Maple Pecan Tart

Pecan pie is a wonderful, old-fashioned dessert perfect for Thanksgiving. This recipe substitutes maple syrup for the corn syrup usually used in pecan pie, and while this is still a rich dessert, pecans are full of antioxidants and good fats!

1 large egg yolk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon water
2 cups pecan halves, divided
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
½ teaspoon salt, divided
2 large eggs
½ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons dark rum (optional)
⅓ cup dried cherries, chopped (raisins can be substituted if desired)

See the entire recipe and directions at Eating Well.

Roasted Green Beans, Mushrooms, and Onions

Forget the gross canned green bean casserole this Thanksgiving and wow your guests with these gourmet (and simple to make) green beans for a fresh take on the Thanksgiving staple!

1 1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed
1 medium red onion, sliced into rings
8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
8 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 c. fresh bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
Juice and zest of 1 lemon

See the entire recipe and directions at Delish.

Pumpkin Oat Bran Muffins

This is a fantastic, high fiber recipe that's perfect for fall! Oat fiber is good for the heart, and pumpkin is full of antioxidants!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1⁄2 cups unprocessed oat bran
1⁄2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed pumpkin
1⁄2 cup milk or nondairy milk
2 egg whites, lightly beaten (or substitute for 1 egg, beaten)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
vegetable oil cooking spray

See the entire recipe and directions at The Genius Kitchen.

Dairy Free Caramel Apples (Allergen Friendly)

These caramel apples are perfect for Halloween and are great for kids (and adults!) with food allergies!  This recipe is dairy, gluten, soy, and nut free!

Ingredients:

1 cup Earth Balance soy free vegan buttery spread
2 cups light brown sugar packed
1 cup light organic corn syrup*
11 ounces full fat coconut milk*
1/4 teaspoon salt
10-12 tart apples

*Note: Many people with tree nut allergies can safely consume coconut milk, but if necessary for allergies, feel free to substitute another non-dairy milk for the coconut milk.

See the entire recipe and directions at The Pretty Bee.

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

This is a nice fall treat that's perfect for a breakfast or snack!

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin puree
1.5 cups almond milk
2 bananas, peeled
1 cup ice cubes
1 Tablespoon ground flaxseeds and/or hemp seeds
¼ cup (gluten-free) regular rolled oats (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg

*optional: stevia or maple syrup to taste

See the entire recipe and directions at In Sonnet's Kitchen.

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

This recipe is delicious and makes wonderful use of the peppers and tomatoes available at Farmer's Markets- plus it's gluten free!

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly and drained
2 cups filtered or spring water
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
¾ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (see note)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder, plus more as needed
¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed
¼  teaspoon turmeric
4 large sweet red, yellow, or orange peppers
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)

See the entire recipe and directions at Laura Theodore.

Simple Hummus Lettuce Wraps

Disclaimer: This is barely a recipe.  It is delicious, however, and sometimes we need a reminder of simple, delicious foods to eat that really don't take much time at all. 

We have a large selection of hummus on sale at the store (50% off while supplies last!) in different varieties that are perfect for making your own lettuce wraps. They're even good for picky child eaters since they can assemble them entirely on their own.

What You’ll Need:

Butter Lettuce (also called “Living Lettuce”)
Large Carrots
Cucumber
Baby Bell Peppers.
Fresh Basil
Fresh Cilantro
Your choice of Hummus
Kosher salt

See more information at directions at Treats with a Twist.

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast on a hurried morning or as a healthy snack on the go. The recipe is also easily customizable for your family's own specific tastes!

Ingredients:

2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup whole wheat flour (gluten free flour can be substituted if needed)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond, but any kind will do nicely)
3 tablespoons honey*
2 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or crunchy—I used natural creamy)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 medium banana, quartered and diced

See the entire recipe and directions at Well Plated.

Summer Salad with Amaranth and Chickpeas

Amaranth is a grain well known in Mexico and Guatamala, but less so in the United States, which is unfortunate, since it's a fantastic, high protein, gluten free grain. Amaranth is a tiny grain that can be boiled like rice or quinoa, but it can also easily be popped like popcorn! This is a simple recipe that is a delicious introduction to a grain that definately deserves more notoriety!

Ingredients:

½ cup cooked ( via package instructions) amaranth and ¼ cup toasted Amaranth
2 cups diced cucumber, seeds removed
½ cup finely chopped red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
¼ cup toasted amaranth
2 tablespoons canola blend salad oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 can Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)

See the entire recipe and directions at Growing Up Bilingual.

Zucchini Smoothie

If you grew zucchini in your garden this year, this is the time that it's likely your kitchen is overflowing with them! Here's a new way to use them! Although it may sound strange, zucchini's mild flavor is very nice and creamy in a smoothie recipe.

Ingredients:

1 organic banana, peeled
1 large organic apple, cored
1 organic zucchini, chopped
4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

See the full recipe and directions at Incredible Smoothies.

Also, here's a chocolate zucchini recipe that's really tasty too!

Persian Wheat Berry Breakfast Pudding

This is an exotic breakfast recipe that uses ancient grains and is spiced deliciously with rose water, anise and cinnamon. It's definitely one to try, plus it's full of protein and fiber! 

Ingredients:

1 cup rinsed wheat berries

1/2 cup sugar*

2 cups blanched almonds, broken walnuts, shelled pistachios and pine nuts

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds or cranberries

1 tablespoon ground anise

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon orange flower or rose water

*Note: this recipe uses quite a lot of sugar as written, though that amount can be drastically reduced if desired.  Also, honey or maple syrup can be substituted.

See the full recipe and directions at Green Prophet.

Anti-inflammatory Ginger & Citrus Smoothie

This anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe is as delicious as it is good for you- its a great way to start the day!

Ingredients:

1 medium banana
2 medium oranges, peeled
½-inch knob of fresh ginger
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon Natural Calm Magnesium Powder, lemon flavor (optional)
2 tablespoons cashews
½ cup water
½ cup ice
Cayenne pepper

See the entire recipe and directions at Calmful Living.

One Bowl Lemon Cake

This is an amazing, low sugar cake recipe that's perfect for summer! 

Ingredients:

1/3 cup lemon juice
zest of one lemon
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp yogurt, such as coconut milk yogurt
1/3 cup oil (60g)
2 cups spelt, white, or GF all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp each: baking soda and salt
1 cup unrefined sugar or xylitol
Optional Frosting: Beat together just the thick cream from two cans of coconut milk with 2 tsp lemon juice, pinch stevia or 6-8 tbsp powdered sugar, and 2 tsp lemon zest

See the entire recipe and directions at Chocolate Covered Katie.

Vegan Superfood Detox Salad

This salad has such a delicious and unique combination of flavors- plus it's absolutely great for you!

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 can garbanzo beans (or 2 cups cooked garbanzo beans)
2 cups mixed berries
5 ounces arugula
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Cashew-Cilantro Dressing
⅓ cup cashews
½ cup water
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
¼ teaspoon sea salt

See the entire recipe and directions at Calmful Living.

Gooey Chocolate Coconut Banana Bread

This bread is fantastic for when you want something sweet while still keeping healthy!  It's great for a chocolaty snack too!

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cup overripe mashed banana  
2 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp coconut extract (omit if desired)
1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup canned coconut milk (not coconut milk beverage)
3 1/2 tbsp coconut butter OR 2 tbsp milk of choice
2/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey or agave
1/8 tsp uncut stevia OR 1/4 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup spelt, white, or Bob’s GF Flour, loosely packed  
1/2 cup shredded coconut, optional
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips in the batter, plus regular chips for decoration, optional

Read the entire recipe and directions at Chocolate Covered Katie.

Easiest Watermelon Smoothie

This smoothie is perfect for summer- for adults and kids alike! We have been drinking this ALL THE TIME- my daughter is a huge fan. The nice thing is that it's so easy to make- every time you cut a fresh watermelon, put a few ziplock bags of watermelon chunks in the freezer and you'll be good to go!

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen cubed watermelon
1 cup water
2 tablespoon of raw honey

optional: stevia to taste (it's definitely tastier for kids with a bit of added stevia)
optional: a few leaves or fresh mint, or any herb in your garden 

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.  

Add stevia to taste if desired (stevia is an all natural sugar-free sweetener that has become my new secret weapon in convincing my daughter to drink "healthy smoothies"). It changes this recipe from being moderately tasty to something that tastes like it came from Starbucks.

Add a straw and enjoy, preferably sitting outside in the sun!

Avocado and Three Bean Salad

This is a wonderful salad to bring to backyard get-togethers this summer! It's quick to put together and is bursting with flavor, plus it's high in plant protein and fiber!

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained (or substitute fresh)
1 large orange or red bell pepper, diced
12 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 large avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
juice of 2 limes
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, mashed or finely diced

See the entire recipe and directions at Noble Pig.

Hemp Seed Energy Bites

These are the perfect size for a snack on the go or to tuck into lunchboxes, plus these little bites are low in sugar and high in omega-3's!

Ingredients:

1 cup gluten-free oat flour*
½ cup nut butter
⅛ cup hemp hearts, divided
¼ cup maple syrup
⅛ cup Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
dash of sea salt

*Oat flour can be easily made by grinding oats in a blender or food processor

See the entire recipe and directions at Skinnyfitalicious.

Dairy Free Alfredo Pasta Sauce

This is a great dairy free sauce that's much healthier (and significantly lower in calories) than the original.  I won't say that it's exactly the same as its the original, but it's a nice, healthy alternative!

The original recipe was made for two servings, but I scaled it up to use a whole cauliflower and an entire package of pasta.

INGREDIENTS:

3 clove of garlic
1bs extra virgin olive oil
3 cup cauliflower (100 grams
2 1/4 cup almond milk (175 milliliters)
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1.5 tablespoon lemon juice
12 ounces uncooked pasta (gluten-free if necessary)

See the entire recipe and directions at Simple Vegan Blog.

Orange Wheatgrass Snoothie

Wheatgrass is an incredibly nutrient dense superfood, while still being mild tasting and slightly sweet. This recipe uses simple, easily available ingredients to make a tasty smoothie that's a great way to start the day!

1/4 cup water or coconut water
1/2 cup non dairy milk
1/4 cup fresh wheatgrass OR 1/4 teaspoon wheatgrass powder
1 orange or 2 tangerines
1/2 banana, frozen
1/2 cup ice

See the full recipe and directions at Blender Babes.