Cauliflower, Sticky Sesame

My fabulous niece, Sarah, shared this one with me!

Recipe Inspiration Source:  Chocolate Covered Katie  

I love this quote from her with advice for someone wanting to move towards vegan - 

My first recommendation is to NOT replace meat with vegan meat substitutes, which can just set you up for disappointment when you expect one thing and get another.  Instead, think of it as an opportunity to explore new recipes and look at vegetables in a whole new light.  ...when you start looking at vegetables as the main event, it opens up a brand new realm of possibilities.

Preheat your oven to 450 F. Grease a baking pan or line with parchment. 

BAKE CAULIFLOWER - SIDE 1

Cut cauliflower into florets, then slice so one side of each floret is flat. Arrange in a single layer in the greased pan. 

• 1 small head cauliflower, chopped (6 1/2 cups florets)

Bake 10 minutes on the center rack. 

THE SAUCE

Whisk together the soy sauce, sweetener, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. 

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce *
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
• ½ tsp powdered ginger

* Soy sauce alternative - combine 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce with a tbsp or two of water to replace half cup of soy sauce. 

While waiting, stir together the cornstarch and water until cornstarch dissolves fully, then slowly whisk this into the saucepan as soon as it boils. 

• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot
• 1/4 cup water

Turn heat to medium and cook 2 minutes, stirring more frequently once it returns to a boil. Cook until thick. You can also make the sauce ahead of time if desired, and it thickens more as it sits in the fridge. 

BAKE CAULIFLOWER - SIDE 2

Flip cauliflower florets and bake 10 additional minutes. If desired, you can now move the pan to the top rack and broil 1-2 minutes. 

COMBINE AND SERVE

Pour sauce over florets. Sprinkle sesame seeds and optional scallions on top, and serve.

• sesame seeds and scallions, for garnish

Drink - Brewed Cacao (Giving Up Coffee)

You can order from the Crio Bru site or Amazon.

Ordering from the Crio Bru site was less expensive and still allowed payment thru Amazon.

This isn't a recipe.  

I have a love hate relationship with coffee.  I like the boost of energy.  I like starting the day with something warm and cozy.  I don't like that even one cup in the morning messes up my sleep at night.  I don't like that it's a bit rough on my stomach.  

Solution - Brewed Cacao.  I came across an article recently about the benefits of this drink. I no longer have a link to that article.   I remembered a scene from the movie, Medicine Man, that highlighted a natural energy boost with fresh cacao.  

I hoped the brewed cacao would be a healthy alternative to coffee and hot chocolate, which is also not my friend.  I have recently enjoyed a few cups of hot chocolate - just one a day for a few days.   It was yummy, but I know it's unhealthy, and I had a few unpleasant reactions to it. The most upsetting reaction was a crazy rosacea breakout.  Before I figured out that the breakout was being caused by the hot chocolate, I ordered some Crio Bru cacao beans.  It took a week or so to arrive and by the time it did, I had figured out the chocolate reaction so I was a little hesitant to try the cacao beans.  When I did, I was very relieved to see that it did not cause any of the reactions the junk food hot chocolate did.  

The brewed cacao beans have a subtle chocolate flavor.  You prepare it the same way as coffee. The energy boost is not fast and jolting like coffee.  It's more subtle and longer lasting.  Best of all it's healthy.

Superfood Packed with Nutrients - Cacao is packed with nutrients like antioxidants to boost your immune system and magnesium to support bone, brain, and heart health. Additionally, while low in carbs and calories, cacao also acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Best of all, cacao is loaded with natural mood enhancers that can help you feel great, increase focus, reduce stress, and sleep better. 

Honest Energy - Brewed cacao is 99.9% caffeine free but contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in cacao that can be longer lasting, milder, and more pleasant than caffeine. 

Here are some articles that explain it more in detail - 

Cacao and Coffee - the Differences and Similarities of Chocolate and Coffee

Crio Bru: Roasted Cocoa Is Coffee Alternative

Note about brewing:

Cacao brews slower than coffee and it can cause the water to overflow in your coffee machine. Paper filters are NOT suggested as they get clogged easily with cacao. The paper in combination with the texture of the crushed beans doesn't let water through and would probably overflow.   A permanent gold-tone or mesh filter is recommended because it is more porous and allows for slower brewing.

French Press Method

1. Add ½ cup of Crio Bru to 32oz or 34oz French Press.
2. Pour boiling water into french press and stir.
3. Allow Crio to steep for 10 minutes, stir occasionally.
4. 1-2 minutes before depressing plunger, stir one last time.
5. Depress plunger.
6. Pour and enjoy!

You can also brew it in regular coffee makers, Kurigs (using refillable cups), and even in an Instant Pot.

Brussels Sprouts - Garlic Parmesan Roasted

Recipe Inspiration Source:  Eatwell 101

This recipe is not vegan, but if I could find a nut based part I liked, it could work.

Preheat your oven to 400º and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pat the Brussels sprouts dry with paper towels and place in a large bowl. 

• Brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved, and rinsed

Add olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the Brussels sprouts evenly.

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Note: Some recipes also mix in bread crumbs!

Place the Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet,  spreading evenly into one layer. 

Bake the parmesan Brussels sprouts on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes – Adjust the time depending on your oven, the vegetables should be golden brown.

Transfer the roasted parmesan Brussels sprouts to a large serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like.