Homemade Nachos

Being vegan doesn't mean missing out, you can have all your favourite foods just using alternative ingredients. I love nachos and they are easy to make without using dairy. 

I bought some ready prepared tortilla chips from Sainsburys then made the topping. I did this by chopping two salad tomatoes, half a green pepper, half a red onion and adding a tablespoon of red wine vinegar. For those who like more spice you can add jalapenos and possibly even lemon juice. I like fresh vegetables but the ready made salsa from Sainsburys' own brand is also vegan which can be used. I then grated Violife vegan cheese and heated it under the grill for a couple of minutes. 

And there you have it, a classic snack made vegan. There is nothing that can't be transformed into a plant based, cruelty free version. It's perfect for snacking whilst studying! 

Sunday Scones

Sunday Scones

What's better on a Sunday afternoon than a cup of tea and a Scone? This simple vegan recipe will prove that you don't need dairy to create a classic and you can make the perfect light and fluffy scones to treat your family and friends. This is the perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea on a Sunday...or any day for that matter. This recipe is quick and easy but will create a delicious classic. You could also try them with vegan cream or different flavours of jam, the possibilities are endless and you might be surprised when you taste them that they are vegan! 

Ingredients:

• 8oz self raising flour
• 2oz sugar (for flavour but can be omitted)
• 2oz non-dairy butter (try using Pure or Vitalite)
• 150ml unsweetened almond milk (other non dairy milks can be used)
• a little water to mix
• non-dairy butter and raspberry jam to top

Recipe: (Makes around 12 small scones)

1. Heat the oven to Gas Mark 8
2. Mix the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl
3. Add the butter, in small pieces, and rub it into the flour with your finger tips to create a breadcrumb like mixture
4. Make a hole in the centre and pour in the milk- mix it to form a dough
5. Add a little water if needed to create the dough
6. On a floured plate or surface knead the dough
7. Roll out the dough and use a circular cutter to create the scones
8. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper
9. You can brush the scones with milk or flour before baking to create a nice golden look
10. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until risen and golden on top
11. Leave to cool, then cut and add butter and jam   

Cauliflower Mince

I am moving away from using vegan frozen mince and introducing more whole foods into my diet. This is because whole foods are far more nutritious than any processed food, not to mention cheaper. In meals where I would usually use mince I have substituted it for cauliflower. This vegetable can become an amazingly hearty mince for dishes such as spaghetti bolognese or curry. 

You might not believe that a cauliflower can be transformed into mince but it is actually such a simple process, simply wash, chop and blend the cauliflower in a food processor. It ends up resembling bread crumbs. This can then be cooked in a sauce of your choice. 

I used it in a pasta sauce along with mushrooms and onion to create a vegan spaghetti bolognese. It is absolutely delicious and the cauliflower takes minutes to cook in the sauce. It makes the meal very filling, making it perfect for family dinners. It is also a healthy alternative to shop bought processed foods. Plus using vegetables makes the meal inexpensive, vegan food really can be cost effective. Try serving it with wholemeal pasta for a delicious, healthy and filling meal. 

Oat and Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies are an amazing snack. They are easy to make, filling and a firm favourite. These oat and seed chocolate chip cookies are delicious with the added health benefits of seeds and oats mixed in. I love guilt free snacks and these are quick to make, tasty and will make you popular with all your friends. I made them into bite sized biscuits but you can make larger ones too if you don't like to share! 

You will need: 

• 4oz dairy free butter
• 4oz brown sugar
• orgran no egg, egg replacer (equivalent of 1 egg) 
• 4oz oats 
• 2tbsp of mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, linseed)
• 2tbsp chai seeds
• 5oz flour 
• 1 packet of dark chocolate chips (about 100g) 

Instructions: 

• Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 5
• Cream the butter and sugar together
• Mix the egg replacer and water in a separate bowl (follow the packet instructions to replace 1 egg), add this to the mixture and stir in
• Add the oats and seeds
• Add the flour and mix until a thick dough is formed and all the flour is mixed in
• Add the chocolate chips and stir until evenly mixed
• Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture out and place on a baking tray lined with grease proof baking paper
• Flatten the balls with a fork
• Bake in a hot oven for around 15 minutes, leave for 5 minutes longer if you like them browned 
• Leave to cool on a wire rack

This mixture makes around 16 small biscuits, which can be stored in an air tight container and enjoyed over a few days, however the mixture can also be used to make biscuits of any size. 

It is also very versatile recipe as the seeds can be replaced with chopped nuts and the chocolate can be taken out if you prefer plain biscuits. The best part about them is they are vegan and delicious! These will shock your non vegan friends. Let me know if you try the recipe in the comments and enjoy the cookies! 

Vegan Flapjack Recipe

You only need four ingredients for these delicious vegan flapjacks. They are delicious, filling and a great snack. 

You will need: 

• 3oz of dairy free butter (I used Pure olive spread)
• 3oz of brown sugar 
• 2tbsp of Agave nectar
• 6oz oats 

1. Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 6
2. Melt the butter in a pan on a low heat 
3. Add the sugar and stir until mixed with the melted butter 
4. Add the agave nectar and stir in
5. Add in the oats with the pan still on a low heat, mix in until all the oats are covered 
6. Add the mixture to a lined baking tray (I used a loaf tin which fitted the mixture) 
7. Cook on the middle shelf of the preheated over for 15-20 minutes until the flapjacks are turning lightly golden brown

These flapjacks are lovely hot but will be soft when they are eaten straight from the oven, left to cool the flapjacks harden and will be nice later on or the following day. 

This recipe is so quick and simple. It can also be used as a base for adding other ingredients. Add fruit such as chopped dates, dried apricot or berries for added flavour and a healthier bar or add dark chocolate chips for a dessert recipe. The agave nectar gives the flapjacks a sweet taste and these are perfect to take on a picnic or as a snack to bring to work, they are much cheaper than shop bought flapjacks and take no time at all to prepare. 

Scrambled tofu, sweet potato and spiralized courgette salad

Vegan Meal Idea- Scrambled tofu, sweet potato and spiralized courgette salad. This healthy, quick meal is a perfect combination for a tasty evening meal. I love scrambled tofu and believe it is not just a breakfast choice, it is high in protein and contains magnesium and calcium. Try adding red onion and avocado to it for flavour and season with your favourite spices. Sweet potato is a great addition to any meal, it has a naturally sweet flavour meaning it can simply be boiled for around 20 minutes and added to the dish. I have posted a recipe for my raw courgette salad, this makes a great raw lunch and any left overs can be used along side your evening meal. I like meals that are quick to prepare and healthy and it is possible to do both. Try adding different items to any meal to make it healthier and full of nutrients and most importantly filling. Vegans definitely don't just eat rabbit food. 

Avocado and Broccoli Potato Salad

Left overs can quickly be used to create healthy meals. This Avocado and Broccoli potato salad is made from left overs from the previous nights dinner. By adding a few extra ingredients and herbs you can create a healthy lunch or delicious side salad to have with a meal. 

You will need: 

* boiled potatoes 
* Half and avocado
* chopped red onion
* cooked broccoli 
* mixed Italian herbs

Simply fry all the ingredients in a pan using fry light (the potatoes and broccoli should already have been boiled until soft.) 

Add herbs and cook until the potatoes are brown

Fry the onion first, followed by the potatoes then the broccoli and avocado. 

Serve. 

This is such a simple salad to make but it tastes amazing, chilli flakes or yeast flakes can be added for extra flavour. 

Homemade Brown Bread Recipe

This simple brown bread recipe is great for anyone new to baking. It only needs a few ingredients making a loaf cheap and easy. Fresh, home made bread is delicious, you may not want to go back to shop bought bread after mastering the art of making your own. 

You will need:

• 350g Wholemeal flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1tsp sugar
• 1tsb Yeast
• 200ml warm water 

Instructions: 

•  Mix the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a bowl
• Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm water mixing to form a soft dough, adding a little more water if needed
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic
• Shape into an oblong and place in a greased loaf tin
• Cover with oiled cling film and place in a warm place for an hour, or until the dough has risen to the top
• Glaze with a tiny amount of non dairy milk (e.g. Oat milk) 
• 15 minutes before baking pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 6
• Bake for 35 minutes, until the bread is risen and lightly browned, you can take it out of the tin and return to the oven for 5 minutes if you want the sides to be browned 

Leave for 1 hour to rise in a warm place- this can be near a radiator or hot oven, it may take longer to rise depending on how warm it is. Make sure the bread rises before baking

The bread doesn't need a glaze but using a non dairy milk will stop the top from browning too much, you can easily glaze the bread by taking a teaspoon of oat milk and brushing over the top 

Home made bread is delicious, you can eat it hot or save it until the next day

The finished product, Try it with butter and jam for a savoury snack that tastes like a dessert 

Jam Biscuits- Simple Recipe for a delicious treat

If you are a fan of Jammy Dodgers you will love this recipe. It is so quick and simple and uses minimal ingredients but creates a delicious dessert. 

You will need:

• 4oz vegan butter (eg. Pure or Vitalite) 
• 2oz Sugar
• 6oz plain flour 
• Raspberry jam to fill 

Instructions:

• Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until smooth
• Add the flour and mix to make a firm dough 
• Knead the dough briefly until smooth and then shape into a ball
• Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes (Wrap it in cling film or store in an airtight container) 
• Once chilled roll the dough out and cut using a biscuit cutter. You can use any shape you want but they all need to be the same
• Transfer to a baking sheet using either baking paper or a greased tray cook the biscuits in a preheated oven on the middle shelf at gas mark 6
• Cook for 10-15 minutes until the biscuits are turning golden brown- you can turn them over half way through to ensure even cooking
• When cooled add the jam and sandwich together or cut the circles in half and sandwich each half depending on how many you want to make

The biscuits before cutting, you can sandwich them together like this to make larger biscuits or cut in half

Seedless jam is nice to use as it creates a smooth filling for the biscuits 

Only minimal ingredients are used so it is a simple recipe to try 

These biscuits really taste like Jammy dodgers but the home made version has no additives and is all natural ingredients

The biscuits themselves are soft and crumbly and so easy to make! Who needs shop bought snacks! 

This is a great recipe for anyone new to biscuit making, it is a cheap and easy way to practise your baking skills and these make amazing gifts as they look and taste great

Scrambled tofu

For a quick and easy meal try scrambled tofu on toast. It's usually thought of as a breakfast meal but it is a great idea any time of day. Quick to make and full of protein this is one idea that you can use when you don't have the time to cook or have had a busy day and want something filling an healthy. 

Start of with a base of red onion and chopped spinach. I use fry light to cook anything that needs frying as it is healthier than using a lot of oil. If you prefer you can use white onions- it is a versatile meal that you can add anything to and adapt to suit your tastes. 

Add broken up pieces of tofu. I use cauldron tofu that is easy to use and easily broken up. Add two spoonfuls of passata sauce and one teaspoon of paprika. Any herbs and spices can be used. These were what I had available, you can make it different every time if you want, creating a different flavour at every meal! 

Add some mushrooms, I used organic mushrooms for the first time and I was impressed with the taste. Where possible try buying organic food you will notice the difference. 

Tofu is really quick to cook. This whole meal can take about 10-15 minutes. Make some toast while you cook the tofu. 

This is a quick easy meal. Have it for breakfast, dinner or tea or a protein filled snack after the gym. It is handy to know this simple recipe as it is a great quick and healthy meal. Who says fast food has to be bad for you? 

Quick pasta sauce

Using only basic ingredients you can create a quick, tasty and healthy meal. To make a pasta sauce firstly chop some vegetables. Try red onion, boiled potatoes and spinach as the base. 

Fry in a pan and add a teaspoon of paprika, add some passata sauce, enough to cover the ingredients depending on how many people you are cooking for and add a cap full of white wine vinegar for flavour. More can be added if you like a stronger taste or are making a larger portion. 

Mix all the ingredients together. There isn't anything that needs a lot of cooking time so this can be done while waiting for your pasta to cook. (Around 10-15 minutes). 

Add the sauce to wholewheat pasta. Brown pasta is a lot healthier and full of flavour, if you have never tried it give it a go. 

Once all the pasta and sauce is mixed add some chopped cucumber for added flavour. Optionally grate some dairy free cheese on the top. 

Who says a healthy meal has to be expensive and time consuming. This meal can be made in less than 30 minutes. 

Maple Syrup Sponge Cake

I love making up recipes and trying new flavours. When I ran out of vanilla essence I decided to use maple syrup in my cake recipe instead and the result was amazing! Don't be afraid to try new flavours and experiment, you never know what you can create. Vegan baking doesn't have to be difficult, use an egg replacer or non dairy milk to bind the cake and you can easily adapt any recipe or create your own.

Here is my recipe for the Maple Syrup cake, I cooked it in a loaf tin and served with Alpro single cream although it would be nice with Alpro custard or some vegan ice cream. 

Maple Syrup Sponge Cake:

* 4oz vegan butter (e.g Vitalite) 

* 3oz Billington's light muscovado sugar 

* 1tbsp Maple syrup (Pure grade) 

* 100ml unsweetened soy milk 

* 6oz self raising flour 


Pre heat the oven to Gas Mark 5 

Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl 

Add the maple syrup and mix 

Add the soy milk and mix 

Add the flour mixing until smooth and fully blended

Line a loaf tin with baking paper and add the mixture 

Bake in the oven on the middle shelf for 40 minutes 

Serve with soya cream, custard or vegan ice cream 

 Cooking cakes in a loaf tin is my favourite style as it allows you to cut slices and means you don't need loads of ingredients to create a dessert for everyone. 

 The cake rises really well- amazing since no eggs were used! Clearly they are not necessary. 

 Cut into slices and serve. This is a perfect cake for afternoon tea or great as a dessert. 

I served with Alpro single cream. Although it is great alone, with soya custard or vegan ice cream, the possibilities are endless. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe. Vegan baking can be simple and effortless and not as hard as it may seem at first. Once you get used to what ingredients to use there is no end of possibilities.