Happy Cinco De Mayo!!

Sugar Skull Cookies!!!!

Soooo I'm a day late, the day of the dead was in fact yesterday. but in my defense I did make these yesterday and it's getting closer to that baking time of year so here's a fabulous cut out cookie recipe that I found.

Cut-out Cookies: (adapted from The Decorated Cookie)

• 2 sticks Earth Balance
• 1c powdered sugar
• 1T flax seed meal + 3T water (or other egg replacer)
• 1t vanilla extract
• 1/2t almond extract
• 2t lemon zest (plus a little juice for good measure)
• 2 1/2c all-purpose flour
• 1/4t salt
• (optional: 4t matcha powder or 2T lavender)

Cream together Earth Balance, and sugar with an electric mixer. Beat in flax mixture, exracts and zest. Then incorporate flour salt (and matcha or lavender). Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 375. Roll out cookies on floured surface cut with cookie cutter place on a baking stoone or lightly greased baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Remove, cool completely and frost! (see below)

Icing

• 2c powdered sugar
• 3t light corn syrup
• 5t non-dairy milk

Mix together in a bowl and adjust as needed to get desired consistency. 

A Little Latin Flair: Roasted Pablano Plantain Tofu Wrap

Today I realized that I've been meat, egg and dairy-free for a little over 6 months now, and I've never felt better. My skin rarely breaks out, and it looks and feels much better than it ever has. The energy I have is a complete 180 from where it used to be. I remember always having trouble waking up in the morning, feeling exhausted by 2 or 3 in the and not being able to sleep at night. All those problems a thing of the past. Bonus for my workouts. My muscles heal faster, and if I get sick, (which is rare) it really only lasts a day or two.

Anything You Can Make, I Can Make Vegan: Chipotle-Rubbed Tofu

 
I love perusing through recipes of all kinds. Meat, no-meat, it doesn't matter to me. I can literally spend hours drooling and day dreaming over dish after dish. I'm also not afraid to cook meat. Even though I don't eat it it doesn't bother me, plus I know that my hubby would be a sad panda if I didn't.

Southwest Cobb

Even though life has been a little crazy as of late and I haven't had time to do as much cooking, I still on average make about 3-4 meals a day. So with less time spent at home I've been in need of amazing breakfasts and energizing lunches that are also quick to throw together.
 

Colombian Breakfast: Calentado

I am absolutely fascinated by food from exotic places. No more so than with Colombian food (I think you guys know why). I've been doing a lot of research on different Colombian recipes and I love that behind every recipe is generations of experience. Grandmothers passing recipes on to mother passing on to daughters. There's something so personal about it while at the same time so comforting and welcoming.

Oven Love: Portovegetable Lasagna

 
Yet another request from and the ever lovely Rachel :) I present to you a dairy-free, egg-free, vegan "cheesy" lasagna. I know it's technically an Italian dish, but to me it's about as American as apple pie. That said it doesn't mean it's not a classic :)

A Hummus of a Different Kind: Kidney Bean Hummus

So this morning I was out of hummus, and I had a half hour to make lunch for me and the husband. Tough, me being me, instead of running to the grocery store (which is exactly one mile away) I decided I would just make my own. Oh also, I was also out of chickpeas (canned/cooked) but what I did have was a can of kidney beans. Hooray for the internet! Because I came across a recipe from here. I only altered it a tad, but not much.

This recipe is a southwestern take on hummus. It turned out great! I've already had 3 servings to myself. Though next time I think I wish add more cayenne and lime juice.

Getting in Touch with My Roots... Sorta: Baked Plantains

Some of you know and some of you may not, but I am originally from Bogota, Colombia. Now, before you go asking me if I can speak Spanish and all that (common question, and the answer is no I cannot) was adopted and thus didn't grow up there.

Fun Fact: Coffee beans are one of Colombia's biggest exports and despite it being my nickname I hate coffee.

Quick Fix with a Mexican Twist: Enchiladas

Mexican food is awesome! Simple and flavorful, but you don't have to go to cheesy themed restaurants just to get your fill.

This recipe takes such little effort, and while cooking takes time you could definitely use canned sauce instead of using the recipe below. I usually have everything on hand in my pantry and its easier for me to make some and save the extra sauce for next time. Also another time saver, make a double batch of the vegetable filling mixture and freeze the extra, That way it's a pinch to reheat toss in some tortillas and bake with the rest of the sauce you made :)