Category Archives: Quick and Easy

Smoky Pumpkin Pasta

Smoky Pumpkin Pasta by Alison's AllspiceI love pasta, and therefore, it is hard to believe that I have not tried this smoky pumpkin pasta before now.  The creamy sauce clings to the pasta in a way that is reminiscent of mac and cheese, but the flavors are more sophisticated.

The pumpkin really elevates the other savory flavors in the dish without getting lost itself.  Its creamy earthy tones are balanced by the smokiness of the paprika, which also brings the smallest touch of heat. Continue reading

Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch

Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch by Alison's AllspiceThis healthy Greek yogurt ranch is better than bottled ranch for a wide variety of reasons. First of all, it tastes better! The yogurt and fresh lemon juice add tang that you would expect from a traditional buttermilk ranch and the fresh herbs have a distinctly bright flavor that you will never get in a bottle. 

Beyond the amazing flavor, this recipe is very easy to make. Simply mix together all the ingredients! I almost always have a tub of Greek yogurt in the fridge, so if you are the same then all you need are the herbs.  Continue reading

Black Bean Taco Dip

Black Bean Taco Dip by Alison's AllspiceI can’t believe that December is in full swing already. This fall has flown by so quickly and now it is practically winter. During the fall, I don’t dive into pumpkin spice season so much. I do, however, love football food season. This black bean taco dip is one that I made repeatedly this year. 

The base for this dip is black beans, seasoned with onion and taco seasoning (garlic, cumin, chili powder and paprika). Then I add salsa to give the dip some more body, and of course flavor.  Continue reading

Purple Sweet Potato and Kale Mini Crustless Quiches

Purple Sweet Potato and Kale Mini Crustless Quiches by Alison's AllspiceFriends, it has been a busy fall as usual (busy but good), and I have not been posting as often as I like to. Today I have a great fall recipe for you to try, purple sweet potato and kale mini crustless quiches, and there will be many more recipes coming once winter break has started! 

So, more about quiches! 

Quiches are supposed to be more custard-like than a fritatta or egg bake because they have more dairy in them.  I love adding cottage cheese for a portion of my dairy because it adds a boost of protein.  The little chunks also create air pockets when baking, so this recipe will yield a light and fluffy quiche.  Continue reading

Grilled Okra with Hot Sauce Aioli

Grilled Okra with Hot Sauce Aioli by Alison's AllspiceA few years ago, I started growing okra in my garden.  It is a beautiful plant that grows very tall with large showy flowers.  My favorite way to use my homegrown okra is to make grilled okra with hot sauce aioli.

Grilled okra is amazing.  It gets tender and carries the smokey flavor of the grill well.  The spice mixture I season it with in this recipe pairs well with its natural earthy flavors as well as the smoky flavor from the grill. Continue reading

Smoked Tofu Schnitzel

Smoked Tofu Schnitzel by Alison's AllspiceI love my homemade smoked tofu recipe, and I love even more finding delicious ways to use it.  This smoked tofu schnitzel is crunchy, chewy, and flavorful.

When I considered trying a tofu schnitzel recipe, I was worried it would be bland, just like tofu.  You can make tofu delicious by letting it absorb other flavors, but simply breading and frying it didn’t seem like that would do the trick alone.

I decided to go with my smoked tofu instead because it is already prepped with loads of flavor.  All you have to do is slice it, bread it, and fry it!  Oh, and perhaps choose a sauce. Continue reading

Healthy Vegan Chickpea Wraps

Healthy Vegan Chickpea Wraps by Alison's AllspiceFall is always very busy for me because it’s the beginning of a new school year.  I rely on easy recipes like these healthy vegan chickpea wraps to help me eat well when I don’t have much time to cook.

For these wraps, I prefer to make a chunky paste out of my chickpeas because whole chickpeas will roll right out of a wrap and are more likely to make a messy eating experience. Continue reading

Dill Pickle Smoked Tofu and White Bean Toasts

Dill Pickle Smoked Tofu and White Bean Toasts by Alison's AllspiceThis recipe for dill pickle smoked tofu and white bean toasts has blown me away.  The flavor profile seems like an unlikely one to fall in love with, but for some reason, it just works.

If you are a dill pickle enthusiast, this recipe is a must try.  Each ingredient has its place in the recipe, but the dill pickle is the one flavor that is most out of place, and is what makes this recipe really unique and special. Continue reading

Tofu Mushroom and Zucchini Kabobs with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

Tofu Mushroom and Zucchini Kabobs with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce by Alison's AllspiceThe end of summer is upon us and it is very hot here.  That means grilling season is here as well! I love to grill when it is hot so that I don’t heat up the house cooking.  These tofu mushroom and zucchini kabobs with creamy chimichurri sauce make a great light meal for the hot weather too.

I loved the brightness of red wine vinegar and fresh herbs that are used in chimichurri.  It is traditionally paired with grilled meats, but is quite delicious with grilled vegetables and tofu. Continue reading

Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Pitas

Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Pitas by Alison's AllspiceThese grilled veggie and halloumi pitas are a summertime favorite when it is too hot to cook in the house.  The halloumi cheese has a delightful squeaky chew and I adore its caramalized flavor off the grill.

My biggest concern when I started experimenting with grilled halloumi was that it would stick to the grill, and it does not!  In my experience, if the cheese isn’t wanting to loosen from the grate, it is not sufficiently browned yet.  It should remove easily when it’s ready to flip. Continue reading