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

10 Ways to Use Smoked Tofu

10 Ways to Use Smoked Tofu by Alison's AllspiceMy homemade smoked tofu recipe is one of my all-time favorite ways to use tofu.  It is also one of the most-read recipes on the blog, and for a good reason, it is delicious!

For years I have been experimenting with different ways to use smoked tofu after I cook up a big batch in smoker on the patio.  I have two favorite ways to use it in recipes. Continue reading

Cherry Tomato Chickpea and Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner

Cherry Tomato Chickpea and Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner by Alison's AllspiceThe end of tomato season is just about here for my garden, which means that now is the time that my tomatoes are the most abundant.  We put this cherry tomato chickpea and shrimp sheet pan dinner on the rotation several times before I got it just right.

First, I tried the recipe without the shrimp for a vegetarian version and I felt like it was missing some texture.  I pondered for days about what vegetable to add before I decided to try shrimp instead. 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

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad by Alison's AllspiceI have a secret to tell you.  I love making bread, and I have been making a lot of sourdough lately.  So much that I have to find inventive ways to use it to keep my supply fresh, like topping this lemon parmesan kale salad with toasted sourdough breadcrumbs.

Lemon parmesan is a classic pairing of flavors that cannot be beat.  Fresh lemon is bright and refreshing while parmesan is full of rich umami.  Adding toasted breadcrumbs takes this simple salad to the next level. 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