My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

On the Grill

Fire Up the Grill

by 6 Comments

I’ve already been proclaiming that Summer is here. It may be Spring for you but it is Summer in Arizona. Since Memorial Day is only days away I wanted to leave you will some grilling ideas.

Vegan grilling ideas

If you get invited to a barbecue you will be prepared. Just don’t go empty-handed!

portobello's on the grill

Portobello Mushrooms

You can’t go wrong with grilling Portobello Mushrooms. Consider grilling Portobello Steaks, Portobello Fajita’s, or Portobello Burgers. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and work great on the grill. Since they are large they “fit” better and don’t fall in the fire.

Veggies

Many veggies can be grilled as well. Summer Squash, Onions, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, and Asparagus. I even grill Avocados, yes you read that right.

You can arrange veggies on skewers or just toss them on the grill. There are also really neat products available like this Emeril Grilling Veggie Basket that you can flip over to allow both sides to cook. Or, this Weber Style Professional-Grade Vegetable Basket that is open on top for easy stirring. I always loved eating kabobs but when grilling for company (and kids) these grill baskets make much easier options in my opinion. They are even Father’s Day gift worthy!

dips for a cookout

Side Dishes

Baked Potato Wedges, Potato Salad, Dirty Mashed Potatoes, Baked Beans, Chip & Salsa or Pico De Gallo are great side dishes if you are planning to grill.

If you are getting together with friends or family I always enjoy bringing stuff like chips and salsa, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Green Chili White Bean Dip, Unfried Pinto Beans, Faux Cheese Dip for dipping. I’ll often bring a quinoa-black bean salad too. I like to bring chips and dips because these look “normal” to everyone else. I feel like dips are always safe to bring to a party. I sometimes feel weird bringing a whole separate entrée (unless I was asked ) to someone else’s party.

Drinks

Don’t forget to BYOB! I don’t drink alcohol and I’m rarely invited anywhere with it as an option (actually I’m rarely invited anywhere at all, I think everyone is too intimidated by my son’s allergies. That is the reason I’m going with. I’m fabulous, who wouldn’t want to hang out with me? I digress.) I prefer to bring my own drinks. Usually it is just water. I’m a water snob. We have a filter so I have a hard time drinking tap water.

Basically, don’t assume there will be something you can drink. I regularly attend events where lemon water is the only option. I prefer my water straight up. If you love lemon you must check out Sarah’s Stevia Lemonade at Gazing In!

gluten free vegan brownies

Dessert

Probably the most important part of any cookout. I don’t typically grill dessert but we occasionally grill peaches. Just cut them in half, remove the pit and put them on the grill. Serve them with vegan ice cream! It will taste kind of like peach cobbler without all the work.

If I’m taking dessert somewhere it is almost always my Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies. They travel well, don’t need to be refrigerated and everyone loves them.

4 Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun

If you plan to spend some time outside make sure to check out my recent post with 4 Tips to Keep You Safe in the Sun! I also share about learning a had a pre-cancerous mole years ago. If you don’t know what sunscreen to buy read the post!

This post contains affiliate links.

Extended Family July…week 4

by Leave a Comment

Don’t forget to check out my Review and Giveaway for North Coast Organics All Natural Deodorant Death By Lavender! You still have a few days to enter!

July is coming to a close, have you made the most of summer vacation? There is still time. Make plans now to spend some time with your family this weekend, maybe visit a pool or lake. Better yet, host a family BBQ at your house and invite all of your friends; ask each family to bring a different veggie to be grilled.

This week we check in with the Extended Family and found out if they use a grill or slow cooker to beat the heat.

Becky Jan pic

Becky

Do you cook outside? What are your favorite foods to grill?

We actually do not cook outside. My sister is bringing over her grill for the fourth and I plan to grill some veggie burgers and vegetables. The rest of the family will probably grill hamburgers and hotdogs but we won’t talk about that!

Do you use a slow cooker (Crock-pot) and if so what are your favorite recipes?

I use my crock pot to cook mostly beans, such as black and pinto. Sometimes I will put soup in the crock pot so I can prepare it earlier in the day.
Do you have a favorite No-Cook recipe?
Does rice count?  🙂  Earlier in the week I cooked a big batch of rice in my rice cooker and then into the pot I added diced celery, onion, tomatoes, black beans, leftover garbanzo beans and some frozen corn. I squeezed some lemon juice over it and soy sauce and chilled it. I have been eating it for lunch all week and it is cool and delicious.
– – –
Kerri and Sam
Sam and Kerri
Do you cook outside? What are your favorite foods to grill?

We rarely cook outside.  I am not fond of grilling and frankly, unless it is 9::00 at night it is just too hot.  More than half of the month of June was over 100.  I would rather stay inside.

Do you use a slow cooker (Crock-pot) and if so what are your favorite recipes?

I use my crock pot all the time. I love to make beans in my crock pot.  It takes out the fuss.  I make refried beans from 100 days of real food in my crock pot as well.  Any soup or stew recipe I have I use in the crock pot.  We eat a lot of soups, stews and chili through the fall.  I just got a third crock pot to help out.  I precook beans several days in a row and then freeze them for future use.  It is not unusual to find me cooking two crock pots of beans a day.
My mother in law eats a meat based diet and lives with us.  I find making her meals a breeze if I use the crock pot.  I can put in meat for her and it cooks very tender and then I just have to do a side for her while I make ours.  It really reduces the time consumption of making two meals.

Do you have a favorite No-Cook recipe?

My current favorite no cook recipe is a cucumber and chickpea salad.  It has very few ingredients but it really is tasty and everyone but the fussiest young one ate it.
– – –

Have you tried my Lemony Quinoa Salad yet? It is a perfect dish for a hot day! What are your favorite foods to eat in the summer?

 

Extended Family July…week 3

by Leave a Comment

I hope you have been inspired this month as we’ve talked about how to cook (and eat) while beating the heat. So pour yourself a cook drink and sit back and relax.

Brittany Jan pic

Brittany

Do you cook outside? What are your favorite foods to grill?
I LOVE to cook outside, get me a grill and a large glass of lemon water and I am in paradise. My favorite foods to grill are almost ANY vegetable, specifically: onions, brussels sprouts, asparagus, peppers, and eggplant. I also love pineapple and peaches on the grill!
Do you use a slow cooker (Crock-pot) and if so what are your favorite recipes?
Please don’t shun me from the blogging community, but I have never used a slow cooker!! AH! I have eaten meals made in them though, and for me a big hearty soup is the way to go! Lots of beans, legumes, and veggies.
Do you have a favorite No-Cook recipe?
My favorite no cook recipe would have to be my No Bake Energy Bites! Perfect for JUST about anything, and kept in the fridge to help cool you off on the hot days! Second to that would be a classic PB&J ;).
– – –
Suzanne jan pic
Suzanne & Carlos
Do you cook outside? What are your favorite foods to grill?
No, we do not cook outside during the summer. In San Antonio, it gets to about 100 degrees, give or take a few, everyday. So, no thank you, we prefer to stay indoors!
Do you use a slow cooker (Crock-pot) and if so what are your favorite recipes?
I have a slow cooker, but I have not used it in ages. In fact, I forgot that I had it until I started answering this question! I guess I need to pull it out and start using it!
Do you have a favorite No-Cook recipe?
I have a few favorite no cook recipes. My everyday lunch is a giant salad consisting of whatever vegetables we have on hand.  We love to eat mock tuna and it is very easy to make. I also like to make my black bean, mango, quinoa salad.
– – –
What is your favorite No-Cook Recipe? What about a semi-no-cook recipe? I love this super easy Taco Salad! When I want a sweet treat I love this Fresh Fruit Parfait, Chocolate Mousse, and these Chocolate Frozen No Bake Bites.

Extended Family July…week 2

by Leave a Comment

 

Is it too hot to cook? Maybe it’s only too hot stand over the stove? Either way this month I’m asking the Extended Family to share some alternate ways of cooking. Anna at Stuffed Veggies left a comment last week sharing a whole page of Vegan Slow Cooker/Crock Pot Recipes that her family LOVE! I don’t even know where to start but I feel like dusting off my Crock Pot.

Time to check in with the Extended Family!

Erica B Bio pic

Erica & B

Do you cook outside? What are your favorite foods to grill?

Not too often.  My hubby has long days most of the time and I am no good at grilling.  Grilled veggies are awesome and we love Fat Free Vegan’s Ribz.

Do you use a slow cooker (Crock-pot) and if so what are your favorite recipes?

YES!  Love my crock-pot.  I make oatmeal, beans, soups, chilis, etc in it.  Recently I made “roasted” veggies in the crock-pot instead of the oven.  Turned out awesome.

Do you have a favorite No-Cook recipe?

I can’t really think of any.  Maybe just a finger food night?? Crackers, non dairy cheese, raw veggies/dip, fruit.

– – –

DalyFamilyKim & Family

Do you cook outside? What are your favorite foods to grill?

Absolutely! We love to toss whatever fresh vegetables we have from the garden or farmer’s market with olive oil and salt/pepper and grill. Serve on a bed of quinoa with homemade curry sauce for a quick and easy meal. Grilled watermelon, peaches and pineapple make a wonderful side dish or dessert!

Do you use a slow cooker (Crock-pot) and if so what are your favorite recipes?

Couldn’t live without mine! Favorite recipes include Marinara Sauce, Granola, Sloppy Lentils (great with a fresh cole slaw!), and Vegetable Pot Pie.

Do you have a favorite No-Cook recipe?

By far it’s my Tofu Spring Rolls with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce. They are a bit of a labor of love, especially for first-timers, but practice makes perfect and nothing beats this fresh, no-cook recipe on a hot day. Perfect as either an appetizer or a main dish!

– – –

Do you have a favorite recipe to share? I love grilling Marinated Portobello Mushrooms, onions, and red bell pepper. Those are also my got to ingredients for a quick stir-fry.

Extended Family July…week 1

by Leave a Comment

 

I hope everyone is enjoying a nice weekend. The Extended Family post was postponed a few days. My husband had a few days off and we have been spending some wonderful family time together. We went out of town last weekend so this weekend we stayed around the house. I’ve been avoiding my computer as much as possible but I’ll catch up in the next week.

This month I’m asking the Extended Family about cook, specifically cooking when it is hot. Please offer your own suggestions for eating well while beating the heat.

Chris and Kara

Christopher & Kara

Do you cook outside? What are your favorite foods to grill?

We do a lot of grilling. We like grilled corn, zucchini and a yummy hot German potato salad.  

Do you use a slow cooker (crock-pot) and if so what are your favorite recipes?

I have had a hard time finding any decent crock-pot recipes that are plant-based. The only thing I use it for is chili in the fall.

Do you have a favorite No-Cook recipe?

We just found a really great summer pasta salad with olives, tomatoes and Italian dressing. Tastes great after spending a day marinating in the fridge. We have been eating it as a side dish for the past 3 days!

– – –

Emily Pic

Tony & Emily

Do you cook outside? What are your favorite foods to grill?

Yes we enjoy cooking outside.  We grilled today for lunch! We love to grill asparagus, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, pineapple, etc. My hubby got a grilling book and it has some great recipes!

Do you use a slow cooker (crock-pot) and if so what are your favorite recipes?

Sometimes we use a slow cooker but we haven’t lately. I don’t have any favorite plant-based crock-pot recipes yet….

Do you have a favorite No-Cook recipe?

This time a year we like to cut up watermelon and other fruits and veggies…but as far as no-cook recipe…that isn’t something I have really thought of…honestly my hubby enjoys cooking more than I do….I can handle easy meals like breakfast, lunch and snacks for the kids….but a lot of the cooking he ends up doing.  No-cook meals for lunch are just easy pb & j sandwiches, fruits and veggies, crackers etc.

– – –

What are your favorite Crock-pot recipes?

 

Portobello Burgers and Potato Salad

by 5 Comments

I do believe I am out of my cooking slump! How did this happen? I fired up my grill. (Not to be confused with gorilla, my 3 year old was disappointed when he learned I was going to the grill when he thought he heard gorilla.)  

My husband and I used to grill A LOT! In fact, he is known for his grilling abilities in some circles. When we went plant-based last year we pretty much gave up grilling, until now. These Portobello Burgers and veggies were my first attempt at plant-based grilling. I can tell you it is quite a different experience, but I’ll keep those details to myself because I get somewhat disgusted when I think about actually cooking animal flesh.

Portobello Burgers 

Ingredients 

  • 2 Tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Liquid Smoke
  • 1 Tbsp Agave
  • 1/2 c. water
  • Portobello’s (I pick bun size portobellos, one per person)

Do

  1. Mix all ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl or shallow making dish. Other spices can be added and ingredients can be doubled.
  2. Remove stems from portobello’s then rinse and carefully dry with a paper towel or cloth. 
  3. Place portobello’s in marinade to 20 to 30 minutes, flipping half through. 
  4. Place on a hot grill, check them after 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. (I needed to cook mine a little longer but my grill wasn’t hot enough.

Serve

I served these Portobello Burger’s with grilled red bell peppers and grilled onions on gluten-free buns (that were also put on the grill) and a side of Potato Salad. My husband had his burger with barbecue sauce but you could add your favorite toppings. 

These burgers could be cooked in the oven instead of the grill but it is too hot for that here. I told my husband if I turn on the over there had better be cookies involved!

Potato Salad

Ingredients

  • Potatoes ( I used 4 large New Potatoes but you could use a different variety)
  • 1 large pickle, diced
  • 1/2 to 1 medium onion, diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup vegan mayo
  • 1 Tbsp yellow mustard (this can be omitted or decreased if you don’t like a really mustard-y tasting salad)
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (to get a creamer texture)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Do

  1. Bake potatoes until soft then let cool enough to be handled. I left the skins on. You could boil these instead of baking them.
  2. Mash the potatoes until they are close to the texture you like. I grew up eating smooth and creamy potato salad but I prefer it with more texture. 
  3. Add diced pickle and onion and gently fold into potatoes. 
  4. Add mayo and mustard. You could add more mayo but I’m not a big fan of the flavor or the added fat.
  5. I added 1/4 cup of almost milk to get a slightly creamer consistency. Some varieties of potatoes may be creamy enough without adding the milk.
  6. Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

This potato salad is great when it is a little warm and just made but equally good cold. You could add garlic, paprika, or any number of different spices. It makes a great potluck dish and is much better for you than it’s non-vegan counterpart. 

I ate this meal with a spinach-strawberry-pineapple  salad, YUM! Most of my salad was confiscated by my 3 year old who loves to eat “leaves”.

Are you a Plant-Based Griller? What are your favorite things to grill?