Stuffed Butternut Squash

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Step 1: Make the wild rice. I always cook it in stock with some dried mushrooms for extra flavor.

Step 2: Roast the squash! I cut a butternut lengthwise, scooped out the seeds, and then liberally brushed it with oil. I cracked some salt and pepper on it before roasting it at 450°F. About 10 minutes before it was done, I added the stuffing to the inside of the squash and continued to roast it until a little crispy on top.

Step 3: Top it! I used pine nuts (always toasted pine nuts) and ATK’s potato-based nacho cheese sauce.

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The 91st Academy Awards

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For me, it’s the favourite season of the year…awards season! Can you ever forgive me? Come over to my apartment on a Sunday night (or late afternoon for you red carpet fashion fiends) to party with me and revel in the self-congratulating pageantry that is the Academy Awards. Without a host for the first time since the Cold War, the telecast is promised to be under three hours. Never look away or else you might miss the action! It will be incredible, too.

Feel free to come solo, or bring a friend to help you indulge in your favorite vices: aromatic vegan appetizers and stiff cocktails. I’ll have enough for everyone, so no need to shoplift pretzels from the gas station (unless you really want to). I’m trying extra hard to make sure the party is plastic-free and green! Book your RSVP now so I know how much food/drink to prepare.

Wear whatever you want! I bet Lady Gaga will be in something weird (Bohemian-chic?), but I’ll just be in a suit with a black pant. Her antics aside, Gaga seems like she’s just on the border of taking home her first Oscar this year!

100% vegan (of course) spread included:

  • mushroom and leek tartlets,
  • basmati-mint-lemon dolmas from scratch
  • tofu chèvre – one lavender, one herbed
  • faux gras
  • sea salt + chocolate popcorn
  • assorted antipasti

Drinks on the menu:

  • French 75
  • Cody Martini
  • Moscow Mule
  • Kentucky Mule

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Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese

Recipe

Yield about 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1 to 2-inch thick chunks(use precooked potato if available)
  • solid cream from 1 (13.5 ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk
  • 2/3 cup nutritional yeast flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • red pepper flakes, for garnish,
  • optional 1 cup fresh pico de gallo (rotel substitute)

Directions Place the peeled sweet potato chunks into a small pot and cover with water. Cover with a lid and place on the stove over medium heat. Bring the water to a boil and let simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sweet potato pieces are easily pierced with a fork.

Drain the water off the potatoes. Immersion blender option: return the drained pot of potatoes to the stove and place over low/medium heat. Add HALF of the coconut milk and the rest of the ingredients to the pot. Use an immersion (or “stick blender”) to blend the nacho cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Add more coconut milk cream to the pot, blending as you go, until it has a consistency you like.

Transfer to a crockpot over “warm” setting for a party dip or keep covered and warm on the stove until serving.

Food processor (or blender) option: place the drained potatoes in a food processor or blender. Add HALF of the coconut milk and the rest of the ingredients to the pot. Blend the nacho cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Add more coconut milk cream, blending as you go, until it has a consistency you like.

Transfer to a crockpot over “warm” setting for a party dip or return to the stove to keep covered and warm until serving. Optional: stir in 1 cup of fresh pico de gallo for a dip and/or garnish with red pepper flakes. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Be sure to warm thoroughly again before serving.

Found at http://fedandfit.com/paleo-nacho-cheese/

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