Loaded veggie cups

Taking care of a toddler who doesn't really like to eat and finding new foods and new ways to present ingredients can be very time consuming and can really damage one's self esteem.

This is one of the reasons I barely post anymore... If my own child barely tastes the food I make (or any food, really), how can I confidently share my recipes? Oh well... I finally mustered the courage and wrote down, filmed and photographed a few things that I personally love and my toddler may or may not like right now.

I present you these loaded veggie cups, high in protein and calories so they are perfect for those who don't eat too much (or enough) in one sitting.

This recipe is really tasty, easy to make, loaded with veggies, high in iron and choline too.

It takes less than 1 hour to make and you can use it for meal prep too. They freeze beautifully and keep well in the fridge too.

Ingredients:

* 1 package puff pastry

* 3 cups of veggies (I used 1 cup zucchini, 1 cup sweet peppers, 1/2 cup cauliflower, 1/2 cup onion)

* 200 g (1 small block) tofu

* 120 g (1 cup) chickpea flour

* 1/3 to 1/2 cup plant milk (I prefer soy milk)

* 2 tsp paprika

* 1.5 tsp garlic powder

* 1 tsp ground black pepper

* 1 tsp turmeric

* olive or avocado oil for cooking

* salt (omit if you cook for babies)

Tahini biscuits (EN/ RO)

Biscuits and gravy is not really a thing in my country, but I've heard so much about this combo and about biscuits and gravy in general! 

And the fact that they always look so fluffy and flaky made me want to try them. 

I've researched a bit about the difference between biscuits and scones (I found out that no, they're not the same thing) and I started to develop a recipe for myself. Using tahini, because I love it and whole wheat flour for added nutrition. 

And guys, they are so delicious! Fluffy and flaky and they have and amazing depth of flavor, with a bit of bitterness because of the tahini too! They are amazing with a bit of vegan butter and some jam, nut butter, fruits, gravy... Your choice. 

Just try them for yourself, because you don't have to take my word :) 

Ingredients: 

Broccoli, carrot and onion pakoras (EN/ RO)

As you know, I love chickpea flour, because it's so versatile and goes well in so many combinations, sweet or savory! 

And these broccoli, carrot and onion pakoras are delicious, gluten and oil free (if you choose not to fry them), healthy and perfect for this weather too!

And paired with a cooling sauce made with (vegan) yogurt and dill they're divine! Even small children love them! And I know this because I had a collab with a local vegan and vegetarian restaurant and even children loved the food that I made! It was awesome to see so many people enjoy my food! 

So you have to try this too!

Ingredients:

Split peas and lentil dahl (EN/ RO)

The fall recipes series continues here with a cozy and delicious dahl... Was I doing a fall series in the beginning, btw? Who cares? I have more recipes perfect for this colder season and I think that technically, I can consider this a series, because I have more than one recipe :))

This split peas and lentil dahl is delicious, perfect for fall, oil free, gluten free by default, high in protein and really healthy! 

Also, it's quite easy to make, and perfect over rice or sweet potatoes, with some avocado on top is more than perfect! 

Can you tell that I love this recipe? :)) 

What can I say? I'm guilty of loving the food that I make...

Ingredients:

Easy 6 ingredients eggplant dip (EN/ RO)

You know by now that I love tahini. A lot. And I like eggplant dips too. So it was logical for me to combine these two. And the result is really delicious! This recipe is also inspired by the Middle Eastern dish, baba ganoush (because of the tahini).

I actually grew up eating a version of this dip and it's nice that I can improve it and make it my own. Because it's always nice to customize your food. 

This version of this dip is oil free, delicious and very easy to make. And 

Ingredients:

Comforting bean and potato skillet (EN/RO)

As I already said in a previous post, here it's already fall. And now I can feel and see it too, because it's getting quite cold in the morning and evenings and all the leaves start to turn yellow or red and some of them have already fallen on the ground :(

It's a weather to stay inside and cuddle with a cup of tea and also a weather for more hearty and comforting foods, like thick and chunky soups, stews, curries, or for something like this delicious bean and potato skillet. 

I know, it's not a combo that you see daily, but don't dismiss it because of that. I actually made this recipe once as a fridge cleaner/ lazy cooking day. And I loved it so much that I made it again 2 days after. And I thought I should share it with you too, because I'm gonna keep this recipe as a easy go to meal for when I want something that's not even delicious, but satisfying, filing and ready in about 30 minutes.

This kind of sounds like the new perfect fall food, isn't it?

Ingredients (3-4 servings):

Coconut vanilla creme caramel (EN/ RO)

As a child, my mom used to make creme caramel as a treat from time to time. I couldn't eat a lot as it was very rich, but I used to love it. And now I wanted some and I won't eat the traditional one, as it's not vegan. So I wanted a vegan version. 

I saw some vegan versions online, but I wanted to make my own, simpler, with just a few ingredients that I usually have in my pantry. And this is how I made this version, because my husband and I love coconut. And creamy desserts. 

And I have to say, I love it! It's everything a creme caramel should be: creamy, rich, sweet, with that caramel sauce on top... I love to add some berries to complement the richness and sweetness a bit. And the berries mixed with the creamy custard make such a dreamy combination! Or maybe you like to eat it just like this, without the berries, and that way is very delicious too! 

I recommend you to try both versions of this treat and let me know which one is your favorite! 

But it's enough talk... Let's go to the recipe! 

Ingredients (4-6 servings, depending on how big your moulds are):

Custard:

Easy 5 ingredients pizza pockets (EN/ RO)

Who likes pizza? I sure do! And these little (or bigger, depends on how big you want them to be) pizza pockets are so much easier to pack when you're on the go than a pizza. And very delicious still!

Also, these pizza pockets are so easy to make and you only need 5 ingredients to create a delicious and quite healthy food that it's also very convenient. We love to eat them with a yogurt and garlic sauce or with just a simple tomato sauce, because what's pizza without a good sauce?

And why am I trying to find reasons for you to enjoy delicious vegan foods? Delicious food is always good and should be enjoyed because it's yummy and because you can!

Ingredients (makes about 8-10 pockets):

Creamy roasted peppers with tofu (EN/ RO)

I had some roasted peppers in the freezer and they were eyeing me every time I took something out. And I was drooling at the thought of making this creamy pepper dish that reminds me of childhood... Of course, then it wasn't vegan, but this isn't a problem for me, as I can veganize the dish and even make it better and add more protein and nutrition with the tofu. Actually, I believe that I didn't find a dish that I used to like and couldn't veganize it. But this is for another time... 

Today it's all about creamy and dreamy peppers combined with tofu and served with some delicious whole grains or noodles. One of my favorite comfort foods after a curry, actually. And why shouldn't I love these peppers? They're easy to make, cheap, creamy, delicious and really perfect for rainy or cold weather, for when you crave something more comforting... And they are quite healthy, especially if you make it with a nut or oat cream without (too much) oil added. 

And if you don't believe me, just try them for yourself! And don't forget to garnish them with fresh parsley, as that helps elevate the dish :)

Ingredients:

Delicious and easy pizza dough (EN/ RO)

I loved pizza before I was vegan and love pizza even more now. 

Especially since I discovered that this simple and fast to make simple dough is absolutely perfect for pizza! So if we're craving pizza, I can make the dough in about 5 to 10 minutes, make my easy, stretchy and melty sunflower mozzarella in about 10 more minutes then roll the dough and throw my favorite toppings on that, then have the finished pizza in as little as 40 minutes from the start. So, if I want a thin crust, I can have it faster than if I would order in. And if I want a thick crust I can have it ready in about 1.5 hours. Or I can make focaccia or other things too... The options are always open. 

This delicious and easy to make pizza dough and pizza as a whole is my go to when I want something fast and a bit junkie because it's really yummy, easy to make and I always have the ingredients in my pantry and fridge. 
And it's still a healthier version of what you can find in pizza joints :) and I know that's always vegan, so that's a big plus! And you can load it with all the good stuff, like tons of veggies, beans, tofu and of course, my sunflower mozzarella, that goes perfectly with it!
Ok, let's see the recipe now!

Ingredients (EN):

Caramel cinnamon rolls (EN/ RO)

These vegan and delicious caramel cinnamon rolls are easy and quite fun to make, and especially to eat while they're not in any way or for a health food. But they are delicious and deserve a try from time to time :)

And they can be healthy if you use a glaze that's not made entirely from sugar :) Maybe some cashew or coconut cream or some vegan yogurt... All of them go really well with cinnamon and all these combos are delicious too!

You don't need to believe my word, you have to try it for yourself and enjoy every bit :)

Ingredients (EN):

Dough:

Vanilla custard and summer fruits tart (EN/ RO)

Fresh summer fruits and a vanilla custard and all vegan? Oh, yes!
And that crumbly and yummy crust is just what you need to hold the tart and provide a little texture...
It sounds really good to me, even now, when I don't really crave or eat sweets, because even if it's a bit sweet it's still fresh and the vanilla custard has a nice zing from the lemon juice, and the fruits are just everything you need on top of this summery tart.
And who doesn't like a dessert that's sweet yet a bit fresh, that's not too guilty of a pleasure and just plain delicious?
And a tart with a vanilla custard is just all that when topped with your favorite fruits (fresh or grilled for a nice twist). Just the perfect summer baked desert!

Ingredients (EN):

Crust:

Vegan steak (EN/ RO)

Lately I saw more than one version of vegan steaks. All of them (the ones I saw, at least) made with wheat gluten, that I actually like. But I always feel the need to make my own recipes or to put my own twist on the recipes that I find and make them my own.
So I had to make my own seitan steaks. Because I can and I like to make my recipes :) And guess what? These "steaks" are delicious and healthier for you than the animal version will ever be. Because they're free of cholesterol, saturated fats and no animal had to die for a steak.
Yes, the steak doesn't taste exactly like a flesh one, but I would not want that! This vegan steak has a nice texture, with just the right amount of chewiness, with some yummy flavors and if you crave meat I think it's a really good substitute.
And also, it's convenient for barbecues, just for a lunch or dinner with the family or for sandwiches or wraps (just cut it into strips). And you can even batter the steaks and make an entirely new dish! Recipe to come in the future! Just stay tuned! :)

Ingredients (EN):

High protein summer bowl

I love hearty meals and I love to cook. But now it's so hot outside that cooking at least for lunch is the last thing on my mind.
So I make a lot of fresh bowls that are also high in protein and some healthy fats. I call them all Buddha bowls because it's just easier. And truly, Buddha bowls can have anything.
I always follow a few base rules: always have greens, some of my favorite veggies and one protein (tofu, tempeh, lentils, beans, chickpeas, seitan...)
Let's see how I make this one (which is my favorite lately).

Ingredients:

Lentil hot pockets (EN/RO)

Do you want something delicious, rich in protein, and that can be a rival for those nasty mince pies?
Then look no more! Ok, jokes aside (ok, not really jokes, but still), you have to try this hot pockets!
They are filled with lentils and veggies, delicious, satisfying and they can be a good idea for a holiday meal. And if you add a sauce you don't need anything else! Maybe just a salad to add some greens to your proteins to make it even healthier :)
But I really think that you can take this for your family holiday meal and everybody will like them! 
And you have another positive aspect: that they are really easy to transport, so if you don't want to make them for a special occasion, you can make them for a work or school lunch also! :)
Also, they are quite easy to make, don't be fooled by the length of the recipe. It's just explained in detail :)
Ok, enough babbling! Let's go to the recipe! 

Ingredients (EN):

Dough:

Fluffy carrot cake (with a coconut frosting) (EN/RO)

I love cakes and breads made with vegetables, like carrot cake or zucchini bread because they are delicious and you get some veggies with your dessert too :)
And why shouldn't I love them? I make them quite healthy, full of nutrients and deliciousness. So I can nourish my body as well as my soul :)
And this is a recipe perfect for spring, because carrots are delicious, crunchy and fresh. And if you celebrate Easter, I believe that this recipe deserves a try!
And you can make a coconut frosting to top the cake if you want. Or you can eat it plain, or with some plant yogurt. Delicious!
Also, it's perfect for morning or for a breakfast or snack on the go if you bake it into mini loaves or muffins.
Let's see the recipe now!

Ingredients (EN):

Apple - kiwi tarte tatin with a chickpea flour crust (EN-RO)

What are you doing when you want something sweet? In my case, I'm making something!
Why? Because I love to cook and I love to know what I put in my food. 
As usually, my desserts (and other foods) are quite easy to make and delicious!
This one is quite high in protein because of the chickpea flour, it's oil free and accidentally gluten free. It has some sugar, but it's a dessert in the end, so it's ok to treat yourself from time to time (or everyday if you want) :)
Also, it's quite cheap and easy to make. And if you don't have (or you don't want to use) kiwi fruits, you can use just apples. It's still gonna be really delicious!
Just try it, you don't have to believe me!
Let's go to the recipe now!

Ingredients (for a 8 in or 20 cm pie dish or tart pan) (EN):

Easy puff pastry recipes for brunch or snack (sweet and savory versions) (EN and RO)

I don't know about you, but when I'm in a hurry and hungry I tend to eat pastries or pies (vegan of course) if I don't pack something from home because they're easy to eat and convenient.

So I thought... Why not make some at home? Even if they're not the healthiest dessert, they're still healthier than the ones you would buy in a regular pastry shop. And I love knowing what I have in them :)

Also, they're easy to make, quite cheap and come in two versions: savory and sweet. 

And they're great to make them one or two days before you need them, but the're not gonna be as crispy after 2 days... Also, you can make them smaller for a party or for a brunch, or bigger for a breakfast or a meal on the go.

Let's go to the recipe now and let me know if you make them :)

For the first time, I want to try something... I'll have the recipe in two languages... Romanian and English. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

Savory version (EN):

Warming chunky split pea and lentil soup

Because even if the calendar says that it's Spring, the weather says that Winter needs more time here. And we need foods that are warming, and cozy.
Who says that global warming is a myth? We can feel it every day... Winter without snow, a Spring that starts later than usual and snow in April... And that's just a small part of what's happening. But we can change things (slowly, I agree). Go vegan today and save animals, yourself and the planet!
Yes, I care about these things and that's why I became vegan almost a year ago. And now I want to share what I know and what I create.
Like this soup. It's hearty, chunky (or you can make it creamy by blending it), easy to make and quite cheap.
Also, it's perfect for meal prep, so you have something tasty and satiating at work or when you come home :)

Ingredients (6 servings):

Chocolate coconut cheesecake

One afternoon I wanted something sweet and creamy yet healthy and easy to make. And I didn't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to make it.

So I started to look in the cupboards and I found a lot of good stuff. And I already had a cup of cashews in the fridge to soak so... "Cheesecake" it is! 

I just started to think of combinations, and I decided that a chocolate "cheesecake" sounds really good and decadent enough to curb my sweet tooth. 

I forgot to take into account the fact that I wanted to film the entire process, take pictures of the cheesecake and film a first taste test. So I got to eat it only the next day, after my husband tried it because at night the light is horrible and I couldn't film the taste test, but it was still amazing!

Ok, enough blabbing, let's go to the recipe now!

Ingredients: (makes about 8 servings)

Crust: