Holiday Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

This is a classic recipe that we usually see at our holiday dinners. But what about us vegans? I for one have always loved green bean casserole, and I finally came to the point where I was wanting to have it at holiday dinners, where I could enjoy it as well. This recipe is very simple to make. Best part is nothing comes from a can, it's all fresh. Mmm. 

I did try this recipe with the canned green beans, but it just didn't have that crispy texture to it. If you're wanting to used canned beans, just use 2 cans instead of the 1 lb. of fresh. But try it with the fresh, it is SO much better.
Either way, don't forget to enjoy your holiday season. 

Recipe:

1 pound green beans, rinsed, trimmed and cut in half

salt to taste

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chopped mushrooms

2 Tbsp flour

3/4 cup vegetable broth

1 cup almond milk ( unsweetened)

1 cup crispy fried onions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large pot add water and bring it to a boil. Once water is boiling add green beans and cook them for 5 minutes. Remove green beans from boiling water and place them in ice water bath to stop the cooking. Drain green beans and put into your casserole dish.

Place a large pot on medium heat, add olive oil, garlic, and onion. Sauté until onions are transparent, about 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms and salt to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. 

Sprinkle in flour and whisk to stir and coat the veggies. Cook for 1 minute, and then add in the vegetable broth, slowly. Add almond milk with a whisk. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it is thick and bubbly. Taste to see if you need more salt.

Remove from heat and pour over green beans. Stir if needed. Place the fried onions on top of green bean casserole. 

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, until it is warmed all over and slightly browned. 

Eat and enjoy! 

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Who said you can't have dessert for breakfast? This may not be dessert, but it sure tastes like it. It's the perfect recipe to wake up to this fall. It takes less than 10 minutes to make this breakfast and is definitely worth it.

Health Benefits:

Oats

Oats are a great source of fiber. In just 1 cup of oats it contains 8 grams of fiber, making it an excellent source of fiber. They contain a range of healthy cholesterol-lowering properties. They have been shown to help coronary artery disease, colorectal cancer, and lower blood pressure.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, which helps to reduce the risk of developing certain types of caner. It often helps to protect against asthma and heart disease. It also may help in delaying aging and body degeneration. It is also good for the heart since it contains fiber, potassium and vitamin C.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a great source of Omega-3, which has been shown to have heart healthy effects. It also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, and is a great source of antioxidants.

Recipe:

1 cup quick oats

1 1/4-1/2 cup water

pinch of salt

1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

2 Tbsp pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

3-4 Tbsp agave nectar

1/4-1/2 cup soy milk (or other milk alternatives)

In a small pan combine oats, water, and salt. Turn burner on a medium heat and allow oats to cook for around 5 minutes. Turn off burner and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir thoroughly, then place into serving bowls. This recipe makes enough for 2-3 people.

My Famous Banana Bread

This recipe is a tough one to give out, simply because it seems to be everyones favorite that I make it for. But instead of wanting all the compliments all to myself, I have decided to share this recipe with you all.

I've had many request for this banana bread. From professors asking for it, request for birthday parties, or just my husband craving it. It's a hit all around. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is. It's so simple! The only hard part is having to wait the hour while it bakes. Try it, I know you'll love it! 

Recipe: 

3 bananas

1/3 cup melted butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoon water mixed with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed

Preheat the over to 350 degrees, and butter a bread pan. In a mixing bowl mash the 3 bananas with a fork until it is smooth. Add the melted butter into the mashed bananas. 

Mix in the baking soda, salt, sugar, vanilla, and flaxseed combination. Finally mix in flour, just until it is completely blended.

Pour the batter into your prepared bread pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. At 50 minutes check the loaf to see if it is finished, by poking a toothpick or knife in the middle of the loaf. If it comes out clean the bread is finished, if it has batter on it, stick the bread back in for the remaining 10 minutes. 

Remove the banana bread from the over and place on a cooling rack. Remove the bread from the pan, and slice and serve. Most importantly, enjoy!