Cranberry Date Protein Bars

Posted on August 27, 2022 | Leave a comment

Cranberry Date Protein Bars by Alison's AllspiceThis cranberry date protein bars recipe was developed from a sugar-free, fat-free version that was made with a lot of processed ingredients.  I cleaned up the recipe and made it mostly plant-based, while keeping the protein just above 10 grams per bar and it is still a low-fat and low-sugar recipe.

These protein bars are dairy free and nut free, but not vegan or soy free.  I use eggs and soy milk because they really increase the protein content of these bars and are not ingredients that need avoided by people without dietary restrictions. Continue reading →

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Posted in Vegetarian Main Dish

Caper Dill Potato Salad with Green Beans

Posted on August 20, 2022 | Leave a comment

Caper Dill Potato Salad with Green Beans by Alison's AllspiceOne of the things I love most about gardening is that it helps me be get creative in the kitchen.  The green beans in my garden have been growing well this season, and here I add them to an addicting potato salad, caper dill potato salad.

Bountiful produce tends to push you as a home cook.  For me, I love to find new ways to use familiar ingredients; it keeps things interesting at dinner time. Continue reading →

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Posted in Gluten Free Dishes, Salad, Side Dish

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No Peel Slow Cooker Marinara

Posted on August 14, 2022 | Leave a comment

No Peel Slow Cooker Marinara by Alison's AllspiceI always have an abundance of tomatoes at the end of gardening season.  I stay very busy at the end of gardening season as well with back to school and fall events so I appreciate this no peel slow cooker marinara recipe that allows me to use my tomatoes with minimal effort!

This recipe cooks for a total of 8 hours on high in the slow cooker (with one required stir).  Most recipes in the slow cooker don’t cook on high for that long, but it is necessary with the marinara. Continue reading →

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Posted in Condiments and Spreads

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Smoked Tofu Summer Rolls

Posted on August 6, 2022 | Leave a comment

Smoked Tofu Summer Rolls by Alison's AllspiceI can’t believe how fast the summer has gone, school starts in only a few weeks! I had to share these smoked tofu summer rolls before summer is over.  They are a fresh, light meal that can be easily made without heating up your kitchen!

I like to use the smoked tofu in my summer rolls because it is already cooked.  You could probably use “raw” tofu straight out of the package, but the smoked tofu has better texture and it adds more flavor. Continue reading →

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Posted in Asian, Gluten Free Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian Main Dish

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Simply Marinated Tempeh for Salads Sandwiches and Wraps

Posted on July 30, 2022 | 4 comments

Simply Marinated Tempeh for Salads Sandwiches and Wraps by Alison's AllspiceThis simply marinated tempeh can be used in all sorts of ways.  I like to use it for salads, sandwiches and wraps.  The marinade is made from fridge and pantry staples so it is easy to whip up when you are planning on the fly.

Cubes are best for salads, but slices are best for sandwiches.  For wraps, you could go either way, but I prefer the slices. Continue reading →

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Posted in Gluten Free Dishes, Salad, Sandwich, Vegan, Vegetarian Main Dish

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What I’m Cooking This Week 7/24/22

Posted on July 24, 2022 | Leave a comment

What I'm Cooking This Week 7/24/22I have a process that I use when I menu plan, and when I was planning what I’m cooking this week 7/24/22, I naturally started moving through the progression of my process.  Therefore, I thought it would be a good discussion topic for this week’s post.

How to start the process of menu planning

Tip #1: Go through the fridge.  Make a list of all the ingredients that need used up and pull them to the front so they are front of mind as well.  Don’t forget the check the freezer as well!

The next step from here involves finding or being familiar with recipes that use those ingredients. I love to read about recipe development and cooking, and I am a food blogger so this is natural for me to have lots of back-pocket recipes to pull out for all kinds of ingredients.  So, how should someone else start the process? Continue reading →

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Posted in What I'm Cooking This Week

Lemon Feta Vinaigrette

Posted on July 23, 2022 | Leave a comment

Lemon Feta Vinaigrette by Alison's AllspiceI love to add feta to my salads.  Especially when I use a vinaigrette, the feta adds something creamy.  I often find myself dumping tons of feta onto my salad because I want a little feta in every bite.  This lemon feta vinaigrette solves that issue.

The feta is blended right into the dressing so end up getting a little bit coating every leaf and vegetable in your salad.  It turns into a less is more situation. Continue reading →

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Posted in Condiments and Spreads, Quick and Easy, Salad

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Smoked Tofu Burgers

Posted on July 16, 2022 | Leave a comment

Smoked Tofu Burgers by Alison's AllspiceThe first time I made this smoked tofu burger, I was surprised at how well the patty held its form.  There are many veggie burgers that crumble and fall apart, even with the egg.  This burger however, does not.

The texture of this burger was much different than a traditional veggie burger, too.  Most burgers made with beans and/or grains have a mushy texture, and we die-hard vegetarians choose to love them for what they are anyway.  This burger, however, has a spongy texture that is broken up by the little pieces of nuts and seeds. Continue reading →

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Posted in Burger, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian Main Dish

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Smoky Swiss Chard Polenta Bowls with Toasted Chickpeas

Posted on July 11, 2022 | Leave a comment

Smoky Swiss Chard Polenta Bowls with Toasted Chickpeas by Alison's AllspiceI love to use polenta to make bowls because it is so creamy and dreamy!  I topped these polenta bowls with smoky swiss chard and toasted chickpeas.  Lets discuss the toppings!

I have a love hate relationship with swiss chard.  It comes in so many beautiful colors which attract me to it as a vegetable.  It is also very nutritious.  So what’s to hate?  Swiss chard can be bitter.  Cooking helps, but it lacks texture when cooked.  Continue reading →

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Posted in Gluten Free Dishes, Grains, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian Main Dish

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What I’m Cooking This Week 7/4/22

Posted on July 4, 2022 | Leave a comment

What I'm Cooking This Week 7/4/22I am an avid menu planner, and I have often thought about sharing what I’m cooking this week as inspiration for you all.  It is fun to look back at all the recipes that are on the blog and remember some old favorites.

If you are new here, you might find a few fresh ideas as well.  I also plan to share some tips on how I prep food for multiple meals throughout the week and use up ingredients from the fridge.  The tips below help me cut back on time spent, dirty dishes, and reduce food waste! Continue reading →

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Posted in What I'm Cooking This Week