Peperonata Dip

1 Comment | Written on March 19, 2013 at 12:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

This spicy and smoky concoction of stewed red peppers and tomatoes has become my new favorite go to recipe!  It’s so much more than a dip.  It can be a sandwich spread, a pizza topping, a burger condiment…the list goes on and on.   Did I mention it’s vegan and gluten-free?  Believe me, you need to try peperonata!

Keep reading for the recipe…

Read more

Best Quinoa Recipe Ever – Quinoa and Black Bean Burger Sliders

2 Comments | Written on March 7, 2013 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Last week we took a bit of a detour with the weekly recipe contest and threw our readers a curveball – quinoa.  This “ancient grain” has suddenly become a trendy ingredient.   We received a wide variety of recipe submissions with creative ways to use quinoa, but one unique preparation stood out to our judges, sliders!

These meatless mini-burgers are made with black beans and, of course, quinoa.  They come with a kick because of a spicy mayo spread as well as a jalapeño and corn salsa.  Believe me, you will want to make these “Quinoa and Black Bean Burger Sliders” this weekend!

Keep reading for the winning recipe…

Read more

Gluten-Free Low-Carb Pizzas

3 Comments | Written on January 2, 2013 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

By now I am sure we have all recovered from New Year’s merriment and are ready to take on 2013!   If you resolved to eat healthier this year, but don’t want to give up some of your favorite comfort foods, this recipe is for you.  It tastes like an indulgence, but is a guilt-free choice.  Plus, it just happens to be vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb!

 Keep reading for a healthy way to enjoy pizza in the New Year!  

Read more

Asparagus, Artichoke and Red Pepper Pizza

No Comments | Written on December 26, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I am ready for easy family meals the rest of this week.  In fact, this award-winning pizza recipe from the 2012 Pillsbury Bake-Off is also a great appetizer option for serving guests as we approach New Year’s Eve!

Terri Sherman of Palos Heights, Ill., won $5,000 and $3,000 in GE kitchen appliances at the Bake-Off this year for her “Asparagus, Artichoke and Red Pepper Pizza.  The dish is packed with veggies and has a wonderfully crispy crust that I love.

Keep reading for the recipe…

Read more

Butternut Squash Soup with Tomato Salsa

2 Comments | Written on November 14, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

I love a good soup recipe this time of year.  During the colder months it can be an easy lunch, or even a starter course for a more formal dinner.  The best part of this super simple soup?  It’s only six ingredients!

Keep reading for the recipe…

Read more

How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash

5 Comments | Written on October 23, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Have you ever looked at a spaghetti squash and wondered where to begin?  I mean, how can something resembling pasta come from that crazy gourd!  I am here to break it all down for you.  This is a step-by-step lesson on how to prepare spaghetti squash!

Keep reading for an easy visual tutorial… 

Read more

Spaghetti Squash with Balsamic Vegetables and Toasted Pine Nuts

13 Comments | Written on September 28, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Next time you are craving a big bowl of pasta for dinner, why not try spaghetti squash instead!   It’s very easy to prepare and can even be made quickly in the microwave.  Believe it or not, this hearty meal is vegan, low-carb and even gluten-free!  Even if you don’t haven any dietary restrictions, it is sure to satisfy.   I like that it is packed with colorful veggies and then offers beans for protein and pine nuts for a little crunch!

Keep reading…I think this is a recipe you will want to try!  

Read more

Sweet Corn Cakes with Chickpeas and Goat Cheese

2 Comments | Written on August 30, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

If you are looking for a light dish that embraces the beautiful bounty of summer, then this winning recipe is for you!  The judge’s choice in our recent “corn” recipe contest is a vegetarian main dish that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.  Our winner this week is a retired newspaper writer and also a novelist.  It seems she also has the knack for writing great recipes!  Serve these “Sweet Corn Cakes with Chickpeas and Goat Cheese” along side a fresh garden salad and you can almost taste the sunshine!

Keep reading to see what makes this dish a winner! 

Read more

Summer Squash Saute over Polenta

3 Comments | Written on August 15, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

I look forward to the bounty of zucchini and yellow squash every summer.  These are two of my favorite vegetables and I am always looking for new ways to prepare them at mealtime.  This recipe is fast, colorful and just happens to taste great when served with a crisp Pinot Grigio.

Keep reading to see the recipe for Summer Squash Saute over Polenta!

Read more

Slice and Serve Party Sandwiches

4 Comments | Written on July 25, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Summer parties can be tough on vegetarians.  We carnivores love to throw every kind of meat on the grill, and host backyard barbecues with little or nothing delicious to serve our veggie loving guests.  Not anymore!  These simple and delicious “Slice and Serve Party Sandwiches” will wow your vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests alike.

Keep reading for the recipe!

Read more