Vegan

My Favorite Vegan Pesto

June 10, 2013 by Erica

My Favorite Vegan Pesto

Oh hello. I am currently in the air on my way from North Carolina to Salt Lake. I was supposed to make the trip last night, but there were flight delays. I got dropped off at the airport in North Carolina yesterday and then had to have my sister come back to the airport and get me… and then drive me back again at 4 AM. BOOOO! That was not the plan. Grumpy traveler over here!

Anyway, let’s talk basil pesto! Fresh basil is tied with strawberries for my favorite summertime produce. I wait all year for it, and when June rolls around and I finally get my hands on some, I make as much pesto as possible.

My Favorite Vegan Pesto

If I’m lucky, I can buy a 4-oz container of basil at my grocery store for $4.99. I do a happy dance every time I see that big container of basil! Just on the inside, though. I already look like enough of a crazy person in the store – I consistently grocery shop either 1) right after working out, 2) when ravenously hungry, or 3) both – so I don’t need to be seen doing a disco in the produce section.

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Spicy Avocado and White Bean Wraps (Vegan)

May 28, 2013 by Erica

Spicy Avocado and White Bean Wraps (Vegan)

We just got back from the most wonderful holiday weekend. Our friends Bill and Aspen got married at the Glasbern Inn in Pennsylvania farm country, and it was truly one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been to. They had an outdoor patio ceremony in front of scenic rolling hills, complete with a herd of cows grazing in the distance! I can’t get over how gorgeous the whole weekend was, and how happy they are together. Take me back!

Well fine, it’s nice to be home, too, as we’ve had quite the travel schedule lately. I don’t have another cross-country flight for the next ten days, so I’m trying to get back on a normal schedule in the meantime. Starting with these delicious avocado and white bean wraps!

Spicy Avocado and White Bean Wraps (Vegan)

If I had a restaurant, these wraps would be on the lunch menu. THAT is how much I love them.

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Simple Cucumber Salad

May 24, 2013 by Erica

Simple Cucumber Salad

I looove cucumbers.

There was a whole summer during college when my dinner almost every night consisted of pasta with olive oil and parmesan and a side of peeled, sliced cucumbers. It was the most “cooking” I could handle as a 19-year-old. Possibly not the most nutritious meal, but totally delicious. If I ever find myself eating that these days, it immediately takes me back. And then I hurry to add a beer or glass of wine to my meal, for old time’s sake. The summer I’m talking about was spent in Berlin, after all.

Simple Cucumber Salad

Given my love of plain cucumbers, it’s no surprise that I’ve always loved this simple cucumber salad, which my mom has made for as long as I can remember. It’s easy, tasty, and refreshing… and does anyone else think cucumbers are kind of fun to slice? It’s the perfect side dish for a Memorial Day barbecue or picnic.

And dare I say that it tastes amazing with steak tips?

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Raw Detox Salad with Apple Miso Dressing

May 22, 2013 by Erica

Raw Detox Salad with Apple Miso Dressing

We’re back from Mexico!

Translation: It’s time for this detox salad.

Raw Detox Salad with Apple Miso Dressing

Did I mention that we leave for a wedding on the East Coast on Friday morning? This is going to have to be some quick detoxing.

We didn’t go too crazy with the food and drink on our little vacation, buuut we were staying at an all-inclusive resort. AKA I had ice cream at lunch everyday (amazing!). Also, one night we tried about four dessert wines. They were reeeeally good. I’m hoping to do a little trip recap later in the week with pictures etc., so stay tuned. In any case, some healthy food can’t hurt over the next few days.

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Massaged Kale and Veggie Salad with Toasted Ramen

May 10, 2013 by Erica

Massaged Kale and Veggie Salad with Toasted Ramen

This was originally supposed to be a soba noodle salad.

The other day at work, I got really fixated on making one. I just knew it would be perfect with the various leftover veggies lurking in my crisper. I wouldn’t even have to go to the store! Major success.

Then I got home and found we had no soba noodles. Major failure.

Massaged Kale Salad with Veggies and Toasted Ramen

So I went to the grocery store. AND THEY ALSO HAD NO SOBA NOODLES.

What. The. Hell.

So back home I went, dug wayyyy to the back of my (very deep) cabinet, and pulled out some ramen noodles. Cha-ching! Salads with ramen noodles are totally a thing. I know because my mom and grandma make one, and that makes them official. And also delicious. A few minutes later, I was digging into this!

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