November 28, 2025November 28, 2025 by betsy

plant-based)

Despite the fancy appearance, these pot pies in acorn squash are as simple as they are beautiful and scrumptious, thanks in part to Pepperidge Farm frozen “accidentally vegan” puff pastry. I served them for Thanksgiving with nothing more than a side salad with roasted oranges slices (method included below) and a childhood favorite of both mine and my picky husband: slices of congealed cranberry sauce!

We wanted for nothing–not stuffing, madhed potatoes, or pie–and feel very grsteful for so much, including Blooming Platterists!

Happy Holiday Season!

-Betsy

Vegetable Pot Pie in Acorn Squash w/ Puff Pastry Top

Yield: 4 servings

2 medium acorn squash, rinsed, halved lengthwise, *seeds/pulp scraped out with a spoon, and cut edges rubbed with olive oil
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
5 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
(You may substitute 3/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning for the above 3 herbs.)
Sea salt to taste
1 cup cooked, diced potatoes (I use canned, rinsed and drained)
2 cups frozen vegetables; my husband does not like carrots, so I use:
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
Optional (filling will be a little thicker): 1 cup vegan chicken, finely diced
1 sheet puff pastry (Pepperidge Farm is vegan), thawed [Note: if squash are really large, you may need part or all of both sheets, so measure squash diameter and cut accordingly.]

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place squash, cut side down, in oiled baking dish or skillet large enough to fit them snugly. Roast 20 minutes, remove, and leave oven on.

Meanwhile, combine nutritional yeast and flour in a large pot and stir constantly over low heat until lightly toasted. Add oil, stirring to make a roux. Slowly whisk in broth, garlic powder, pepper, sage, tarragon, thyme, and salt to taste. Simmer, stirring, until thickened. Stir in vegetables and vegan chicken, if using. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through.

On a very lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry dough to flatten out creases. Cut into 4 rectangles and cut steam vents in each. Invert squash and fill each with vegetable mixture, lay a piece of dough over top, and seal edges. Return to oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is golden and puffed.

Serve warm.

I like to serve the pot pies with a side salad of greens, roasted orange slices, almonds, and a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar, emulsified with a little mustard, plus garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper. (Roast orange slices at 400°F with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea salt and pepper on a sheet pan at the same time as squash, turning after 10 minutes.)

*I like to rinse, dry, and roast seeds at 400 degrees on a cookie sheet for about 12 minutes, stirring once, with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

November 16, 2025November 16, 2025 by betsy

Spicy Korean Beef & Broccoli Noodles (vegan/plant-based/gf)

Three things inspired this recipe: an over-ripe banana and both newly discovered Palmini Linguini and Nasoya’s Korean BBQ or Gochujang plant-based “beef.” My husband, a resolute carnivore, even likes this “beef.” And me, not a big fan of plant-based “meats,” craves it.

I had tried the Palmini lasagna sheets years ago and found them way too firm and difficult to cut to be pleasant. Yet I loved that they were made from hearts of palm. My father was so wild about hearts of palm so much–somewhat of a delicacy when we were growing up–that we would put a can in his Christmas stocking.

But we were recently served the Palmini linguini at a dinner party, and it was a game changer. The linguini and the angel hair have earned a regular spot on our shopping list.

At only 20 calories per serving–60 for the whole bag–and ready in a flash–you just drain, rinse, and heat–I can once again, after MANY years, enjoy “pasta” dishes again. (Wheat pasta has more protein and nutrition overall, but way too many calories to work in my diet, especially when I am getting protein from another source.)

Korean Beef & Broccoli Noodles (vegan & plant-based)
Yield: 4 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1-2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 overripe mashed banana
1 to 2 tablespoons plant-based “fish” sauce (I like a pineapple version sold at one of our Asian markets)
1 tablespoon hot chili crisp
1-15 ounce can lite coconut milk
7 ounces Nasoya Korean BBQ or Gochujang plant-based “beef”
8 ounces broccoli florets, cooked (I use the steam in bag variety)
8 ounces drained and rinsed Palmini linguini
1/4 cup roasted and lightly salted peanuts
1 tablespoon tuxedo (black and white) sesame seeds

In large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium to shimmering. Add onion and salt and saute, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue sauteeing and stirring for about 3 more minutes. Lower heat if necessary to prevent browning.
Add banana, fish sauce, hot chili crisp, and coconut milk to onion mixture, in order, stirring until well combined after each addition. Bring to a simmer. Add plant-based beef, broccoli, and Palmini linguini, stir well, and heat through. Serve garnished, if desired, with peanuts and sesame seeds.

November 2, 2025November 3, 2025 by betsy

Easy Mediterranean Roasted Pears with Cardamom Greek Yogurt and Turmeric-Honey Drizzle (vegan, plant-based, gf)

Asked to prepare dessert for an elegant Mediterranean dinner this fall–and nicely refusing when the host, a dear friend, asked me to bring a cake or pastry–I created this roasted pear dish. Everyone pretty much swooned, and the host agreed with me that other kinds of desserts would have been too much.

The warm tender pears, cool creamy yogurt, glossy drizzle, and crunchy pistachios are a combination made in Mediterranean paradise.

The pears roast a long time, perfect for stirring together the filling and drizzle, chopping the pistachios, and taking a nice autumn cat nap.

Mediterranean Roasted Pears with Cardamom Greek Yogurt and Turmeric-Honey Drizzle (vegan, plant-based, gf)
Yield: 8 servings

4 ripe Anjou or Bartlett pears, halved lengthwise, seeds scooped out with a melon baller or small spoon (try to leave stems on 4 of them for appearance)
3/4 cup water or strong chai tea (I steep 2 vanilla chai tea bags in 3/4 cup water in microwave)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cardamom Greek Yogurt (recipe follows)
Turmeric-Honey Drizzle (recipe follows)
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Optional garnish: 8 star anise

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pour water or chai and olive oil into 10″ skillet or 9″ round baking dish. Arrange pears, cut side down, stem end facing toward center like spokes. Roast 30 minutes, turn pears cut side up, sprinkle with brown sugar, and cinnamon, and continue roasting until soft but holding their shape, about 30 more minutes, but teat starting at 15. (Test with the point of a sharp knife inserted into flesh; there tends to be one or two that take longer. I cover the whole dish with foil upon removal from oven to let them steam as the cool to further soften). Serve warm topped with yogurt, drizzle, and pistachios; garnish with star anise if desired.

Note: If made ahead, you can rewarm the pears, covered with foil, in a preheated 300-degree oven for about 15 minutes or so.

Cardamom Greek Yogurt (double if you want lots of filling)
5 ounces Greek vanilla yogurt (I use Silk brand Greek style)
1/8-1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or to taste

Whisk all together and store, covered, in refrigerator.

Turmeric-Honey Drizzle

Note: If you prefer, you can substitute 5 tablespoons agave nectar plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar and 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract.

4 tablespoons agave nectar
1 tablespoon tamarind syrup (found in international markets)
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar reduction
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric or to taste

Whisk all together and store, covered, at room temperature.

October 26, 2025October 26, 2025 by betsy

Krunchi Kimchi Slaw (vegan & plant-based)

This slaw is the best date: low maintenance, travels well, plays well with others, and everyone loves it!

There’s only one draw-back: it is just a little pungent in the aroma department. But that’s not a problem if everyone eats some…and they will!

Krunchi Kimchi Slaw (vegan & plant-based)
Yield: 10-12 servings

8.5 ounces shredded cabbage with or without carrot (I purchase a bag of slaw mix)
16 ounces kimchi (I use Cleveland Kitchen’s Mild Vegetable Kimchi)
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (I use just the green part)
1-2 tablespoons hot chili crisp
Optional Garnishes:
Finely Chopped Peanuts
Fried Rice Noodles
Toasted Coconut
Tuxedo (black & white) Sesame Seeds

In a large bowl, using two forks, toss together all ingredients, except garnishes, until well combined. Serve immediately, garnished as desired, or cover tightly and refrigerate until serving time and garnish just before serving.

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 by betsy

Krunchy Kimchi Slaw with Chili Crisp (super simple, 6-ingredient,vegan/ plant-based)

This beautiful and refreshing slaw was a hit at a neighborhood retirement and Labor(less) Day Party for my (too-young-to-retire husband)…but it would be welcome on any table anyvtime. It brought the spice and the crunch, pairing beautifully with our host’s baked ‘bellas and chimichurri sauce, sliced tomatoes, and smash-baked baby potatoes.

Krunchy Kimchi Slaw with Chili Crisp (super simple, 6-ingredient, vegan& plant-based)

Yield: 8 servings

1/4 cup plant-based cream cheese (I use Tofutti Smoke, but any plain or savory flavor will work)
1-3 tablespoons chili crisp (I like 3, but adjust to suit your spice tolerance)
10 ounces shredded cabbage or slaw mix
10 ounces Kimchi
2 green onions, thinly sliced diagonally)
Approximately 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (white or tuxedo)

In large bowl, warm cream cheese for 20-30 seconds on microwave. Stir in chili crisp followed by cabbage and kimchi until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Just before serving, top with onions and garnish with srsame seeds.

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August 17, 2025August 17, 2025 by betsy

Quick “Baked” Onion Stuffed with Quick “Creamed” Spinach (vegan/plant-based)

Quick “Baked” Onion Stuffed with Quick “Creamed” Spinach
Yield: 1 serving (easily muliplies)

Recently, after 2 1/2 hours of research at the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo, NC, for two freelance jobs, I headed to Falling Leaves, our weekend home in Southern Shores a half hour away.

I stopped by the grocery store, as I had not had lunch and my digestion had been a little off for a few days. The suspected culprit was oil not changed frequently enough at a mom-and-pop establishment where I sampled fried green plantains and started feeling ill. I wanted something indulgent, but probiotic, for dinner.

As I perused the produce section, I decided on a cheater baked onion (in the microwave) with cheater creamed spinach (about 4 cups lightly packed fresh baby spinach microwaved with 2 tablespoons plant-based sour cream and stirred well to combine), spicy sauerkraut on top, and a mango-lime kombucha chaser.

To prepare the onion, simply peel it, cut a deep X in the top, place in a soup bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes. The quadrants of the onion will open up like petals. Stuff with the above spinach mixture or as desired and serve!

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August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 by betsy

Fresh Fig Parfait with Vanilla Yogurt & Quick Granola (vegan/plant-based)

Fresh Fig Parfait
Yield: 1 serving (easily multiplies)

If lucky you has a fig tree–or, like me, a generous neighbor does–and your figs are ripe for the pickin’, this is a delightful way to enjoy them for breakfast or a not-too-sweet dessert.

4 tablespoons quick or old fasioned oats
3 tablespoons walnut pieces, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
1-5 ounce carton Silk brand Greek style vanilla yogurt
2 fresh figs, quartered
1 teaspoon maple syrup

In a small skillet over medium heat, dry toast oats, 2 tablespoons walnuts, and cardamom for a very few minutes, stirring continuously. (Watch closely, as the mixture will seem not to be cooking and, all of a sudden, it will burn.) Remove from heat and cool. Layer half of yogurt, half of figs, and half of oat mixture into a glass and repeat. Garnish with remaining tablespoon walnuts and teaspoon of maple syrup. Enjoy immediately.

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August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 by betsy

Cheesy Chorizo and Chickpea Casseole with Spinach (vegan/plant-based)

I created this recipe for my pals at Tofutti, though, truth be told, you can use any plant-based sour cream you prefer to make this quick-and-easy casserole. It is just as luscious straight off the stove as a dip or layered with chips and baked as a casserole for “Taco Tuesday”…or any other night of the week.

Cheesy Chorizo-Chickpea Casserole with Spinach
Yield: 4-6 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 plant-based chorizo sausages, crumbled
1 cup pico de gallo
4 cups loosely packed baby spinach
1 cup Tofutti Sour Cream
1 cup shredded plant-based cheddar style cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3/4 cup drained chickpeas
30 Tostitos Scoops (about 3 cups) or similar chip
Garnishes: 4-6 tablespoons each Tofutti Sour Cream and pico

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch casserole dish. In large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add chorizo and saute, stirring frequently, until lightly browned. Add pico and spinach, a handful at a time, stirring until slightly wilted after each. Stir in remaining ingredients, except garnishes, until heated through. Spoon 1/4 mixture in bottom of prepared dish. Cover with 1/3 chips. Repeat twice and finish with last fourth of chorizo mixture. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Serve hot garnished with additional Tofutti Sour Cream and pico.

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August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 by betsy

Luscious Chunky Monkey Mousse or Tart Filling (vegan & plant-based)

Okay, so maybe this Ben & Jerry’s-inspired treat is a bit too decadent for breakfast, but I enjoy *Silk brand vanilla Greek yogurt with a banana virtually every morning, so it didn’t stop me!

For this recipe, you must use the Greek version in the dark blue packaging for the dense and creamy texture, almost like cheesecake.

You can spoon the filling into a crumb crust for a true tart (make 2 times the recipe), but I think it is prettier and more fun to eat crustless in wine or martini glasses.

Luscious Chunky Monkey Mousse or Tart Filling (healthier/vegan/plant-based)
Yield: 2 servings (easily multiplies)

1 large banana, mashed
2-1/3 cup cartons Silk brand vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup thawed So Delicious Cocowhip
1/4 cup plant-based dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped or broken walnut pieces

Garnishes:
1-2 tablespoon each Cocowhip
A few plant-based dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 walnut halves or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts

In medium bowl, gently fold together all ingredients except garnishes. Divide mixture between two serving glasses–I like wine or martini glasses–and garnish each with Cocowhip, chocolate chips, and walnuts as desired. Refrigerate until serving time. (You may enjoy immediately, but I prefer for it to set up at least 30 minutes in refrigerator.)

*I reuse the plastic containers in my studio.