Mexican Quinoa and Collard Greens

I'm all about quick and easy meals lately. I've had this One Pan Mexican Quinoa recipe printed out since October and am now finally making it. I paired it with Easy Vegetarian Collared Greens. I forgot how good this collard greens recipe is! I linked both to the recipes. 

I buy pre-washed quinoa so I don't have to mess with rinsing it. Lots of spicy flavors-jalapeno, fire-roasted tomatoes, chili powder, cumin. It also has corn and black beans in the mix. After it's done cooking you stir in some chopped avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. 

The collard greens are cooked in some vegetable broth with onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. I also added a dash of liquid smoke and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. 

These two recipes go really well together. I'll be ready to make this again soon. 

Cherry Pie Bites & Pizza

 We were invited to my brother and sister-in-law's for New Year's Eve and I made these ridiculously easy Cherry Pie Bites. Usually I make my Triple Ginger Gingersnaps every year but I didn't even have the energy to do that. Even so, everyone raved over these sweet treats. Crescent roll dough (which is vegan) and a can of cherry pie filling topped with a glaze of powdered sugar and soymilk. You can find the recipe here. 

I was craving some pizza so I was good and made my own! I used a pre-made pizza crust and for the sauce I had some "Fast and Fresh Tomato Sauce" from La Dolce Vegan in the freezer. I had frozen the leftover sauce with a few Gardein meatless meatballs chopped up in it after eating pasta one night. It was perfect for the pizza sauce with the bits of meatballs. 

~ Italian Sausage, Meatball, Zucchini Pizza ~

I chopped up two Tofurky Italian sausages, some zucchini and red onion and sauteed them with a little onion seasoning and some red pepper flakes. I layered that over my sauce and topped it all with some Daiya shredded mozzarella. It satisfied my pizza cravings. YUM!!

Goodie Bags for New Year's

I like to get these bags made to give to the special people in my life during the month of December. Yeah, that didn't happen this year. So I made "Happy New Year's" bags instead. I like to give them to people who take such good care of me throughout the year ~ my chiropractor, hairstylist, massage therapist, Pilates instructor; and a few special friends. 

I have a notebook where I collect ideas all year long and then choose new things to add to the bags each year. This year I made two soup mixes I found in Vegan Food Gifts. Love that book; so many great ideas! And she gives you a recipe to copy and cut out with each one.  

 Masala Soup Mix

red lentils, brown rice, split peas, quinoa, veg. broth powder and lots of spices ~ 

Garam Masala style! -chives, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, bay leaf

Cajun Red Beans & Rice

white rice, red beans, parsley, chives, salt, onion & garlic powder, smoked paprika, basil, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf

I also included a bag of my herb tea I make. 

I get the organic dried herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs. 

 Everyone always likes the aromatherapy spray I put in the bags. This year I used a recipe from Mountain Rose Herb's blog called "Winter Spice" with essential oils of cinnamon leaf, cedarwood, and clove. 

 I love making my own incense; it is quite labor-intensive though for so few cones. But it smells divine! It doesn't give me a headache like store-bought incense does. 

And for my cat-loving friends I included some catnip mice! I have heard good reports that the cats love them. Heehee! 

New Year's gift bags all ready to go.

Cherry Almond Poppyseed Muffins

First post of 2015! Where did the time go?! December was a blur for me; too many commitments, parties. . . it plays havoc with my moods. I didn't even get my usual 'goodie bags' made for everyone like I usually do. I ended up making them for New Year's gifts.

I think I like the tart taste of dried cherries even better than dried cranberries. 

I found this muffin recipe in Vegan Diner. 

 Lots of poppy seeds! 

Mmm~ These didn't last long. I think I will chop the cherries next time so I can get a bit of cherry in every bite.