Tag: soy-free

Strawberry Guacamole

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A twist on traditional guacamole, this version includes fresh, juicy strawberries, adding a hint of sweetness to every bite. And definitely serve it with tortilla chips. None of this celery business.

(Unfortunately, I’ve no photograph for this one–it was for a magazine and I didn’t take my own photo before the photographer did–but I can tell you this: it looks like guacamole, but with strawberries in it.)

Strawberry Guacamole

2 medium avocados
Juice from 1/2 lime
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
Fine sea salt to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste
2/3 cup finely chopped strawberries
1 tablespoon minced red onion

Mash the flesh from the avocados in a bowl. Add the lime juice, cilantro, and orange juice. Mix well, adding salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Stir in the strawberries and red onion. Cover and refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving.

Red Wine-Spiked Double Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookies

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A lot of richness goes into this cookie. Red wine, dark cocoa powder, chocolate chunks. They’re soft, thick, and make the perfect pairing for a cold glass of thick almond milk. Created for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Month (back in March), if you’re a fan of red wine and chocolate and cookies, then you’ll like these.

gluten-free vegan red-wine spiked double chocolate chunk cookies 2

Red Wine-Spiked Double Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookies

3/4 cup (180mL) dark cocoa powder
3/4 cup (180mL) sorghum flour
1/2 cup (120mL) teff flour
1/4 cup (60mL) tapioca flour
1 tablespoon (15mL) ground flaxseeds
1 teaspoon (5mL) xanthan gum
1 teaspoon (5mL) baking powder
1 teaspoon (5mL) fine sea salt
3/4 cup (180mL) loosely packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (120mL) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (120mL) vegan buttery spread, such as Earth Balance
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (150mL) red wine, preferably Merlot
1 teaspoon (5mL) vanilla extract
1 cup (240mL) nondairy, semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Put the cocoa powder, sorghum flour, teff flour, tapioca flour ground flaxseeds, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.

Put the brown sugar, vegan buttery spread, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl. Using the stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and vanilla extract. Beat to combine (it will look loose and separated… that’s completely fine). Add the flour mixture. Beat to combine. Stir in the chocolate chunks by hand.

Drop the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per cookie. Press down slightly. Leave about 2-inches of space between each portion.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the centre just becomes firm.

Let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

gluten-free vegan red-wine spiked double chocolate chunk cookies

Thai-Inspired Green Bean and Mango Salad

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With easy ingredients that takes seconds to prepare, this salad takes the four dominant Thai senses—sour, sweet, salty, bitter—into a simple, but flavorful, side dish.

thai green bean mango 2

Thai Green Bean and Mango Salad

1 pound (454g) green beans, ends trims
1 unripe green mango, thinly sliced
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons (45mL) finely chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons (30mL) unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (15mL) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon (5mL) toasted sesame oil (get the really good stuff. Trust me.)
1/8 teaspoon (1mL) garlic powder
Salt to taste
Red chili flakes
Toasted black sesame seeds, for garnish

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Have a bowl of ice water ready. Add the green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, under tender crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beans, putting them into the ice water. Drain and set aside.

Put the mango, red pepper, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. Add the green beans and toss to combine. Put the vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, a few shakes of salt, and a sprinkle of chili flakes in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Toss with the green bean mixture, coating well. Let sit at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds, adjusting seasoning to taste before serving.