Virtual Vegan Potluck: Raw, Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies

Posted on May 10, 2013 by The Soulicious Life

Welcome to The Soulicious Life and the bi-annual Virtual Vegan Potluck. I’m thrilled to be participating once again! There are 169 awesome recipes full of inspiration here today. Simply use the forward and back buttons at the bottom of this post to navigate your way through the virtual buffet line and get ready for your mouth to water!

Chocoholics unite and yes, make a better brownie (in six easy steps)! This recipe is inspired by one I found in Oprah Magazine of all places and it’s a definite keeper. All guilt is replaced by the healthy fats of avocados and the antioxidant power of raw cocao and raw honey! An OMG, are these tasty! Continue reading →

The Extended Plant-Based Family

Posted on April 10, 2013 by The Soulicious Life

In the word of plant-based eating, camaraderie is a beautiful thing. Though my own extended family has been supportive of my family’s diet over the years (thanks Mom and sister [seen at left]!), it’s always a pleasure to meet others in the world who share my same vision and passion for a meat-free and now, dairy-free, lifestyle. Holly at My Plant Based Family is one of those people!

Holly’s blog is focused on feeding her family of four a whole-foods, plant-based diet on a budget. She always has an inspiring recipe on-hand, as well as great reminder on gratitude and appreciating the simple things. My kind of gal! Continue reading →

Green Your Spring Clean

Posted on April 4, 2013 by The Soulicious Life

If there’s ever a time of year to open your windows and let the fresh air in while de-cluttering closets and cleaning often overlooked places, spring is it! Unfortunately, we can’t read the labels on so-called green cleaners and trust they are eco-friendly. Therefore, similar to our bath and beauty products, we must do one of two things: (1) make our own or (2) do our research. Continue reading →

Roasted Red Pepper & Olive Bruschetta

Posted on April 1, 2013 by The Soulicious Life

With our recent jump into a full-on plant-based diet, I was in search of a new appetizer to bring to this year’s Easter weekend celebration. Since I gravitate towards uncomplicated and healthy, I settled on this simple but delicious bruschetta. that brings together some of my favorite Mediterranean flavors. It’s easy to prep and doing so a day ahead of time really allows the flavors to meld. Continue reading →

20 Minute Meal: Creamy Avocado Pasta

Posted on February 27, 2013 by The Soulicious Life

Before I get started, I want to give a shout out to my friend Stephanie who is cleaning up her diet day by day, week by week. I’m so proud of her! It’s no easy feat, but you should see her glow from all the vegetarian, vegan and raw cuisine she is incorporating into her life. I never thought she could top the yummy Green Drink she shared with me, but then she sent over this AMAZING recipe for a creamy avocado pasta. It’s so easy to make that I whipped it up that night for dinner and got thumbs up all around the table.

Adapted from Greatist.com and ready in 20, yes 20 minutes! Do note that this doesn’t re-heat well, so either forgo leftovers or enjoy it as a cold pasta salad which we did and loved. The sautéed vegetables are totally optional, but really round out the dish with both flavor and additional nutritional value. Continue reading →

Simple Olive Tapenade

Posted on February 21, 2013 by The Soulicious Life

We joined good friends for a fabulous dinner (yes, Ashley, I said fabulous!) last Saturday night. Since I’ve been craving Middle Eastern foods lately, I put together a small mezza plate consisting of roasted eggplant, hummus and this simple olive tapenade. Served with fresh pita, it took only minutes to assemble, was light and delicious and (bonus!) provided us with enough leftovers to make a few killer veggie sandwiches. Continue reading →

Slow Cooker Savvy: Moroccan Lentil Soup

Posted on January 7, 2013 by The Soulicious Life

This soup is thick, delicious and nutritious, and it’s spices are especially warming on a cold winter day. Put it on in the morning and revel in its warmth and fragrance after a day of snowshoeing, skiing or sledding. Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, it’s also suitable for any cleanse or new eating habits (I hate the word “diet!”) you may be testing in the new year. Continue reading →

Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

Posted on December 19, 2012 by The Soulicious Life

Lasagna 7 Hands down, lasagna reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandparent’s home. Our extended family gathered around the dining room table once a week to share a meal, always Italian, with love and gratitude. I swear, Nana Pearson’s well-worn pan – layered with noodles, fresh marinara and mozzarella – never weighed less than five pounds.

These roll-ups are as worthy of any Sunday dinner as a layered lasagna, but way more fun. They also are flexible with various size baking pans, and require no messy cutting of the finished noodles. They make a fast and delicious dish to bring to those in need of a meal; I doubled this recipe and shared with friends who had a new baby. If you have family coming in for the holidays, no one will be disappointed when this dish appears, and it will feed the whole crew! Continue reading →

Savory Fig and Walnut Stuffing

Posted on December 10, 2012 by The Soulicious Life

Source.

Stuffing is hands-down my favorite holiday dish. This past Thanksgiving I ran a 5K just so I could eat a whole lot of this particular version that I discovered new this year and adapted from A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa. Truth be told, I would’ve eaten the whole pan myself, 5K or not. It’s so simple to make and is the perfect mix of not-too-sweet and savory.

I hope you can find room for it on your holiday table. You won’t be disappointed, I promise! Continue reading →

Quinoa, Squash and Black Bean Soup

Posted on December 3, 2012 by The Soulicious Life

This recipe was originally inspired from Oh She Glows, but I was up against the sweet potato she used. You see, SoulDaddy gags when I say the word sweet potato. But I did have a spaghetti squash from our summer garden still hanging around on the counter, just begging to be ~~hidden in a form SoulDaddy wouldn’t recognize~~ used.

I may be living in denial, but I’m convinced my darling husband doesn’t hate squash as much as he thinks he does. After countless tries, I finally succeeded with this soup! Filled with the flavor of cumin, coriander and chili powder, this protein-packed bowl of deliciousness is warming and fills your belly fast with healthy goodness. Continue reading →