Vegan Protein Energy Bars

Vegan Protein Energy Bars

Recipe:Last Minute Protein Energy Bars From:Angela Liddon of Oh She Glows Oh She Glows is one of my favorite blogs and I look forward to every post. Angela is always coming up with excellent healthy …

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Vegan Chopped Kale & Quinoa Salad (Gluten-free)

Vegan Chopped Kale And Quinoa Salad

So, about today’s recipe. When we were in California last fall, we had lunch at a place in Sausalito called The Trident. I had their Kale & Quinoa Salad minus the cheese and it was amazing. I was craving it when we got back, so I attempted my own version.

Since then I’ve made it several times and it has evolved into one of my favorites. I’ve made it for others as well, and the reviews are always great. So, grab some kale, let’s get started.

Vegan Chopped Kale & Quinoa Salad Gluten-free
Vegan Chopped Kale & Quinoa Salad Gluten-free

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Vegan Quinoa Kale Bowl with Mushrooms & Asparagus (Gluten-free) + Butcher Block Giveaway!

Vegan Quinoa Kale Bowl with Mushrooms and Asparagus

I’ve been struggling with food lately. For health reasons I’d rather not discuss right now, I was put on a gluten-free, anti-inflammatory, low-fat, nightshades-free diet. Plus I’m vegan. I felt like there was nothing left to eat.

(Side note. I got about zero results when I googled recipes with these restrictions. Which is why I’m a huge fan of this idea. For $25, you can get 3 months access to their new site, plus 2 holiday eCookbooks. Sweet deal.)

For several days, I ate brown rice with steamed vegetables. And fruit. And gluten-free oatmeal. I made a vegetable soup that was okay, but I grew tired of it quickly. Finally, I started to experiment.

Vegan Quinoa Kale Bowl with Mushrooms & Asparagus Gluten-free + Butcher Block Giveaway!

Using a base of quinoa and finely chopped kale, I came up with a couple of recipes that I quite like. One is an awesome salad that I’ll share with you soon. The other is this Quinoa Kale Bowl with Mushrooms and Asparagus. It’s very healthy and nutritious, but it’s also hearty and flavorful.

Vegan Quinoa Kale Bowl with Mushrooms & Asparagus Gluten-free + Butcher Block Giveaway!

This recipe requires a fair amount of chopping and slicing. Fortunately, I welcome these tasks due to a love affair with my new 14″ round walnut butcher block chopping block from McClure Tables.

When McClure offered to give away two butcher blocks (one for me, one for you), I jumped at the chance to team up for this giveaway. Little did I know it would become my new favorite tool in the kitchen.

Both beautiful and functional, it looks great on my counter even when not in use. And it makes a gorgeous serving piece.

Vegan Quinoa Kale Bowl with Mushrooms & Asparagus Gluten-free + Butcher Block Giveaway!

I have a drawer full of plastic cutting boards. Since receiving my new chopping block, I haven’t used a single one of them. Which means a kitchen purge is just around the corner. ;)  Here are a few of the benefits to choosing a wood cutting board:

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Vegan Cherry Chickpea Wrap (Gluten-free)

Vegan Cherry Chickpea Wrap

Finally. I got some things checked off the to-do list last weekend. Stuff like transitioning Hubs’ old office into a dedicated photo studio/prop room. Hubs’ office is now a small dresser—LOL. Whatever.

He barely used it. This room now has a freshly painted table, two bookshelves full of props (plates, linens, utensils, etc), and various photo equipment. There are a lot of windows, so it’s perfect for using natural light in my food photos. Maybe I’ll snap some pics of it one of these days and share.

So, about this vegan, gluten-free Cherry Chickpea Wrap. This is a dead ringer for chicken salad. I swear, is there anything chickpeas can’t do?

Vegan Cherry Chickpea Wrap Gluten-free

This is a perfect summertime meal. A cool, crunchy, creamy wrap that requires minimal effort and zero cooking. You can even take a shortcut and use vegan mayo instead of making the cashew dressing.

Dress it up with any extras you like—lettuce, avocado, sprouts, tomato, pickles, onions, you name it. It’s great in a lettuce wrap or served on crackers, too. Or you can do what I do—eat it straight out of the bowl.

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Vegan Chopped Power Salad (Gluten-free)

Vegan Chopped Power Salad

I’ve always loved fashion and buying new clothes, but I love it, even more, when I’m at a healthy weight. It’s been a slow journey, but ever since going vegan (February 2012), I’ve s-l-o-o-o-o-o-w-l-y been …

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Vegan Chickpea Ratatouille (Gluten-free)

Vegan Chickpea Ratatouille

Wow. What a week. The Boston Marathon bombing (which continues to unfold as I type this post), the explosion in West, TX, and then storms/flooding in our area. Sure does put our “problems” into perspective, …

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Vegan Quinoa Corn Edamame Salad (Gluten-free)

Vegan Quinoa Corn Edamame Salad

Not just another pretty salad! Not only is it vegan, gluten-free and delicious, but it’s also packed with fiber, protein and calcium. A healthy lunch option that will keep you feeling fuller longer.