June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 by betsy

gluten-free)

Summer Savory Vegetable Tart with Press-In Crust (vegan/plant-based/gluten-free)

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

I’m not sure I have ever made a prettier entree. But this vegan and plant-based beauty is also simple, so you can treat yourself on the regular.

And, although I am not gluten-free, some friends are. So, for the crust, I often choose 1:1 gf baking mix. Plus, for some baked goods like this crust, I often prefer its ever-so-slightly sandy texture. But it works just as well with all-purpose flour.

Speaking of the crust, it presses into your tart pan in a flash. No rolling and maneuvering a temperamental dough. And, I think a crust should taste as good as the filling, so mine is subtly savory. It is also tender, but sturdy…the best of all worlds.

The tofu-based filling is light, lovely, and infused with fresh raw spinach for summery color and additional nutrition. And you can top it with virtually whatever looks beautiful and is in season. I opt for contrasting shapes, sizes, and colors.

Press-In Crust (recipe follows)
14 ounces extra firm tofu
3 cups tightly packed spinach (basically, 2 big handfuls)
Optional, but recommended: 1/4 cup shredded vegan parmesan
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon Liquid Aminos
1 teaspoon mustard (any kind, e.g., whole grain, yellow, etc.)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Toppings:
Lightly roasted vegetable slices [blot with paper towel, brush or spray lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast on a sheet pan at 400-425 degrees for 8-10 minutes (in the photo, I used yellow squash, orange bell pepper, zucchini, sluced about 1/4″ thick)]
1/4-inch thick slices red onion
Halved grape tomatoes (I bought tri-color that were locally grown)
Olive halves, slices, and/or small dollops olive paste/tapenade (black or green)
Walnut halves or pieces (or other nuts/seeds)
Approximately 2 teaspoons olive oil
Approximately 2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or parsley.

Prepare crust according to directions below. Leave oven on. In large bowl of food processor, process tofu and remaining ingredients, except toppings, until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Spread filling evenly in baked crust and gently smooth top. Arrange toppings over filling. I often prefer an organic, irregular design for a more rustic appearance, but symmetrical is pretty, too. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake about 20 minutes or until slightly firm. Sprinkle, if desired, with minced basil or parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Press-In Crust:

2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking mix (if not gf, you can use all-purpose flour)
Optional: 2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning (or sub 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder,
1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 tablespoons non-dairy milk

Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, stir all ingredients together with a fork to create a soft but not sticky dough. Drizzle in additional oil/non-dairy milk if necessary. Crumble over bottom of an 8-inch tart pan and press evenly onto bottom and sides, using the floured bottom of a glass to help press if desired. Place tart pan on a baking sheet and bake 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven.

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June 16, 2026June 16, 2026 by betsy

Cardamom Banana Bread (vegan & plant-based with gf option)

Yield: 1-5×8″ loaf

I have yet to run across a banana bread I didn’t love. Years ago, I started adding coffee to the batter thanks to Molly Katzen’s recipe in the Enchanted Broccoli Forest.

In this not-to-sweet vegan iteration that a friend dubbed “perfect,” I add a few other unexpected ingredients to create a warm, savory profile: I brown the vegan butter for a hint of caramel, stir in some miso for rich umami depth, and sprinkle in cardamom for an earthy and slightly lemony note.

The halved banana garnish is the chef’s kiss.

Miso Banana Bread

3 medium bananas + 1 sliced lengthwise for garnish
1/2 cup vegan butter, melted and lightly browned over medium heat (watch closely, remove from heat, and add to banana mixture when just golden)
Optional but highly recommended: add 1 teaspoon espresso powder or cheap instant coffee, and dissolve in banana-butter mixture
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons white or yellow miso
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free baking mix
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional: 3/4 to 1 cup pine nuts or pecan pieces plus a few for the top

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 5×8″ loaf pan. In large bowl of electric mixer, mash 3 bananas on low speed. Add browned vegan butter, optional espresso, brown sugar, miso, and vanilla, and beat on low speed until combined. Add all remaining ingredients and beat again on low speed, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary, just until batter is smooth. Stir in optional chopped toasted nuts until evenly distributed in the batter. Transfer batter into loaf pan and smooth top. Nestle halves of remaining banana, cut side down, side by side, and slightly offset, like parentheses, on top. Sprinkle, if desired, with a few reserved nuts.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or just until well risen, golden brown on top, and a toothpick/skewer inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If bread starts browning too quickly, cover with a sheet of aluminum foil (shiny side up) and continue baking until done. Cool 5 to 10 minutes in pan on wire rack, invert onto a plate, and then again back onto wire rack to cool completely.

Note: I took this bread, simply wrapped in parchment paper and tied with ribbon, to happy hour with a friend, the one who pronounced it “perfect.” She later shared that she ate 2/3 of it herself. I’ll drink to that!

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June 7, 2026June 7, 2026 by betsy

Feta Pancakes w/ Fresh Strawberries & Basil Creme Fraiche (vegan/plant-based/gf)

Yield: approximately 24 silver dollar pancakes (or 12 medium-sized pancakes)

Strawberry season, leftover Basil Creme Fraiche, and a gift of a summer bouquet somehow became this easy, elegant brunch dish.

Feta Pancakes with Fresh Strawberries and Badil Creme Fraiche

1 cup gf flour (use a 1:1 baking substitute)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (I prefer soy)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup vegan feta (I love Follow Your Heart)
3 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted or not
Basil Creme Fraiche (recipe follows)
6 large strawberries halved, if making a dozen medium pancakes, or sliced into 6 slivers each, if making 2 dozen silver dollar size
Garnishes: edible greenery like tiny basil or mint leaves and pine nuts, lightly toasted or not

In medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients. Make a well in center, pour in soymilk and balsamic vinegar, and whisk until completely combined. Stir in feta and pine nuts.

Turn oven to warm. Lightly spray a skillet with nonstick spray and heat over medium. If making silver dollar-sized pancakes, drop tablespoons of batter into skillet about 2 inches apart, spread gently into a disk with back of tablespoon, and cook a couple minutes or until small bubbles start to appear. Flip and cook for a couple more minutes or until golden brown on underside. Remove to an ovenproof tray or platter and place in warm oven. Repeat with remaining batter. If making medium-sized pancakes, follow the same directions using 1/4 to 1/3 cup batter for each. Spray skillet with non-stick spray, as needed, away from open flame.

Serve pancakes with a dollop Basil Creme Fraiche (1 tablespoon for small or 2 for medium pancakes) and fresh strawberries (a thin slice for small and a half for medium pancakes). Serve immediately garnished as desired with edible green leaves and a sprinkle of pine nuts.

Basil Creme Fraiche
Yield: 2 cups

1 cup Silk brand Greek vanilla yogurt
1 cup Cocowhip (or your favorite vegan whipped “cream”)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Fold together all ingredients until well-combined and refrigerate, covered, until serving time.

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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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June 30, 2025July 1, 2025 by betsy

Easy & Elegant Hummus Tart (vegan/plant-based)

After a steamy 4-mile hike this morning (temp was 98!), my friend reached into the shrubbery next to my car and pulled back her hand holding a tidy bag of freshly picked blackberries on ice. It was all I could do not to eat them all on the way home.

While I was tempted to make a cobbler with them, I couldn’t trust myself to eat the whole thing in one sitting, so I decided to go savory. And I bet you will be glad I did!

The crust is tender and flavorful thanks to an unexpected ingredient–hummus!–and the filling is simply more hummus topped with berries and vegetables, bright in both color and flavor. But, truth be told, you can top it with any ingredients you prefer, provided they are tasty raw or are pre-cooked.

Earthy pine nuts provide crunch and vegan feta a beautiful bright white and salty counterpoint. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top, sprinkle with optional basil leaves, and it is ready to serve.

Note: If summer heat has got you down, once you bake the crust, you don’t need to bake the filling. Baking sets it nicely but is not necessary, provided your toppings are tasty raw or are pre-cooked.

Easy & Elegant Summer Hummus Tart
Yield: 6 servings

Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons soymilk
3 tablespoons olive oil
10 ounces hummus, divided
Filling and Topping (recipe follows)
Garnishes (see below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl with a fork, completely combine all ingredients, using only 3 tablespoons of the hummus. Press into an 8-inch tart pan with removable sides. Dough thickness should be between 1/8 and 1/4-inch. Bake in center of oven for 10 minutes. Remove, spread with remaining hummus, top with berries, vegetables, and pine nuts. Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and Everything Bagel seasoning. Bake 7 minutes, sprinkle with feta, and bake 3 more minutes. Remove from oven, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with basil leaves, slice, and serve.

Filling and Topping:
Remaining hummus
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1/2 cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons vegan feta (I like Follow Your Heart)
Pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Everything Bagel seasoning

Note: I had a few slices leftover grilled peaches and added those too. Feel free to experiment.

Garnish:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: 8 fresh basil leaves, whole or torn if large

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September 22, 2024December 19, 2024 by betsy

Best Pumpkin Banana Bread (vegan/plant-based + gluten-free option)

Luscious in texture, gently spicy and molasses-y in flavor–without molasses (except in brown sugar)–this stir-together one-bowl treat will keep you warm all winter.

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, struesel topping, or plant-based cream cheese frosting, but I think all it needs is a cup of chai tea…and maybe some Silk vanilla Greek style yogurt.

Pumpkin Banana Bread

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 medium banana, peeled (and mashed, if not using electric mixer)
1/2 cup organic granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking mix (make sure it is 1:1) or unbleached all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a standard 5 x 9″ loaf pan. In large mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients except flour until completely combined. (If using an electric mixer, beat pumpkin and banana together until smooth and creamy. Then add remaining ingredients except flour and blend on medium-low until completely combined.) Next, add flour one half-cup at a time, stirring or mixing just until incorporated. Transfer to prepared pan, gently smoothing top. Bake 55 to 60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pan. Remove from pan and let cool on wire rack covered with a dish towel.

Note: It will slice nicely warm if made with all-purpose flour, but if made with gluten-free flour, slice when it is just barely warm to the touch, or it will tend to break apart a bit.

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July 30, 2024September 21, 2024 by betsy

Quick “Overnight” Oats: Ready in Under 1 Hour (vegan & plant-based)

Note: you don’t want to do this too often because, unless you soak raw oats about 12 hours, they can be difficult to digest, causing bloating and building up in your system, as well as preventing the absorption of key minerals.

I woke up craving so-called “overnight” oats. But I wanted this vegan and plant-based treat today, not tomorrow!

Surely, I thought, I could speed up the softening process by heating the soymilk (or almond, oat, etc) and still not turn the oats into a bowl of gruel. Indeed I could!

How It Works: My Simple Method

A loose recipe follows but, essentially, just heat non-dairy milk barely to a simmer in the microwave–about 60-90 seconds on high–or stovetop, stir in oats, sweetener if desired–I use granulated stevia–and pinches of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice.

At this point, you can also stir in fresh or frozen fruit or canned pureed pumpkin, a couple tablespoons cocoa powder or 3 tablespoons of peanut butter. Layer mixture with plant-based yogurt–I like Silk vanilla Greek style–and more fresh or frozen friut in a glass container for a pretty presentation. I use mugs, Mason jars, or even martini glasses, depending on my mood.

Pop in the fridge and leave for an hour–45 minutes if pressed or starved–while you get ready for work, school, or just the rest of your day, garnish if desired with a few nuts, like slivered almonds or pecans (especially good with pumpkin), and maybe a mint sprig if you want to get fancy. Then enjoy this creamy, textured nutritious treat that tastes like dessert, but will keep you satisfied for hours!

Quick “Overnight” Oats

Yield: 2 servings (1 if you are famished; easily mutiplies)

3/4 cup non-dairy milk

1 to 1 1/4 cup old fashioned oats or slightly more to absorb virtually all liquid

Optional: 1 tablespoon sweetener (I use granulated stevia)

Pinch ground cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, etc.

If making pumpkin spice oats: 1/4 cup canned pureed pumpkin

If making PB&J: 3 tablespoons peanut butter

If making brownie: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and a little more sweetener

1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries or diced fruit

3/4 cup non-dairy yogurt, any flavor (I especially like Silk vanilla Greek style)

Optional garnishes: 2 tablespoons chopped or slivered nuts (or about 4 pecan halves), additional berries or fruit, mint sprigs, sprinkle of ground spice

Heat non-dairy milk barely to a simmer in the microwave–about 60-90 seconds on high–or in a pan stovetop, stir in oats to drsired thickness, sweetener if desired, pinches of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice, and optional pureed pumpkin. If using berries or fruit, stir in half and reserve remainder. In 2 small glass serving containers (mugs, jars, or martini glasses), place 1/4 oat mixture in bottom of each, top with 1/4 yogurt, 1/4 remaining fruit (about 1 tabkespoon each), and repeat. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour, garnish as desired, and serve.

June 13, 2024June 13, 2024 by betsy

10-Minute Riced Cauli & Kimchi: a Summer Obsession

If lite, nutritious, colorful, and filling is your jam, this dish–warm or cold–is ready to devour in 10 minutes…you’re welcome! Plus the texture contrasts and bursts of layered flavors makes this “throw together” exciting to eat and share.

I can eat an entire recipe when famished, but it should serve two. I doubled the recipe for a luncheon with a pair of dear friends yesterday–they are retired and I am on summer break–and we had one serving left over (which will be my lunch today).

To my delight–and surprise in one case–they both asked for the recipe.

I hope you will enjoy this dish often this summer as I already have! When I dreamed it up while trying to devise a dish to go with my husband’s bulgogi for an upcoming supper club party, it quickly became my go-to.

Enjoy!

-Betsy

10 ounces frozen riced cauliflower, steamed in the bag in the microwave for 5 to 6 minutes, according to directions

2.5 ounces baby spinach, wilted for about two minutes in bowl in microwave

2 tablespoons non-dairy cream cheese, flavored or not (I use Tofutti “Smoke”)

1/2 cup mild kimchi with vegetables (I use Cleveland brand from Harris Teeter; in Eastern VA and NC, it is in the cold case in the produce section where vegan items hang out)

1 tablespoon chili crisp (more or less to taste)

Garnishes: Peanuts, sliced scallions, sesame seeds–I like “tuxedo” (black & white mixed)–and optional carrot chip

Stir together cauli and spinach with cream cheese until melted. Stir in kimchi and chili crisp, reheat if necessary, or chill, and serve garnished as drsired.

October 14, 2023October 14, 2023 by betsy

Quick & Easy Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls (vegan/plant-based)

Quick & Easy Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls (vegan/plant-based)

Yield: approximately 14 rolls

There are two kinds of people in the world: those whose happy place is smack dab in the middle of pumpkin spice season and everyone else.

If you are one of my people in the former group, you will love this quick and delicious recipe. The yeast-free dough comes together in a flash, ensuring that you can whip together warm, spiced, tasty and tender rolls for breakfast–or afternoon tea–even when you get a last-minute inspiration.

Cinnamon Rolls:

1/2 cup non-dairy milk

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream

4 tablespoons vegan butter

1/3 cup pureed pumpkin (not pie filling)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or substitute mostly cinnamon plus a pinch ginger, nutmeg, and allspice)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Pumpkin Spice Glaze (recipe follows)

Optional Garnish: toasted pecan halves

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Grease a 9-inch round baking dish, preferably ceramic or glass, and set aside. In a small cup, whisk together non-dairy milk and vinegar; set aside to curdle.

Place flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in large bowl of food processor and pulse a couple times to combine. Or mix dough by hand in large mixing bowl. Add curdled milk and Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream and pulse until it comes together as a ball. If mixing my hand, stir with a fork until a uniform dough is formed.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead a couple times, and roll into a 10 x 14” rectangle with a floured rolling pin. (This size creates the best ratio of dough to filling.)

In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin, both sugars, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Reserve 1/4 cup to make glaze and spoon the rest down the center of dough rectangle. Spread to within 1/2-inch of border.

Roll up, jellyroll, fashion, staring at one long side. If filling squeezes out as you roll, just scoop up excess with a spoon and add to the reserved mixture. With a serrated knife, cut roll into 14 one-inch-thick slices and place, spiral up, in concentric circles in prepared dish, leaving a little space in between.

Bake 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Pour and spread glaze over top, garnish if desired with pecan halves, and serve immediately.

Pumpkin Spice Glaze:

1/4 cup reserved pumpkin spice filling

3/4 to 1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 or more tablespoons non-dairy milk, as needed

Optional: 1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

Whisk together reserved pumpkin spice filling, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract, adding additional powdered sugar and non-dairy milk, as needed, to reach desired consistency. It should be thick, but pourable.

*Created exclusively for Tofutti Brands, Inc. by Betsy DiJulio of The Blooming Platter.