Macadamia Ricotta

Macadamia Ricotta
Vegan; Gluten Free

2 cups raw macadamia nuts, soaked for 8 to 12 hrs and drained
1 cup water
large pinch of salt

1. Combine ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth, occasionally stopping to scrap. Process until creamy.

2 Transfer to a clean glass bowl, cover and let rest at room temp for 12 to 24 hrs. (I skipped this part and just put the ricotta in the fridge and let it sit for a few days.)

Makes 4 cups and found: Artisan Vegan Cheese

Coconut Vanilla Custard

Coconut Vanilla Custard
Vegan; Gluten Free; 10 minutes

I made this last night to go with the dessert I'm serving tonight for a girls night (I'll post all 3 parts, then you make it or just mix 'n' match). Bruce is out of town, and well, I'm not the greatest cook when he's not around. In fact, I don't cook at all. Hey, sometimes a girl needs a break (and not when she's sick)... Here the Coconut milk and Vanilla Almond milk create the perfect balance of not an over power of sweetness.

1 cup coconut milk, divided
1 cup vanilla almond milk
2 Tablespoons cornstarch

1. Over medium heat, bring 1/4 cup of coconut milk to a boil.

2. In a large mixing cup or a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the vanilla almond milk and remaining coconut milk (3/4 cup). Add to heated milk, whisking to avoid clumping. The custard should begin to thicken in about 5-8 minutes and remove from heat. Allow to cool and refrigerate until need or ready to enjoy.

Kitchen Staples

Kitchen Staples
Greens: Spinach Kale Swiss Chard
Keep fresh longer if you clean it {rinsed/patted dry/in a paper bag in the crisper}
Any of these can be substituted for each other.
Beans: Chick Peas/Garbanzo Beans Red Beans Black Beans Pinto Beans
Always rinse if you're using the cans.
Are less expensive when you buy in bulk.
Grains: Quinoa {Is related to the Chard family, but is most associated with this category} Bulgur Wheat Couscous Pearl Barley Rice {Brown/Long Grain/etc.}
Quinoa is a complete protein by itself.
Any of these can be substituted for each other.
Are less expensive when you buy in bulk.
Can be made in a rice maker.
Non-Dairy: Soy {Organic} Almond Coconut Hemp {Great source of omega 3 and 6, always THC Free}
Most of these can be substituted for each other.
Can be found as “ice cream”.
Non-dairy cream cheese {Non-hydrogenated oils}
Soy Yogurt {Organic}
Vegan Mayo
Seeds/Nuts/Dried Fruit: Sun flower Flax Sesame
Flax is another great source of omega 3 {it’s better ground}
Walnuts Cashews Almonds Peanuts
Great source of healthy fats.
Raisins Cranberries Dates Mangos
Mix dried fruit and nuts to make your own trail mix.
Are less expensive when you buy in bulk.
Great as toppings for “ice cream” or soy yogurt.
Veggies: (Fresh/Seasonal) Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Zucchini Bell Peppers Mushrooms {buttons/portabellas}
Wipe clean, and keep fresh in a paper bag in the fridge.
Veggies: (Frozen) Peas Corn {Organic} Green Beans
Fruit: (Fresh) Lemons/Limes {Organic if you are going to use the zest} Apples/Pears {Can be interchanged in the recipes that call for either one}. Bananas