Why Buy Milk? Make Your Own Almond Milk

If you are like me, I buy coconut milk or almond milk when I go get groceries. I use it for baking and mostly my smoothies! Over time, it adds up. I decided that making my own milk would be much more rewarding, healthier, and relaxing. I have had homemade almond milk before but I have never made it myself. It did take about 15 minutes but it is a great stress relief (when you're squeezing the milk out).

Vegan Macadamia Lace Cookies

It is time for some yummy cookies! These macadamia nut thin cookies are delicious and especially for being vegan. Try making them at home :) they are great for adding to ice cream for a nice crispy sweet treat or just enjoying on their own.

Raw Chocolate Cookie Dough Balls

This is a great recipe because it's raw, vegan, gluten free, healthy, and super satisfying! Everyone likes a yummy treat once in a while, but those strawberry poptarts aren't going to do much for your health. Instead of empty sweet calories, it's more awesome to make something that your body  truly craves being rich in living minerals, enzymes, and energy. You don't have to feel guilty about eating these cookie dough balls, so enjoy them and keep backup for when you want an awesome lightly sweet snack. Karel and I made these last night and they were delicious!

Recipe

2/3 Cup Raw Rolled Oats (can buy gluten free if desired, or even used soaked whole groats)

2/3 Cup Raw Cashews

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Honey

1 tsp Himalayan Salt

2 Tbsp Cacao Powder

2 Tbsp Cacao Nibs

Extras: add coconut flakes, goji berries, dates, or maca to spice these up more :)

Directions
1. Blend the cashews and oats in a food processor until a flour consistency is reached. Try to blend it as much as possible (unless you want more chunky cookie balls)
2. In a bowl add your cashew oat bled with the vanilla, salt, and honey. Stir with a wooden spoon, and then add the cacao nibs once mixed thoroughly
3. Taste your creation! Add a little water to the mixture so that when you roll the balls it will help them stick together. You can also add more honey if you would like it sweeter
4. Roll the mixture into balls or whatever shape you would like
5. Roll the balls in the cacao powder (cacao is pretty strong and can be a bit bitter, so test how much you want on the outsides of your balls)
6. ENJOY!

Try making these and let us know what you think :)

This post is written by Michael .
Adapted from: 
The Earth Diet Recipe & Photo
http://www.theearthdiet.org/

Cauliflower Crust Garlic Breadsticks

I found this recipe on Tumblr and decided to try it since I have never had cauliflower. I love trying new things and this recipe was yummy!!!

Ingredients

• 1/4 of a large head of cauliflower
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
• 1 Tablespoon ground flax seed + 3 Tablespoon water (OR 1 egg, lightly beaten for non-vegans)
• 4 oz your choice of soy cheese, divided (or mozzarella cheese, grated for non-vegans)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning, divided
• 1 pinch each salt and pepper
• cooking spray (I just used oil on a paper towel)
• marinara sauce for serving (for a healthy option, check and make sure there is no added sugar!)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9 by 5-in loaf pan with parchment paper so that the excess paper hangs over the sides; lightly spray or oil the parchment paper with cooking spray.
2. If you are going to use flax seed + water instead of an egg, put together the two in a small cup. Let it sit until needed, mixing occasionally. It will turn into an "eggy" substance. (See first top pic)
3. To "rice" the cauliflower, grate it on a cheese grater. I put it in my food processor using the grating part. You should have about 1 1/2 cups (lightly packed) of riced cauliflower. Put the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwaved (uncovered) until softened, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally (do NOT add water or anything else); cool slightly. (See second top pic)
4. While cauliflower cooks, heat the oil in a small skillet over low heat; add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly; cool slightly. 
5. To the bowl with the softened cauliflower, add the garlic, flax seed mixture (or egg), 3/4 of the cheese (reserving 1/4 for topping later), 1/4 teaspoon of the dried Italian herb seasoning (reserving 1/4 teaspoon for topping later), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and spread into prepared loaf pan. Please Note: I am a poor college student and do not own such pan. I used a circle glass pan. I don't think it worked very well but it's up to you. Use what you have.
6. Bake until the loaf is set and starting to turn golden, about 20 to 30 minutes. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper; use the parchment paper to life the loaf out of the loaf pan and carefully flip it over onto the lined baking sheet (so the bottom is on top). Bake until golden, about 10 minutes. (NOTE: I took mine out earlier because it was 8PM and was extremely hungry. Make sure its golden, or it will be somewhat soggy like mine) (See last top pic)
7. Sprinkle the cheese on top along with the remaineing 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning. Put into oven until cheese has melted and golden in spots. Serve hot or warm. 

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know what you think of it! What did you change or add? 

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: 
This recipe is not mine, I cannot find the original. If you know where the original recipe is please let us know! I have it on an old recipe card. 
All pics are originally mine. 

Super Fast Creamy Avocado Pasta and Steamed Broccoli

I have had this recipe for a very long time. I recently started eating vegan and this recipe was perfect after a long day of classes and wanted something quick. If you like garlic and pasta and avocado, this is perfect for you! I would definitely make this recipe again. 5 Stars!

Creamy Avocado Pasta
Ingredients:

• 1 medium sized ripe Avocado, pitted
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1-3 garlic cloves, to taste (I used 4 and it was super garlicky, don't do it.)
• 1/2 tsp  salt, or to taste
• ~1/4 cup Fresh Basil
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 servings/6 oz of your choice of pasta (I used quinoa elbows!)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• garlic powder to 

• Half broccoli head 

Directions:
1. Make your pasta like you usually do. Boil water, put pasta in, wait, drain. You know the drill. (During this, I had my broccoli steaming on top!)

2. While your pasta is cooking, make the sauce. Put the garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil into a food processor. Process until smooth. Then add the pitted avocado, basil, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy.

3. When pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse in a strainer and place pasta into a large bowl. Pour on sauce and toss until fully combined. Garnish with lemon zest and black pepper. Serve immediately.


Makes 2 servings.
Please note: This dish does not reheat well due to the avocado in the sauce. Please serve immediately.


I added extra seasoning and steamed broccoli to this recipe. What would you have as a side or add to the dish?

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: 
My own original pics
OhSheGlows Original Recipe 

Banana Nut Love Pancakes

Today I am sharing an awesome recipe for banana nut pancakes. They are simply delicious and can even be made vegan. Karel and I have made these many times and just love them! It is an easy recipe to follow, and we hope you will enjoy them! <3

Ingredients:
-1 Cup flour (you can use wheat, all purpose, or whatever you choose)
-1 tbsp sugar (you can use white sugar, but I recommend coconut sugar or agave)
-2 tsp baking powder
-1/4 tsp salt
-1 egg, beaten (you can substitute for 1 tbsp flaxseed + 1 tbsp water)
-1 cup milk (you can substitute for almond milk or whatever you choose)
-2 tbsps  vegetable oil
-2 ripe bananas
-1 cup chopped walnuts (or any other nut)

picture shows all ingredients except the sugar and milk 

Directions:
-Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl mix egg, milk, vegetable oil, and banana (you want to mash the banana with a fork thoroughly)
-Stir the flour mixture into the banana mix, it should be a bit lumpy
-Heat a nonstick pan on medium heat with oil. Scoop the mixture with a big spoon and try to use about 1/4 cup for each pancake. Wait for the outer edges to start to bubble before flippingCook them until golden brown on both sides
-Enjoy & top with whatever you would like! ENJOY!

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
own images