Spicy Kale Quinoa Crustless Quiche

Today is National Quiche Lorraine Day so I thought what better way to honor it than with a homemade quiche. Growing up my parents always made quiche for special occasions. Every Christmas or Thanksgiving my mom and or dad would wake up early to prepare the meal and with it, a quiche! With the leftover crust my mom would make cinnamon rolls that were to die for!

After becoming vegan I thought my quiche days were over, well fear not! This is a homemade quiche that is soy free, oil free, gluten free, nut free, dairy free (no eggs or cheese) is packed with quinoa, herbs and fresh vegetables! 

A low calorie, intensely satisfying meal! I will definitely be making this again, I can't wait to explore variations!

 Take some Qunioa and grind to make a flour

Take some local organic fresh produce

 Combine the quinoa mixture and vegetables...looks funny but have faith!

 Try to wait as the aroma fills the entire house with glorious scents!

 And wallah! The most unbelievable quiche that is so good for your body!

YUM!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups loosely packed kale - de-stemmed and chopped
• 2 + tomatoes, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, chopped
• 1/2 large white onion, chopped (Red if you have it!)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 6-10 cloves garlic, minced ( haha we love it, feel free to cut back )
• 1 avocado 
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 2 cups quinoa flower
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt (opt), pepper and red pepper flakes to taste
• 2 1/2 - 3 cups of water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Lightly oil a 9" spring loaf or cake pan. 
2. Prepare vegetables using 6 of the 10 garlic cloves and cilantro. (I chopped the kale and tomato with my knife, the balance in the food processor.) Place chopped vegetables in a large bowl, set aside. 
3. In blender combine the flower, spices and water. Blend until smooth and frothy.
4. Use a spoon to combine the quinoa mixture with the vegetables. Pour into prepped pan.
5. Bake for 40-50+ minutes until the top is brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool slightly, slice, garnish with an avocado and dig in!

The Perfect Bar

Saturday we ventured to the farmer's market with Jerry's son. It was so much fun. I love seeing all the vendors, the creativity, the fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and the buzz of it all. By the afternoon I was fully loaded and inspired!

I was making a crust for a new dessert and my food processor stopped on me. I thought c'mon just a little more, but when I looked down, I noticed it was just the right consistency and I finally created the perfect bar! YES! I've been trying to create the ultimate whole-foods protein bar that is healthy and delicious and I just so happened to stumble upon it, love at last.

I decided to set the dessert aside and take advantage of the moment. I pressed them into shape, had a few bites to "taste" and went to heaven! I froze the balance and dare I say they may be even better frozen!

This bar is great because it's made from whole-food ingredients straight up from mother nature combined to make the ultimate treat! It tastes amazing and is good for you! It's the perfect snack for when you are on the go, at work, working out, hiking, biking, for your kids, friends, family etc! Plus not only is it vegan, but it's raw, gluten free, oil free, soy free and the bomb!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1/4 cup raw almonds
• 2 tbsp flax seeds
• 1/2 cup dried pitted dates
• 1/2 cup jumbo raisins
• 2 tbsp homemade almond butter
• 1 tbsp rice syrup 
• 1-2 tbsp filtered water

Directions:

1. Place all of the ingredients in a food processor
2. Mix, push down the sides to mix thoroughly until well combined and desired consistency
3. Shape into bars
4. Keep on counter in a tupperware, in the fridge or freezer

Have fun with it! Use your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruits! I can't wait to make more. Mine are already gone and I'm itching to make my next batch!

Grab n go BBQ Tempeh Bites

Happy Friday all! It's a beautiful day in sunny CA and the harvest is sweet! I stepped on the porch to find some beautiful strawberries, a pepper and some tomatoes ripening nicely, what a nice treat! 

Lately I've been craving comfort foods so the other night I whipped up some BBQ Tempeh bites and man are they good! They are great even cold as leftovers haha but best hot. This is great recipe that can be modified and enjoyed a number of ways! A great base for many creative eats!

I started with the following ingredients:

 Ingredients:

• 2 tbl grapeseed oil (Use vegetable broth and opt for oil free cooking!)
• 2 pckg tempeh - crumbled
• 2 carrots - chopped finely (I used the food processor)
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 jalapeno 
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried thyme, basil, oregano
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
• 2 tbsp hemp hearts 
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (I used panko)
• 3 tbsp sesame seeds or tahini 
• 1/3 cup BBQ sauce + 2 tbsp to brush on top

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly oil mini muffin pan or desired pan.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the tempeh, vegetables and saute for 5 minutes. 
3. Add the seasoning and stir in for another 2-3 minutes and remove from heat. 
4. Pour vegetable mixture in a large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mash together well, folding the mixture together, kneeding it like dough. 
5. Press the mixture into a prepared pan, bake for 40-45 minutes, serve hot with favorite sides! NUM!

Tempeh Vegetable mixture

Coat with BBQ sauce and bake for 40-45 minutes!

Now go and grab me a BBQ Tempeh bite..please? :)

Blossoming Lotus Flower presents Artistic Vegan: Meatless Mainstays for Modern Man

Greetings!

I'm so excited to announce my new cookbook Artistic Vegan: Meatless Mainstays for Modern Man! About a year ago I decided to begin sharing what I've learned in the kitchen with this wonderful blog. It pushed me to new heights and I can't wait to share even more in the year to come! I decided what better way than to take the recipes created on this blog and publish a cookbook! The book features delicious vegan recipes, including nutritional information and a beautiful color picture of each dish!

Buy your copy now at Amazon.com for only $19.95!

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vegan-Meatless-Mainstays-Modern/dp/1482789671/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366611935&sr=8-1&keywords=artistic+vegan

Thank you all for your support and views! I can't wait to share new and exciting delicious vegan recipes, I have so much more to share! 

Cheers to good health and happiness!