Black Bean and Sweet Corn Salsa

Black Bean and Sweet Corn Salsa

Sorry for not having written in exactly 2 weeks, but these past two weeks have been such a struggle to get my work done... let alone to find time eat AND blog about it! I made this recipe very quickly based off a recipe from

Peta's Vegan College Cookbook. It's a tried and true quick + delicious recipe. 

Ingredients:

·        1 can of black beans, rinsed

·        1 can of corn, rinsed

·        1 tomato, chopped

·        ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar

·        1 teaspoon dried basil

·        1 teaspoon of sugar

·        2 teaspoons of salt

Directions:

1)      In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and spices using a fork.

2)    In a large bowl, mix together the beans, corn, and tomatoes.

3)    Pour the dressing over the bean mixture. For ease, I put all of the ingredients into a Tupperware container and shook the Tupperware container around.

4)    Store in the fridge.

Possible uses:

·        Main meal

·        Salsa with chips

·        Topping for a salad in combination with sour cream, cheese, and/or guacamole. 

Sweet and Savory Georgia Peach Salad

Sweet and Savory Georgia Peach Salad

I made this salad with some friends while we were in Atlanta. Georgia is known for its delicious peaches and ripe tomatoes. So, this is the perfect summer dish, whether you are down South or not. It’s delicious and quick to make!

Ingredients:

• · 1 large peach, chopped
• · 1 large tomato, sliced
• · 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar
• · ¼ cup of olive oil
• · ¼ teaspoon salt
• · 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• · 2 tablespoons black sugar
• · 1 garlic clove, minced
• · 2 tablespoons basil, chopped

Directions:


1) Arrange a layer of tomatoes and peaches on a large, sloping inward plate.




2) In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic.

3) Drizzle the vinaigrette over the tomatoes and peaches and top with the fresh basil.

Sparkling Party Limeade

Sparkling Party Limeade

A friend of mine asked me to have a Mexican food themed party for her and so this was the drink that was the highlight of the night! It is nonalcoholic and that worked out great, so that both adults and children could enjoy it. Plus, this is easy, quick, and inexpensive – the ideal combination for any college kids budget.

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 7 limes)
• 3 bottles of no-sugar lime flavored seltzer waters. (They are sweetened with artificial sugar. I found bottles for $0.68 at Walmart)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lime slices

Directions:

1)     Combine all ingredients in a gallon-sized container.

2)    Garnish with lime slices.

Vegan Movie Popcorn

Vegan Movie Popcorn without Using Store-Bought Packages!

Ingredients:

·        ¼ cup of corn kernels

·        Vegan Nonstick Spray (Smart Balance is what I recommend)

·        Cinnamon Sugar:

o   4 teaspoons sugar

o   ½ teaspoon cinnamon

·        Old Bay:

o   1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

o   ½ teaspoon black pepper and/or salt

·        BBQ:

o   ½ tablespoon salt

o   ½ tablespoons sugar

o   ½ tablespoons brown sugar

o   1/2 tablespoons ground cumin

o   ½ teaspoon chili powder

o   ½ teaspoon paprika

·        Microwave

·        Microwave Safe Bowl

·        Microwave Safe Plate

Directions:

1)    Place the corn kernels in the microwave safe bowl and cover with the plate. Make sure that the plate does not fully cover the bowl so that a little air can escape.

2)   Microwave for 2 minutes and 45 seconds and voila, you have popcorn!

3)    Make the seasonings while you cook the popcorn.

4)   Spray the popcorn with the nonstick spray and then coat in your choice of seasoning.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Miso (Vegan)

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Miso 

(Vegan)

Even though store bought hummus is quick and relatively inexpensive, it is still loaded with oils and preservatives. So, here is a very low fat and tasty recipe:

Ingredients:

·        1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

·        2 chunks of roasted red pepper (canned)

·        1 clove garlic

·        4 teaspoons red mellow miso*

·        2 teaspoons tahini

·        2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:

1.    Place all ingredients into a food processor and combine until smooth and creamy. You may need to add more lemon juice for this effect.

*Miso: a thick paste made from fermented soybeans and barley or rice malt; used in Japanese cooking to make soups or sauces.

Source

Sweet and Salty Pea Guacamole (Vegan)

Sweet and Salty Pea Guacamole (Vegan)   

Yesterday, I was craving guacamole, but I couldn't find avocados. So, I adapted a recipe that I found. This recipe's main ingredient is peas. Peas are fresh, green legumes rich in B-vitamins and iron, so this recipe is low fat, healthy, and delicious.

Ingredients:

·        2  1/2 cups of frozen green peas, thawed in microwave

·        1 clove garlic

·        1/3 cup lime juice

·        1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

·        1 small tomato (optional)

·        1/2 cup of onion, chopped

·        1/2 cup fresh cilantro

·        1/8 teaspoon hot sauce

·        1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

1.   Put the peas, garlic, lime juice, cumin, hot sauce, and salt into a food processor and process until it makes a smooth green mix. 

2.  In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pea mixture, onion, cilantro, and tomato. 

3.  Cover and refrigerate.

4.  Serve with chips, fresh vegetables, or on bread.