Vegan 3 Bean Chili

This chili is a staple in our household. Not only is it super inexpensive, it's easy to make, and the whole family loves it.

What you'll need:
*a cutting board
*knife
*big pot
*something to stir with

Ingredients:
*1 cup dried black beans
*1 cup dried dark red kidney beans
*1 cup dried pinto beans
*3 tomatoes
*1 bell pepper
*2 jalapeno
*1 onion
*3-4 garlic cloves
*1 cup of corn
Spices:
*1/4 cup of chili powder
*salt
*pepper
*cumin
*onion powder
*garlic powder

Now for the how to:
This recipe is not to specific. You can add as much or as little as you like of all the ingredients. Do note that because my little ones will be eating this chili I make sure to remove all the seeds and rib (the white part) of the jalapeno because that's where all the spiciness comes from. So first you'll want to chop up all your vegies. Then with just a tiny bit of sunflower oil I like to saute the peppers, onion, and garlic just until they're soft. Next toss in your beans and spices. Give it a good stir then add in the rest of your veggies and lastly plenty of water. You can either throw it in the crock pot and let it cook on low all day or if you'll be home you can leave it on the stove top on low until you're ready to eat.

Double Chocolate & Walnut Muffins

When I used to eat gluten I loved a good chocolate chocolate muffin from costco. They are so chocolatey, sweet, moist, and delicious. I have been wanting to try to make a healthier version of these muffins that can be eaten in the morning with little to no guilt. These muffins are not only gluten free but they are also vegan. I have a good friend who is on a vegan journey so I have been trying to experiment with vegan recipes from time to time. Its actually quite a bit easier that I thought it would be. This time I replaced one egg for one mashed up banana and it totally seemed to do the trick. These muffins rose so nicely. They are moist, have just the right amount of sweetness, and they are pretty simple to make. Hope you enjoy.

What you'll need:
2 bowls
Something to mix with
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Muffin Tin
Cupcake Papers or Non Stick Cooking Spray

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup gluten free all purpose flour
1 tablespoon flax powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 cup of cocoa powder
1 mashed banana
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup black coffee
1/2 cup sunflower seed oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup dark chocolate chocolate chips
1/2 chopped walnuts

Now for the how to:
Mash 1 banana then mix sugar, almond milk, coffee, and oil in a large bowl. In a separate smaller bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, flax powder, and baking powder. Once mixed together dump your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix to combine. Lastly add in your chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 18 minutes. This recipe yields 12 regular sized muffins.

Re(not)fried Black Beans

I love going to the taqueria and getting refried beans! They are soooo good; deliciously flavorful and nice and smooth. But I'm sure they're full of lard & other things that I really don't have a problem with in moderation buuttt for meatless Monday I wanted to create a vegan re(not) fried beans that are just as delicious and flavorful with out all the additives.

What you'll need:

Medium sized sauce pot 

Cutting board 

Knife 

Blender 

Ingredients:

1 cup of dried black beans 

1 jalapeño 

1/2 of a pasilla pepper

1/2 red onion

1 clove of garlic

1 tablespoon of cumin

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1/2 teaspoon of oregano 

3 cups of water 

Now for the how to: 

If you know that you're going to be making these beans the night before than before you head off to bed put your beans in a bowl full of water cover them with a paper towel, leave them on the counter, and go to bed. In the morning drain them before following the recipe. If you're like me and you forget to soak them or you decide in the morning you want to make beans here are the quick soak instructions: bring 1 cup of beans & 3 cups of water to a rapid boil. Once it comes to a rolling boil, turn off heat, cover & set aside for one hour. While the beans are soaking dice up the peppers, onion, and garlic. If you like things on the spicy side leave the rib (the white part) and seeds in but if you're feeding sensitive palates or little ones be sure to remove all of the seeds and the rib of the peppers. When the one hour is up drain your beans. Add in the peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. And lastly 3 cups of water. Cook on low heat all day. If you're a crock pot user throw those babies in the crock pot, place on low, and let them do their thing. When it comes time to serve these bad boys up toss them in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve them with whatever you like: rice, cheese, tortillas, chips... You name it... the possibilities are endless.