob recipes lately that it was inevitable that I would next come up with a delicious carob waffle recipe-- our household LOVES a great waffle! So, here it is! I have changed up the recipe to be gluten-free using organic oats and blending them up with all the other ingredients at once in a Vitamix (or in another high speed blender, or in smaller batches in a regular blender). And it is soooo YUMMY!  I am not exaggerating!  INGREDIENTS: 2 cups of instant oatmeal (or 2 cups whole wheat flour) 2/3 cup of raw carob flour * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (without aluminum) 1 very ripe mashed banana 2 1/2 cups filtered water 1/2 cup of filtered water 4 heaping tablespoons Peanut Butter or 2/3 cup of grapeseed oil *all of the above ingredients (except baking soda/baking powder/water) were organic but use what you have access to. **I did not use salt or vanilla because our little dog likes c...

Mock Turkey Soup Here is another one of the Cooking School demo soups.  If you are feeling the lack of a turkey soup the day-after the festive occasion, this is fast and easy to throw together!  And tasty, of course.  And healthier than the real bird (see this video by Dr. Michael Greger about eating poultry) IN SOUP POT: 3 Qts. Water 1 C. slivered or chopped Celery 1/2 to 1 C. chopped Carrots 1/2 C. Onion Flakes 2 cubes Organic Herbal Bouillon or 4 T. Homemade Broth/Bouillion Other veggies , as desired, such as sliced mushroom, green peas, green beans, etc. BRING TO BOIL TURN DOWN HEAT TO SIMMER for 5 Minutes ADD: 2 C. diced Firm Organic Tofu 2 T.  Chicken-style Seasoning  (No MSG) Other seasoning and salt/pepper to your taste Approximately 4 C. cooked Pasta

IN MEDIUM POT, Bring to a boil: *1 C. Red Lentils in *2 1/2 C. Filtered Water Turn it down to Low when it has boiled and simmer for about 20 minutes. IN A SKILLET, SAUTE TOGETHER (for about 5 minutes): *1 T. Coconut Oil *1 C. diced Onions *1 1/2 C. diced Apple (peeled and cored) *3 Garlic Cloves, grated or minced *dash of Celtic Sea Salt ADD to the above: *1/2 C. Raisins *1 tsp. Curry Powder and continue to cook for another 20 minutes on LOW. ADD all of the above to a Food Processor and process with: *1/4 C. Coconut Milk *2 T. Fresh-squeezed Lemon Juice *1/2 tsp. Celtic Sea Salt (or to taste) This is a delicious high protein, low fat vegan dip that will disappear almost as soon as you set it on the table at a Potluck.  Dip with multi-grain pita (or GF), fresh crudite (raw veggies), pineapple spears, mango chunks, ?? Adapted from the recipe for Curried Lentil Dip in the Moosewood Restaurant New Classics: 350 Recipes

Vegan Potato Casserole - real comfort food  *Approximately 6 Cups peeled, cooked potatoes *Cool and DICE the potatoes with 2 Cups of Cashew Sour Cream (recipe follows): CASHEW SOUR CREAM: *1 C. Water *1 C. raw Cashews *1 T. Lemon juice *1/2 tsp. Celtic Sea Salt *1 T. Coconut Oil, melted over hot water ADD TO ABOVE: *1 c. chopped Green Onions or Chives *2 T.  Chicken-Style Seasoning (No MSG) *Fake Bacon Baco-Bits or diced organic smoked tofu (optional) MIX WELL, and then turn into a shallow casserole dish. SPRINKLE on 1 or more cups Toasted Cashew pieces and seasoned Croutons *Heat through in the oven Other DIY Sour Cream Recipes (Dairy Free) Almond Sour Cream Soya Tasty (Tofu) Sour Cream

There are already several recipes for Vegan Cheez recipes on this site, each a little different from the other, so why another one?  Well, I was thinking about my fave store-bought vegan cheese (Daiya brand) and recall that its main ingredient is tapioca starch.  I thought I could make a pretty nice melty cheese with that in mind, and I did!  Here is a picture of the ingredients: 1. In a pot on medium heat, measure in the following and whisk together for about 30 seconds or so: 4 T. Coconut Oil 5 T. Tapioca Flour/Starch 2. Slowly add in: 2 1/2 C. non-dairy Mylk (I used the Coconut-Almond Milk Combo) 3. When the mix is blended and bubbly, turn the heat down to low and whisk in the following: 2 T. , rounded, Nutritional Yeast 1 T. Garlic Powder 1/2 tsp. Celtic Sea Salt 1/2 tsp. Dijon Mustard 1 T. fresh Lemon Juice 1/2 tsp. Turmeric 1 T. Almond Butter Blend until smooth -- it will thicken even more as it cools. You could well add ...

Sunflower Seed-Cashew Mayo  WHIZ the following together in a blender: *2 C. Cold Water *1 C. raw Sunflower seeds *1 C. raw Cashews *1/2 tsp. Salt *1/4 tsp. Tumeric BLEND until smooth PLACE in a bowl and stir in 1/2C. Lemon Juice COOL to thicken. MORE GREAT MAYO RECIPES ON THIS SITE Veggin Out Cashew Mayo Quick Cashew Mayo Tofu Mayo

Avocado-Cucumber Appetizers with Shredded Carrots (alternative to Sprouts) MASH an Avocado with a fork, whip until creamy ADD : *1 T. Lemon Juice *1/2 C. Green Onion , chopped *1 T. Chicken-style Seasoning (no MSG)** *1 C. Alfalfa Sprouts , chopped or shredded Carrots (as in photo) *2 English Cucumbers , peeled and cut in half lengthwise, then cut into 2" sections Spread Avocado Mix on Cucumbers,as you would with an open-face sandwich **Make the chicken-style seasoning yourself and avoid the high prices, the undesirable ingredients and enjoy that home-made buzz!

Corn-Potato Chowder - image from Pinterest *2 C. Potato, cubed *1/2C. Carrot, diced *2 C. Corn Niblets (or Cream Corn) *1 Onion, chopped fine *1/2C. Celery, chopped *IF USING FRESH CORN, natural starch will thicken chowder. If using canned or frozen corn, you will need to add 2 T. Flour (OR 2 T. starch for Gluten-free chowder) *Salt and Pepper and/or Mrs. Dash to taste *ADD THICK, smooth Almond Cream (Blend 1 C. Water to 1 C. Soaked Blanched Almonds) In the video below find a similar vegan corn chowder recipe (larger portions)using cashew cream vs. almondcream and basil as a spice. Enjoy!

Washington Chowder IN 2-QUART SAUCE PAN: *1/4 C. Oil *1 C. Chopped Onion *1 C. Chopped Celery *2 C. Diced Potato *2 C. Cubed Tomatoes *1/4 tsp. Savory *1 tsp. Salt *Pepper to taste ADD: 3 C. Water SIMMER 10- 15 Minutes ADD: Cashew Cream (1 C. Water to 1/2 C. Cashews blended smooth) If chowder is too watery, add a slurry of 1/4 C. Water and 1 T. Cornstarch OPTIONAL: 1 clove Minced Garlic

Sunflower Nut "Meatballs" immersed in a veggie stew-- great also as a part of a traditional Spaghetti and Meatball  Dinner This popular sunflower nut meatballs recipe is quick to make and very attractive and delicious to serve. Sunflower seeds are an inexpensive plant protein that are a nice economic break from the cost of many other nuts and seeds.   In a food processor, or by hand, FINELY CHOP   *1 cup/140 g raw sunflower seeds and *1 cup/120 g pecans or walnuts   IN MIXING BOWL PUT :  *4 cups/200 g. wholewheat bread crumbs or rolled oats BLENDERIZE THE FOLLOWING :together: *2 cups/473 ml  water or vegetable broth *1 raw onion *2 cloves garlic *2 tablespoon/20 g  Caflib or roasted chicory *1 tablespoon/12 g  black pepper *1 tablespoon/18 g. Marmite (a yeasty "beef" flavoring) or Celtic Sea Salt to taste *1 teaspoon/4 g. mesquite powder (optional) MIX ALL OF THE ABOVE IN MIXING BOWL FORM INTO BALLS (golf ball or smaller)...

This lovely fresh Quinoa salad can be used to stuff a Brunch pita or eaten as a side... COOK 1 C. Millet or Quinoa in 2 C. Water.  If using quinoa, rinse first in cold water to remove the bitter saponins.  Many recipes suggest toasting Millet 4-5 minutes in a heavy pan, stirring throughout, to bring out the nutty flavour. Add cooking water, bring to a boil, immediately turn down and gently simmer on low with lid on for about 15 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes on cold burner. Fluff. Cool. COMBINE in large bowl: * Millet or Quinoa *2 C. Black Beans *2 large Tomatoes , chopped *1 C. Green Onions , chopped *1 English Cucumber , diced For DRESSING, WHIZ in the blender: *1/2 C. Water *2 Lemons , juiced *2 tsp. Garlic , minced *1/2 tsp. Salt *1/4 tsp. Pepper *1 tsp. Cumin *1/2 tsp. Coriander CHILL and serve on Lettuce Leaves or fill Pita Here is another tasty Quinoa Salad recipe:   Confetti Salad

Garbanzo Bean Salad- good winter or summer COMBINE: *2 C. cooked Garbanzo beans *1/2 Green Pepper, chopped *1/2 C. Slivered Carrots *1/2 C. Green Onions, chopped *1/2 C. Celery, chopped *1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced *1/4 C. Parsley, chopped fine OPTIONAL: 2 cloves Garlic, minced FOR DRESSING, WHIZ IN BLENDER: *2 T. Olive Oil *Pinch of Salt *1 tsp. Honey *2 T. Lemon or Lime Juice

Make crumbly crust pastry: MIX TOGETHER: *1 c. Brown Rice Flour *4 T. Brown Sugar *1/3 C. Coconut Oil or Grapeseed Oil *1/2 C. Fine Chopped Pecans or Hazelnuts SPRINKLE in a little water if needed PRESS mixture into pie plate FILLING: *Dissolve 3 T. Agar Agar (powder not flakes) into warm water in small saucepan and bring to a SIMMER whisking in pan for about 3-4 minutes. WHIZ TOGETHER: *1 Medium Firm Tofu Cake (12 oz.) *1/2 C. Sugar *1/4 tsp. Salt *1/4 C. Lemon Juice *1 T. Simply Organic Lemon Flavoring *2 T. Lemon Zest *Add the above to a Pie Shell TOP WITH: *2 c, Fresh Berries SLOWLY ADD Agar Agar by pouring over berries in pie shell. Mix gently but well. CHILL until set, about 6 hours (Recipe by Wyona Hertwig; image of her tofu cheesecake by Cynthia Zirkwitz)

Black Bean Patty PREHEAT oven to 375-400F PUT IN Large Bowl OR Food Processor: *16 oz. can Black Beans , drained SAUTE (and add to Large Bowl or Food Processor): *2 c. diced Mushrooms *1 C. chopped Onions ADD to the Large Bowl or Food Processor: *1 C. cooked Couscous (or Quinoa ) *1/4 C. Lemon Juice *1 C. Green Pepper , chopped *1 T. Mrs. Dash or 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning *1 C. dry fine Bread crumbs (or cracker crumbs) *1 T. ground Chia Seed (or Flax Seed) in 4 T. Water , let sit for 15 minutes before adding ( Chia Egg ) OPTIONAL : *2 cloves of Garlic MASH or process all thoroughly and form patties BAKE on well-greased or parchment-covered cookie sheets or 7-9 minutes per side, and flip for same amount of baking on other side  or FRY in oiled skillet.

Simmer: *2 medium, chopped Onions in 1/4 C. Water until tender Blend: *2 C. Water *1/2 tsp. Salt *1/3 C. Cashews *1/4 C. Whole Wheat Flour (or 1/4 C. Nutritional Yeast) *Add blended mixture to cooked Onions and cook over medium until thickened, stirring constantly *Cover and allow to simmer 10 minutes *Add Water to adjust consistency. *Garlic may be added if desired Very good on Baked Potatoes or over Wholewheat toast.

I guess you could call this SCREAMINGLY GOLDEN SAUCE (I added "a bit" of Turmeric) Cook together in a small pan: *1 small Potato *1/2 small Carrot *1 1/3 C. Water When done, blend (including cooking water) with: *2 T. Cashews *3/4 tsp. Salt *2 T. fresh Lemon Juice *Dash of Celery Salt **1 T. Nutritional Yeast (add in OR substitute for the Cashews) Serve over broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Nice replacement for cheese sauces. (Above Golden Sauce recipe contributed by Wyona Hertwig with ** Note: My sauce didn't turn out as golden as I thought it should be so I added a little of the herb Turmeric -- we try to eat it some way everyday-- and I didn't have cashews, so used an equal amount of raw sunflower seeds instead-- I call this "Guiltless Cheese Sauce - Cynthia ) Other Cheesy Sauce or Spread Recipes in this Blog include: Alpine Cheese Spread American Cheese Melty Cheese Another Melty Cheez

Whiz in blender: *1/2 C. Sunflower Seeds *3/4 C. Water *1/2 tsp. Salt *2-3 T. Lemon Juice *1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder *1/2 tsp. Onion Powder Adjust Water and Seasonings to taste and consistency desired. NOTE: A Tomato or Avocado whizzed with any leftover Sunny Sour Cream makes an excellent salad dressing or spread for sandwiches ~Recipe shared by Wyona Hertwig OTHER VEGAN SOUR CREAM RECIPES ON VEGGIE SCHOOL: Almond Sour Cream Cashew Sour Cream Soya Tasty (Tofu) Sour Cream

Tumble the following in a dry skillet until browned slightly: *1/3 C. Whole Wheat Flour *1/2 tsp. Onion Powder *1 tsp. Chicken-like Seasoning (or other favorite) Stir in Water to thin to desired thickness and simmer a few minutes.

American Cheez- freeze and cut for sandwiches... completely thawed is a like a cream cheese spread-- delicious! *1 C. Water *1/3 C.plus 1 rounded T. Agar Agar powder *1 1/4 C. Boiling Water *2 C. Raw Cashews (cleaned) *3 T. Nutritional Yeast** *2 tsp. Onion Powder *1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder** *2-3 T.Lemon Juice (fresh if possible) *4 Oz. Pimento OR 1/2 Large Sweet Pepper OR about 2 tsp. Paprika *1 1/2 tsp. Salt *Soak Agar Agar in 1 C. Water in blender while assembling remaining ingredients. *Pour Boiling Water over Soaked Agar Agar and whiz briefly to dissolve. *Cool slightly. *Add Cashews and blend thoroughly. *Add remaining ingredients. *Blend until the consistency of creamy sauce with pimento well blended in. *Pour into 1-quart mold, cool slightly. *Cover and refrigerate overnight. *After firming in fridge, Cheese may be frozen until needed. *Makes 1 quart. NOTE: **To make Jack Cheese, double the Garlic Powder and Nutritional Yeast. Other Cheesy Sauce or...