Recipe: 20-minute Whole Wheat Rolls

I have a weakness for fresh bread. So when my guy found a way to make these crispy, hearty rolls in under half an hour, I was sold. They contain just five simple ingredients, and are 100% vegan. Click the "Print Friendly" button below for a printable or PDF version.



Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder, and salt).
3.  Add in wet ingredients and mix until doughy (slightly sticky, with no visible flour).
4. Form into rolls.
5. Bake at 350 for 18 minutes, or until a crispy crust is formed.

Tips:

• Makes about 8 small rolls, or 4 large rolls.
• The texture is more dense than dinner rolls, so I'd put them somewhere between a roll and a biscuit.
• Great with jam or other toppings.

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Recipe: Healthy Vegan Chocolate Shake

I love a good vegan milkshake as much as the next person, but they are too indulgent for me to eat every day. So what's the next best thing? A healthier version, made with bananas instead of ice cream. It's so good, your friends and family will think it's the real deal. Click the "Print Friendly" button below for a printable or PDF version.



Ingredients:

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 1/4 cups almond milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Generous dash of salt (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegan mini chocolate chips (optional; such as Enjoy Life mini chips)
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder (optional; unflavored options such as SunWarrior Natural Brown Rice Protein recommended) 

Directions:

• Blend until creamy.

Tips:

• Makes about 2 servings.
• Add more milk if too thick, in about 2 tbsp increments.
• The bananas must be frozen for this to have the proper consistency. Peel them before freezing, and ideally cut them into about 4 chunks each for easier blending. 
• Tastes better and more like a milkshake when sipped through a straw. I recommend these glass straws, which are durable and eco-friendly. Just be sure to grind up the chocolate chips well, if using, so they don't get stuck.
•  If you're looking for a blender, I had a KitchenAid model similar to this for a few years. If you're a smoothie enthusiast, I've had good results with my refurbished Vitamix.

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Recipe: Pasta and Chickpea Medley

I absolutely love pasta. I could probably eat it for three meals a day and never tire of it. Unfortunately, pasta on its own isn't the most balanced meal. I set out to make a healthy vegan pasta dish that was packed with veggies, used gluten-free pasta, and also had protein. The result? My Pasta and Chickpea Medley. Click the "Print Friendly" button below for a printable or PDF version.



Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free pasta (about half a 12-oz bag)
• 2-3 cups fresh or frozen veggies (I use half a bag of Whole Foods' frozen California mix, with cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots)
• 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (about 1 can)
• 1 tbsp safflower oil (or cooking oil of choice)
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced fresh garlic)
• 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste (I use about 1/8-1/4 tsp salt and a dash of pepper) 

Restaurant Review: Austin's Blue Dahlia Bistro

I love living in North Austin, but sometimes I grow frustrated with the lack of local restaurants. I often want to eat somewhere with a nice atmosphere, fresh food and a European feel. I found these qualities in a wonderful little bistro called Blue Dahlia, with a location in the Westlake area and another in East Austin.

Pros:

• Very fresh ingredients
• Charming European atmosphere
• Great bread
• Offer vegan and gluten-free choices
• Use local and organic ingredients when available
  

Cons:

• May melt during transport

Summary:
I have dined at the Westlake location on several occasions. It was a great place to meet a friend, and also served as a wonderful last-minute dinner location for Valentine's Day with my beau. The food has always been very fresh, and I love how they use local and organic ingredients when possible. The menu includes breakfast and has several tasty choices for meat eaters and vegetarian. The restaurant does accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets, but the choices a more limited. I've never found this to be an issue, as I often order the soup and wonderful fresh bread. However, I would love to see a vegan breakfast option such as a vegan waffle or crepe. Our service was also prompt and parking was easy (in a Westlake shopping center). If you're looking for a European-style bistro to eat with omnivores and lacto-ovo vegetarians, Blue Dahlia is a great option.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance (Taste)
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This restaurant visit was paid for by the reviewer. No compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the restaurant, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Restaurant Review: Dallas' Spiral Diner

I have been in the Dallas area a couple of times, and I visited Spiral Diner (Dallas location) on the recommendation of my sister (not a vegan). I was delighted to discover that it was an all-vegan restaurant with a fun, retro atmosphere and included a small vegan-themed shop as well. It definitely makes the drive from Austin more enjoyable if you know there's tasty vegan food waiting for you!

Pros:

• Reasonable prices
• Two locations
• Fun, retro atmosphere
• Large menu includes comfort foods and more healthy options
• Includes a shop as well
• Desserts and baked goods available
  

Cons:

• Sometimes the service is a little slow

Summary:
Spiral Diner offers a variety of foods, ranging from the comfort (vegan-style) to the raw/super healthy. If you are dining with vegans, vegetarians, or other open-minded people, there is plenty to eat. Foods came presented well, but it still had a more "casual" diner feel. The restaurant has tended to be busy when we visited, but not overly so. I love how there are baked goods and desserts as well - but you'll probably have to take leftovers home if you want to eat dessert as well. The portions are generous. There is also a small store as well, which has some vegan specialty items such as shirts and foods. Some of the foods were more niche items, and it's also nice to show off some of them to non-vegan friends. I was really glad to see that the Dallas/Ft. Worth community supports an establishment like this--this is Texas, after all! If you're in the Dallas area, I highly recommend stopping at Spiral Diner for a tasty vegan meal.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance (Taste)
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This restaurant visit was paid for by the reviewer. No compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the restaurant, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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