holiday cookie box : white chocolate + cinnamon macadamia cookies

Cookies are one of the best parts of the Holiday Season. Each year I bake up around 6 different Christmas Treats  for my cookie boxes that are delivered to friends and family. I try not to repeat any cookies from the last Christmas cookie box so coming up with new cookies every year has been a personal challenge + a pretty tasty one at that too.

These cookies are a definite winner- they are super easy to make, taste incredible and you make a decent amount in one batch.

book review: DIY Vegan {bonus recipe!}

DIY recipes are no stranger to the blog- in fact I have a whole section dedicated to a do it your self series on the blog in the recipe box. For that very reason I jumped at the chance to review one of the newest vegan cookbooks on the market // DIY Vegan by Nicole Axworthy + Lisa Pitman. 

An entire book dedicated to DIY Kitchen Staples made vegan- ummm yes please!

"More than 100 easy recipes to create an awesome plant-based pantry"

spinach herb mac n' cheeze // field roast sausage crumble

This moving + renovating business is crazy! Isn't there a magic wand that I could simply wave and have everything back to normal? Making dinner let alone blogging has been a challenge these past couple of months // I have no idea where any of my photo props are, we are still sleeping in our front media room and the upstairs is in full on reno mode....which means no office or computer set up just yet. However, this mac n' cheeze recipe is just too delish not to share with you all, it is the perfect intro into Fall and coming cooler months. Our reno is right on track, so I should be up and running full force by the end of September if not sooner.

( I cannot wait, you can totally check out my instagram feed for house pics too if you a nosy like I am when it comes to other peoples homes!)

chao cheese pineapple chorizo queso

Let's end August with a spicy bang, this dip is the perfect way to end the Summer and begin the fall - totally Labor day party worthy and perfect with a Corona or two!

Justin and I are hoping to fit in some R + R this weekend with Friends and Family, our Summer completely blew by but we are excited for the Fall and nearing the end of our home reno (definitely by Christmas!). This dip is definitely on the menu for me this weekend with a round of tacos for good measure, I mean who doesn't love Tacos + Cheesy Dip?

chao cheeseburger // spicy slaw + bacon

Burgers! Need I say more?

For us, burgers are a must during the summer months - the first BBQ of the season, 4th of July and of course it is always one of our main courses at least one night while camping in the great outdoors.

I had never had a field roast burger until recently - they are quick, easy and delish!

greens + quinoa salad // chao cheese crisps

Oh my, it seems like forever since I last posted. Life has become so busy I can barely keep up, let alone keep track of myself. 

Have you ever bought + sold a house at the same time? Let me tell you, it is not fun - we are in the midst of doing just that and my stress level has never been higher. If you know me, I like to be in control and this process has proven to be one of unknowns and working on other peoples timelines - all of which is out of my direct control. Going through this process has also made me realize I am not a person cut out to move - seriously I hope I never have to do this again.

However, in the end it will be all worth the stress, worry and hopefully soon excitement.

book review: Happy Healthy Vegan Kitchen // recipe + giveaway

I remember the very first time I came across Kathy's amazing blog, I was researching Macro Bowls and her gorgeous vegan macro bowl was among the search. I clearly remember how gorgeous the photos were and it was the first time that tempeh ever looked tempting.

Kathy has this warmth that just exudes from every post she writes, this warmth and happy living is also super evident in her latest vegan cook book - Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen. This cookbook is for everyone, however she has an amazing section in the book that focuses on Kitchen Tools + a Vegan Pantry, along with some pretty awesome wellness tips. When I first started in the Kitchen I always found these sections to be incredibly useful.

smokey tomato grilled sammie // chao cheese

Sandwiches are so much fun to make- the possibilities are endless. I had so much fun creating this Sandwich with Field Roast Deli Slices + Chao Cheese. I was lucky enough to have been selected along with Chuck Pepper, as Field Roasts 2015 Cooks in the Field. We get to create recipes each month, for six months highlighting Chao Cheese. This was especially exciting for me, often times, here on the East Coast it takes a little while for new products to make their way to us, let me tell you Chao Cheese does not disappoint.

chocolate chip coconut waffles

The only waffles I ever knew growing up were of the frozen variety. A waffle iron, what's that?  

It  was  my other half , Justin that convinced me I needed a waffle iron in my life. Let me tell you, he was so right, I had no idea what I was missing out on all those years. There's just something about making your own waffles that is super satisfying. The  best part about making waffles at home is deciding what's going in the batter.  When I received my Pacific Foods Coconut Milk I absolutely knew I had to make something with chocolate (I mean coconut + chocolate together is heaven), chocolate and coconut in waffle form, now that's a winner!

DIY kitchen series: instant oatmeal // 3 ways

Lately, life has been crazy- in a good way. We are coming up on our busiest time of year at work, which means Summer is just around the corner. Our house will be going on the market towards the end of May, which is a scary and exciting time all rolled in one. Little side projects, both personal + professional have been popping up all over the place.

I like to save time anywhere I can, even if it's just shaving 5-10 minutes off of my morning routine. During my teenage years I was a breakfast skipper, actually, I was a terrible eater in general (hello Swedish fish, Pizza Hut bread sticks + Little Debbie snacks for lunch!). Growing up I have learned to appreciate and look forward to breakfast. During the work week I rely on quick and easy breakfasts, instead of buying pre - mixed instant oatmeal which can get a little pricey, I have learned to make my own. Today, I am going to share with you my three favorite mixes, they take very little effort and gives you a quick breakfast for the week.

sweet potato + black bean quesadillas

When Justin and I first started dating and throughout our vegetarian years quesadillas were a BIG part of our lives. It was Justin's go to anytime we went out with friends to a non veg friendly restaurant and it was my go to when I wanted a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight. Sadly, when we went vegan quesadillas were kind of forgotten about. Justin is not a huge fan of vegan cheese, so finding a quesadilla filling that satisfied him just like the cheesy version was a challenge to say the least. That was until recently, this quesadilla blows the socks off its non vegan counterpart and way more satisfying.

mini grinders // maple chipotle veggie meatballs

I have had these maple chipotle veggie meatballs on my mind since I first saw the non vegan counterpart on Martha Stewart- I just knew I had to recreate a vegan version. 

They are sweet, savory and a bit spicy- a fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors, Justin and I couldn't get enough of this flavor combination.

cashew ice cream blizzards // cookie dough

I love, love, LOVE ice cream. I'll take ice cream over cake any day of the week. Growing up I would always ask for the smallest slice of cake and double the ice cream. For my birthday, starting in 4th grade, I always had a non cake birthday "cake" - giant cookies, ice cream cake, cupcakes.

My love for cashew based ice creams started just recently, at my local winter farmers market I was introduced to a local ice creamery that produces only cashew based vegan ice creams - it was love at first bite. When So Delicious contacted me to try out their new cashew based ice creams I was like, ummmmmm YES PLEASE! And let me tell you, these ice creams are like heaven on a spoon- no lie, they are so, so incredible.

the green monster // a sandwich

A sandwich can be a masterpiece. They don't ever have to be boring, they can be bright, beautiful and absolutely delicious.

This sandwich right here. This Sandwich is all those things and more.

mini moringa cakes // matcha frosted

Who doesn't love cake? I love cake but in moderation- given a choice between cake and ice cream and I'll always choose ice cream, always, always, always. However these mini cakes are the perfect size for when I need to satisfy my sweet tooth in the form of cake. 

What makes these cakes extra special you ask? They are filled with super foods galore - moringa powder, cacao nibs + matcha green tea.

raw "cookie" dough balls

After dinner I am always in need of  a little something sweet. It can be anything - a square of sea salted almond chocolate, a cookie or spoonful of nut butter. 

For a while now I have been addicted to little raw cookie dough balls- they are dangerously easy to make, as in anytime I feel like something a little sweet I can throw these together in no time. The beauty of these little cookie dough balls, they give you that little sweet something while staying pretty good for you at the same time.

It's a win win!

cinnamon maple pecan butter

Nut butters are pretty amazing, am I right?! I love making my own from scratch, they are super easy to whip up, the most difficult part is waiting for the nuts to turn into butter. When I received my new Magimix (see my review here)  I knew the first two things I wanted to make: smoothies + nut butter. 

I had never made pecan butter before and wanted to give it a whirl- this nut butter is so soft and creamy // a total dream. 

crispy tofu noodle bowl

Does anyone else ever get super excited to have a day to themselves just so they can eat what they want- it doesn't even have to be a full day, just one meal any given day where all the choice is up to you. I sometimes secretly get excited when Justin tells me he is going to a friends house for "Guy Night" or on Saturday's when he has to work and I don't.....yeah I miss him, buuuuut him being gone for a short amount of time means I get to have whatever I want for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Justin and I don't see eye to eye on all food choices, he is pretty open to most things but I have a tendency to get strong random cravings for certain dishes when he could take it or leave it. 

However, I was really surprised when he was bummed that he missed out on this noodle bowl - I totally thought this would not be "his thing" and I ate it all and didn't save him even a taste {sad face}.

Magimix by robot - coupe // review

I am a pretty firm believer that you do not need a million in one appliances in order to be successful in the Kitchen. But I do believe high quality appliances can make a huge difference in making your life easier. I have totally found myself getting caught in- I HAVE to have the latest kitchen appliance, just to find I only use it a couple of times  and then it sits taking up valuable kitchen real estate.

(or never even taken out of the packaging- I'm talking to you tortilla press!).

My most used kitchen appliance - hands down is my food processor. It has a prominent place on my Kitchen Counter and is used daily- everything from smoothies, whipping up a vegan herb butter, shredding potatoes for hash brown patties or pulling together a batch a falafel. Seriously, I use my food processor all the time- that's why it was a no brainer when Magimix contacted me to review their latest food processor. If you've been around SMBP awhile, you know I'm pretty choosy on what I review on the blog, I'm telling you, this machine is too amazing not to share!

za'atar roasted chickpeas

I absolutely love creating beautiful food. Not everyone eats with their eyes first, but I absolutely do. Good tasting food is a must, but beautifully presented good tasting food is something magical.

Even something as simple as chickpeas and a few spices can be stunning.

Simplicity is great, isn't it?

book review: but i could never go vegan! {bonus recipe!}

I first started following keepin' it kind from the very beginning, like many I just knew Kristy + Chris were destined for something big. Heading over to the blog feels like sitting with an old friend; I love the voice she brings to those without one, her compassion and Chris's photography // just amazing. They bring so much brightness to the world, I was beyond excited when I learned they would be coming out with a cookbook. Seriously, could the title be any more spot on!

peanut butter banana oatmeal

I never tire of breakfast, it is the one meal that I get totally excited over. I love the ritual of our lazy Sunday morning breakfast, the predictability of breakfast during the work week + the quietness of Saturday mornings with just the pup, kitty + a crossword with a bottomless pot of tea.

Saturday is also the day of branching out; a new oatmeal, vegan eggs bene or whatever was found at the Farmer's market that morning.

sweet + spicy roasted chickpeas

You guyssss!  Oh wow, just WOW - these chickpeas are so freakin' amazing.

A little sweet, just the right amount of heat and so easy to make!

This is good vegan eating on the cheap - super inexpensive and wicked versatile.

book review: 100 best juices, smoothies + healthy snacks {giveaway + bonus recipe!}

{photo credit Emily von Euw}

How exciting is it too see so many amazing vegan cookbooks being released - so much goodness + beauty. It is even more exciting when you have seen blogging friends grow leaps + bounds with their art and publish not one, but two vegan cookbooks- both with amazing recipes and beautiful photos.

I remember with Em first started her blog, you always got the feeling this girl was going to be someone that makes a huge impact on the world through her love of food and living a healthy wholesome lifestyle. It was such an honor to have the opportunity to review her latest masterpiece:

100 Best, Juices, Smoothies + Healthy Snacks!

vegan eggs benedict // smokey portabella bacon

I am absolutely in love with breakfast - it is the one meal I look forward to everyday. Many of my breakfast "go to's"  include farina, tofu scramble, pancakes, tofu egg sammies, english muffin with peanut butter + breakfast wraps.

Some of my best recipe ideas come to be just before falling asleep, for this reason I always keep a pad + pen at my bedside table. I was actually thinking about my sister and how she and her other half love brunch - one of her favorite brunch dishes is a vegetarian bene. Hey, I've never made a vegan bene before, I need to get on that! Then I start to visualize the flavors and composition of the dish, furiously writing down my thoughts in a half awake // half asleep state (all with a confused Justin by my side).

sweet potato minestrone // chickpeas + pesto

Happy New Year!
Have you set your intentions for the new year? Each year I compile a life list; on one side I list out goals or intentions for the coming year , on the other side future long term goals and intentions.

I typically have these thought out way in advance, this year is a bit different. 2014 came and went so quickly I feel as though I'm just beginning to breathe again.

Intentions for 2015 // more whole plant based foods- less "vegan" junk food + processed foods // regain confidence + consistency in my yoga practice  // redefine + rediscover the purpose of this blog + what it means to me + direction // design our dream home

This soup is perfect to kick off the New Year - whole plant food goodness + loads of flavor, easy to make a batch for a week's worth of healthy lunches.

best of 2014!

It feels as if I was writing this post recapping 2013 just the other day - who can believe it is already the New Year, we are in 2015 my peeps! 

2014 was a good year, busy but good - to sum it up it was a total whirlwind. 

In 2014 I had the opportunity to see my photography published with the Experiment in Sharon Palmers book: Plant Powered for Life!

During the Summer I brushed up on my Wedding Planning skills and stepped up as an interim Wedding Planner at work, which ended up being a blast.

I had the opportunity to dabble in actual people pictures, not just food which was completely foreign to me but found is something I enjoy doing more than I had thought I would.

Sadly, I did not blog as frequently as I wold have liked - with a new year upon us I am hoping to hone in my focus on the blog and get those creative juices flowing once again.

To close out 2014 and kick off a new year, I give you my most popular posts of 2014!