Vegan Tortilla Soup

This vegan tortilla soup is super delicious and is the perfect meal on a cool night. It's also a great way to clean out all the veggies in your fridge, feel free to add any vegetables you would like, the variations are endless.

Ingredients:

1 cup of chopped yellow onion

1-2 garlic cloves diced

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1 15.5 oz can of white hominy

1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes

1/2 cup frozen corn

3-4 cups of vegetable broth

1 15 oz can of black beans

1-2 tbsp cumin

Juice of 1 lime

salt, black pepper, chili powder to taste

In a large pot over medium heat warm up about a tbsp of olive oil, add onion and garlic. Saute for about 5 mins, then add the green pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add hominy, diced tomato, corn and seasonings. Give it a good mix then add broth and beans. Bring to a boil then cover and let simmer over low heat for about 45 mins. Right before serving add lime juice and some crushed tortilla chips. Green onion, vegan cheese and cilantro also make tasting toppings.

XO,Ashley

Chocolate Covered Apples&Bananas

Most nights after dinner I get a craving for something sweet, nothing too indulgent just something to satisfying my sweet tooth. These chocolate covered apple and banana slices do the trick they're super easy to make and are so yummy!

Start off by slicing the banana up and placing them in the freezer for at least 30 mins, this will make them easier to handle. For 1 banana and 2 small apples I used 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips. Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and pop it in for a 1.5 to 2 mins. Carefully take it out because it will be really hot and mix it till all the clumps are gone.

Using a fork or your fingers dip the fruit into the chocolate and place on a lined plate. I decided to top mine with some walnuts which add a nice crunch, coconut flakes or sprinkles would be great too!Place them in the fridge for at least 15 mins to harden and then dig in!

XO,Ashley

Baby, it's cold outside.

Okay, so it may not be chilly enough to bundle up in a jacket and boots where I live, but a girl can dream. I've been daydreaming about all things cozy and inviting, so here is a list of a few things I've been loving lately.

How adorable is this Polk-A-Dot drawstring jacket, such a classic timeless piece.

My feet would definitely be warm and protected in these vintage inspired faux-leather lace up boots.

Loving this mustard knitted hat, the pom pom on the top is just darling.

This inviting space looks like the perfect spot to cuddle up to a good book and a cup of tea.

 Nothing is better on a cold day than a big mug of hot cocoa with plenty of marshmallows,yum!

XO,Ashley

Halloween 2013

I can't believe its already November, where did the time go?! October was such a wonderful month full of fun times like Austin City Limits Music Festival, fall shopping and of course Halloween.

These beautiful flowers were a wonderful surprise from my sweet husband. They really help bring fall vibes into my home and they lasted forever!

Of course you cant have Halloween without jack o lanterns, I  loved having these little guys hanging out on my door step.

My husband and I were decaying zombies for Halloween. Can you believe all I used was Kleenex and liquid latex to create those gruesome bloody wounds. 

I made these vegan chocolate chip cookies for a Halloween party, and they were a hit! 

Even though I'm suffering from a bit of post-Halloween depression I'm so excited for the holiday season to start!

XO,Ashley

Good Vegan Eats

With how hectic life can be at times its easy to settle into a routine of the same meals week in, week out. Not that there is anything wrong with things that are good and familiar, but it sure is nice to mix things up every now and again. Here is a list of scrumptious looking meals and treats that I'm really wanting to try.

I bet this shepherds pie taste as good as it looks.

These decadent Banana nut muffin pancakes are happiness on a plate!

I am an avid sandwich lover and this chipotle tofu sandwich is one I can see myself falling head over heels with.

I could easily cozy up to a big ol' bowl of this curry goodness.

My sweet tooth would definitely be satisfied with these heavenly vegan peanut butter cups.

XO,Ashley

Kale Salad With Tahini Dressing

There is only one word to describe this salad and that is delicious. Its perfect for lunch or dinner as a side or main dish. If your trying to incorporate more kale and veggies into your diet this is a tasty way to do so.

Yield:about 4

Tahini dressing:In a small bowl combine

2 tbsp Tahini paste

2 tbsp Maple syrup

2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar

Juice of 1 Lemon

2 tbsp water or as needed

Nutritional yeast to taste

Garlic powder and S&P to taste 

 

Use whatever ingredients you would like or have on hand. This time I decided to use grape tomatoes for sweetness,garbanzo beans to amp up the protein,purple onion for a nice acidic bite and pine nuts for extra crunch.

Mix all the ingredients together and place in the fridge allowing it to chill before serving. 

XO, Ashley

Vegan Snicker-doodle Cookies

Fall is slowly approaching so naturally I've been craving all things associated with this cozy time of year.I do heaps of baking during the fall and usually have a craving for all things pumpkin and cinnamon flavored. These snicker-doodle cookies are absolutely delicious and are so fun to make! Happy baking♥

Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. 

For the cookie dough:

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup corn starch

In a small bowl combine all these ingredients, whisk and set aside.

In a larger bowl combine:

1 stick(4oz.)of softened vegan margarine

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup non-dairy milk (vanilla flavored is best)

Once mixed add in the flour mixture and beat till smooth.

For the cinnamon-sugar combine:

1/2 cup sugar

2-3 tbs cinnamon

Once mixed shape dough into about 1 inch balls and roll it around in the cinnamon-sugar goodness!

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. 

Let cool and dig in!

XO,Ashley

Healthy Vegan Friendly Snacks

When I became vegan I had to re-educate myself in food. At first I thought it would be difficult to find foods that fit into my new lifestyle. After sometime the transition became super simple, I learned how to read labels and understand ingredients. You can find me snacking in between meals to keep my energy up or simply  lounging in front of the T.V. Being vegan is not hard or tasteless, here are some my favorite tasty vegan friendly snacks!

My husband and I are obsessed with hummus, hard to believe at one time he hated the stuff. Hummus is loaded with nutrients and is a great source of protein. There are so many different flavors which are great for sandwiches,wraps,raw veggies or pita chips.

Another great choice is peanut butter which is high in protein,just make sure to get organic because it is lower in sugar. Its great on a piece of whole grain toast,fruit,veggies or just on its own. If you have a nut allergen there are nut     free choices out there too.

My pantry is always stocked with trail mix, its such a staple in my diet. Its so convenient and great for when I'm on the go, not to mention super yummy. There is an insane amount of different mixes now in days at the market, or you could always make your own homemade mix

 

Energy bars are a favorite of mine, there are so many different brands and flavors. Just make sure to read the labels carefully, just because its an energy bar doesn't always mean its healthy. These are my favorite bars lately from Thunderbird energetica, they are absolutely delicious and are locally based here in Austin! If you would like to try them get them here

Smoothies are my go to post work-out snack I use ingredients like kale, bananas and strawberries in mine. Its a great source of nutrients and it gives me a great boost of energy. There are a million different recipes online and its also fun to experiment with your own. The recipe for the ones in the photo can be found here

XO,Ashley