Mushroom Parmesan Baked Brown Rice Risotto

Mushroom Parmesan Brown Rice Risotto by Alison's AllspiceRisotto is one of the most common ways to make rice in Italy.  Once you have tried it, you will completely understand why.  It has a creamy mouthfeel that is not a usual characteristic of rice.  Try my mushroom parmesan baked brown rice risotto to see what I mean.

Traditonally, risotto is made with arborio rice.  It is a short grain white rice that readily releases its starches to produce the creamy texture.  I used brown rice in my version because it is higher in protein and fiber. Continue reading

Trout Piccata with Green Beans and Rice

Trout Picatta with Green Beans and Rice by Alison's AllspiceFriends, do you like foods that are slow cooked in butter until golden brown and cripsy?  Then served with a savory lemon caper sauce?  If you answered yes, you are going to love this trout piccata with green beans and rice!

Picatta is an Italian dish that is traditionally made with chicken that is pounded thin, dredged in flour, browned, and served with a lemon caper sauce and pasta.  Trout makes a perfect pescetarian stand-in for the chicken in this classic dish. Continue reading

Ginger Red Lentil Pumpkin Soup

Ginger Red Lentil Pumpkin Soup by Alison's AllspiceSoup season is in full swing here in the allspice world and I have been playing with lots of recipes; old and new recipes alike. This ginger red lentil pumpkin soup recipe comes from an old favorite that needed a re-do.

Are you a blended soup fan?  I adore blended soups, hence why this recipe is a favorite.  Blended soups turn vegetables into a creamy oblivion that is swoon worthy.  This recipe is no exception.  It also lets me star one of my favorite ingredients: Lentils. Continue reading

Homemade Croutons

Homemade Croutons by Alison's AllspiceOne of my favorite things to order at a restaurant is a salad.  They always have toppings and dressings that make you want to crush that bowl of veggies in front of you.  During covid, I have been craving salads at home.  Therefore I started making my own homemade croutons.

These homemade croutons do not disappoint.  They are loaded with flavor but, the biggest difference in making them homemade is the freshness.  That right-out-of-the-oven savoriness that you cannot beat. Continue reading

Gluten Free Zucchini Tots

Gluten Free Zucchini Tots by Alison's AllspiceHappy New Year everyone!  Today I am having a flash back to the summer months when I had so many zucchini that I didn’t know what to do with them all.  These gluten free zucchini tots were a staple during summer, and area a great way to start the new year!

I am not a new year resolutions person.  It just doesn’t suit me.  I perfer the moto “moderation in everything.”  To me means that you don’t need to feel guilty for life’s small pleasures. Continue reading

Whole Wheat Deep Dish Pizza Dough

Whole Wheat Deep Dish Pizza Dough by Alison's AllspiceI hope you guys are ready for a break from holiday recipes and ready to dive into some pizza!  If you are enjoying time with family this year, pizza is sure to be a hit, and I recommend this whole wheat deep dish pizza dough recipe.

I prefer to have a whole wheat crust on pizza.  Let me explain why.  When you are trying to make a recipe healthier, it is hard to remove tasty ingredients and end up with something you love just as much. Continue reading

Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry

Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry by Alison's AllspiceCurry is a great dish to make in advance for busy nights because the flavors only get better as it sits.  This butternut squash chickpea curry is loaded with vegetables as well as flavor!

I like to prep all the ingredients for this recipe in advance to make it an easy and pleasant cooking experience.  Chopping the butternut squash can be time consuming, and sometimes difficult, so you don’t want to rush for safety’s sake. Continue reading

16 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Lentil Recipes

16 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Lentil RecipesIn the last few weeks, I have posted a few of my favorite lentil recipes.  It made me realize that I needed to make a new “Best Ever Lentil Recipes” post. So here you have it!  These recipes highlight the 16  best vegan and vegetarian lentil recipes that I have experimented with.

Lentils are so healthy they should be considered a superfood. They are super fast and easy to make, which makes them a great option for busy cooks.  They are a great plant-based source of protein that work well in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Continue reading

Lentil Marinara Spaghetti Squash Boats

Lentil Marinara Spaghetti Squash Boats by Alison's AllspiceSpaghetti squash did really well in my garden this summer, therefore, this fall I have been enjoying lots of it.  This lentil marinara spaghetti squash boats recipe has been my favorite way to prepare it.

This is a pretty basic recipe that could easily be bland.  There are a few key ingredients that keep it full of flavor with minimal effort.  First is the basil.  The bright flavor of fresh basil takes this recipe from boring to wow. Continue reading

Lentil Beet Veggie Burgers

Lentil Beet Veggie Burgers by Alison's AllspiceVeggie burgers are a staple around here.  They are not the easiest recipe to perfect, however.  Let me tell you all about how I perfected this lentil beet veggie burgers recipe!

First of all, veggie burgers should not have too many carbs.  You are going to put it on a bun, afterall.  Secondly, veggie burgers should not be devoid of protein.  They are a main dish. Continue reading