Cajun Red Bean Burritos
Feeling like I'm on FIRE with the recipes this month! I cooked for so long and for often, that for the last year or two I've needed a bit of a break. I've pulled back hugely from sharing recipes and simplified my own cooking style. It was worth it. I feel so much more motivation in the kitchen lately, and so much more creativity. I think a lot of life is like that - it flows in seasons.
We're almost in a new season of the year and it's a season where I want lots of fresh, healthy food available. I've been using my excitement for cooking lately to prep food for my husband and I - it makes grabbing food and going during the week SO much easier! I love simple, easy, inexpensive recipes that can be made in bulk, and RightRice has once again made it easier than ever. These new medley's are so good and so easy to prepare, we end up making one flavor or another several nights a week and packing the leftovers for the next day's lunch! This recipe whips up quickly and is FREEZABLE! Yo - frozen burritos. YES PLEASE! Just leave out the avocado so it doesn't get mushy and you just meal prepped breakfast for the week!
Ingredients:
1 bag RightRice Cajun Spice Medley 1 teaspoon ghee or oil 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 medium onion, thinly sliced pinch of salt 1 - 15.5 oz can kidney beans, drained 1 tablespoon water 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 salt tortilla(s), warmed sliced avocado, optional fresh chopped cilantro, optional Directions: Prepare RightRice according to instructions. While it sets, prepare the rest of the ingredients. In a saute pan over medium heat, warm the ghee. Toss in the sliced peppers, onions, and a pinch of salt and saute until soft, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. In a smaller pan, heat the drained kidney beans, garlic powder, paprika and tablespoon of water. Cook over medium until heated through and warm, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the oven or over the stovetop, heat your tortilla. Not overly done - you want it soft enough to wrap around your fillings. Once the tortilla is warm, remove from heat and assemble burrito by layering with RightRice, onions and peppers, kidney beans, avocado and cilantro. Wrap the burrito around the fillings first by folding in the ends, then rolling and wrapping until burrito forms. Enjoy! **Leftovers are best left in pieces, with burritos being assembles just prior to eating. These burritos DO FREEZE WELL! Just wrap finished burrito in tin foil, place in freezer, and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes to reheat. 
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Jackfruit Burrito Bowls
I didn't eat a ton of Mexican-inspired dishes growing up on the East Coast, and when I did they involved a lot of weird things like black olives and shredded mozzarella cheese. Eep. Now that I've been a California resident for officially a decade, I have a much finer appreciation for traditional Mexican dishes - and a serious love for hot hot salsa. When I want something a little spicy, my go-to is almost always tacos; but sometimes, you just need to mix it up - or in this case, you just happen to be out of tortillas! Which is fine, because even bowl style with crunchy corn tortilla chips and jackfruit instead of carne asada, these bowls are still so so much better and - dare I say - much closer to the original. I took all my favorite ingredients and tucked them into one bowl, and it's a simple one to toss together, too. The jackfruit is a great option for meat-free friends or meatless Monday meal inspiration, and the addition of RightRice as a protein / carb base elevates the flavor and takes the nutritional punch of the dish to the next level. Plus, it's easy to make for two or to pack half for lunch leftovers!
The big key here is really keep your ingredients as fresh as possible. There's just something about limp, wilted cilantro and browning avocados that makes any meal look sad and like it should've been served up days earlier. Plus, little customizable add-on's to the dish like corn chips, lime slices, and hot sauce can take your bowl from chipotle-style to personal chef status realllll quick. And THAT means meal prep for the week just got a lot more exciting. Get it, girl. Recipe below!
Ingredients:
-1 bag of Spanish RightRice (or use brown rice here for another healthy option) -1 10 oz package of Upton’s Chili Lime Jackfruit (or buy and season your own) -1 15 oz. (445 ml) can black beans -1 tablespoon lime juice -1 teaspoon salt -1 teaspoon chili powder -1 teaspoon cumin -avocado, cilantro, salsa, tortilla chips and limes for topping Directions: Prepare the Spanish Right Rice according to the instructions on the package, then set aside. Sauté the jackfruit in a medium-sized cast iron or frying pan until the edges brown, and set that aside while you cook the black beans. To cook the beans, pour them into a second, smaller pan and add the lime juice, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Add a splash of water and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. When your beans are done, it’s time to construct the bowls! To prep the bowls, layer in Spanish Right Rice, jackfruit, and black beans. Top with avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and salsa. Serve tortilla chips and limes on the side for garnish and flavor. Serves 2. Enjoy! 
Dang - I LOVE a good bowl, and this is a really great bowl! I can't wait to hear what you think, especially if you try it with the RightRice - I have been loving it as a sub for regular rice a few times a week for something different and a little more well rounded nutritionally, especially now that I'm working out so much more often. What are your favorite healthy food / snack subs?? Would love to hear how you switch it up in the comments below. Enjoy, babes!
Chilled SOBA NOODLE SALAD WITH SUNBUTTER SAUCE
I’ve been really grooving on quick, healthy, on-the-go meals lately. They never go out of style, make running out the sorry and to the studio much easier, and are a great way to make sure you’re packing some real food and real nutrition into your busy days.
One of my favorite cold salad options is a soba noodle salad. I had my first one years ago and have loved the simplicity ever since. Cold, sturdy, wheat-based soba noodles boiled to perfection and chilled, then tossed with a sweet, tangy peanut sauce and fresh, crisp veggies - the perfect lunch or dinner! However, as someone with a few food allergies herself, I get that those delicious peanut sauces aren’t especially delicious or functional for people with nut allergies. So I’ve partnered with my pals over at SunButter to create a totally nut-free version of one of my favorite dishes - simplified and paired down to the easiest version BUT that still tastes like the traditional version - so you can be eating in no time!
SunButter makes the best sunflower seed butter option on the market - and it’s totally free of the top 8 food allergens! A serving packs just as much protein as traditional nut butter, but more magnesium, vitamin E and iron - and less saturated fat, too. It makes a great snack on it’s own, but you are going to fall in love with it as the main sauce ingredient in this satisfying bowl. Since it is allergen-free, SunButter also makes a great option for kid’s lunches and is available at major grocers and food stores all over the US!
To get started, all you’ll need is your favorite jar of SunButter, some quality soba noodles, and your favorite uncooked veggies. Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS:
SunButter Sauce: 1/2 cup Natural SunButter 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon coconut aminos 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, minced 3-6 tablespoons water Soba Noodle Bowl: 6 oz whole wheat soba noodles 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced 1 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 cup carrot, thinly sliced 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced 1/4-1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped sesame seeds, for garnish DIRECTIONS: In a small bowl, whisk together the SunButter, lime juice, coconut aminos, maple syrup, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic. Once combined completely, begin adding in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add water until the sauce is your preferred texture. Set aside. Cook the soba noodles to directions on package. Remove from heat, strain, and run under cold water until the noodles are no longer hot to the touch. Place the noodles into a bowl and into the fridge to chill while you prep the veggies. Thinly slice your cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, jalapeño and cilantro and toss them into a large mixing bowl. Pour your SunButter Sauce over the veggies and toss to combine. Throw in the chilled soba noodles and gently toss again to combine. Top with a little extra chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish and enjoy immediately! NOTES: Serves 4-6. Leftovers last 3 days in the fridge. Sub in whichever favorite veggies you prefer! 
Wild Blueberry Overnight Oats
This is a super simple recipe, but sometimes those are the best recipes. I get into food moods all the time, and lately I've been super busy and hooked on easy, on-the-go breakfasts and lunches that pack some real nutrition and can keep me filled up when I have to teach back to back classes with no snack time in between. Being a Maine girl at heart my berries of choice were of the small, tart, and wild variety - but you can sub in whatever fruit or berries you prefer here, instead. The addition of coconut butter adds healthy, hearty, good-for-you fats that'll help keep you moving and the chia seeds add just a little extra texture (and a whole lotta omegas!) to the mix. All you'll need is a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, a glass jar, and a serious appetite. Let's eat!
Before you make your way down to the recipe, a quick reminder that I'm currently teaching 4x a week at CorePower Yoga in Brea, if you're looking to get your sweat on - and soon will have my own yoga vids for you guys to access on my YouTube whenever you need to flow! Send me your flow requests and I'll try to make them happen. Alright - keep scrolling! 
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup almond milk 2 teaspoons chia seeds 1 tablespoon coconut butter (or nut butter of choice) 1 tablespoons maple syrup 1/2 cup (GF) rolled oats 1/2 - 1 cup wild blueberries (fresh or frozen) DIRECTIONS: In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the almond milk, chia seeds, coconut butter, and maple syrup and stir or shake to combine. The coconut butter doesn't need to be completely mixed with the almond milk - and you'll get swirls of coconut butter to enjoy the next day! Add the oats and blueberries and stir or shake a few more times. Make sure all of the oats are saturated in the wet mixture. Cover and place in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours to set. When ready, simply pull out the oats, give 'em a stir and enjoy! You can add extra fruit or toppings as desired. Enjoy! NOTES: Leftovers last in the fridge up to 2 days, but are best enjoyed within 24 hours. Serves 1, but recipe is easily doubled. 
APPLE CINNAMON DUTCH BABY WITH CRUMBLED WALNUTS
Pancakes are yummy and donuts are great, but this sweet, crunchy, gooey dutch baby is LIFE CHANGING. This dish is from my first cookbook, Homestyle Vegan, which came out last year. It's packed full of 80 comfort food recipes with inspiration from my favorite real food dishes. Healthier baked beans? Yup! Baked Sea Salted Soft Pretzels? Uh huh! Biscuits with Mushroom Gravy? I've got you covered! You can buy one of the last few signed copies of my cookbook (with a few included surprises!) here. Ready to get to the recipe? Let's get moving! Intended as a dish for sharing, this recipe is perfect for a group brunch or after a morning of heavy drinking. We cut the sugar way down, but it still packs enough sweetness to cure your sweet tooth and impress your friends. This isn't an everyday breakfast; this is a lounge in your pj's 'till noon 'breakfast', a 'celebrating our anniversary' breakfast, a you-scored-your-dream-job-and-it's-time-to-celebrate breakfast - you get what I'm saying, right? This is a treat yo'self, no guilt, love your life breakfast - because I think we could all use a few more of these. You can still drink your green smoothie on the side! But you so deserve this, babe. So let's bake! This turned-up-pancakes party is getting started and you know you want to be there!
INGREDIENTS
4 tablespoons (28 g) ground flax 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (150 ml) warm water 2 cups (340 g) whole wheat flour 2 cups (475 ml) non-dairy milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup (120 ml) applesauce 2 tablespoons (14 g) cinnamon, divided 1/4 cup (60 g) sugar 1/4 cup (45 g) brown sugar 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup (75 g) walnuts, finely chopped or crumbled 2 medium-sized tart apples, cored and thinly sliced 4 tablespoons (60 ml) vegan butter or coconut oil maple syrup or powdered sugar, for garnish DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flax and water. Set aside to thicken. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, milk, vanilla, applesauce, thickened flax mixture and one tablespoon of cinnamon. In a separate, smaller bowl mix together the sugar, brown sugar, remaining one tablespoon of cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts. Set aside. Prepare your apples and set those aside, too. When the oven has heated, place 4 tablespoons of vegan butter or coconut oil into a 8-in cast iron pan and place it in the oven. Heat until the butter or oil completely melts, about 3 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and pour in the batter. Place the pan back into the oven and bake 20-22 minutes, until the dutch baby is cooked about halfway through and and the sides are beginning to puff up. Pull it from the oven and cover it in apple slices. Spread the sugar and nut mixture over the top, and put the pan back into the oven. Bake 20-25 more minutes, then remove the pan from the oven. Serve slices immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. TIPS Leftovers can be saved up to 3 days, covered, in the fridge. Serves 6. Jackfruit Philly Cheesesteaks
When I first met Alex there wasn't a Philly Cheesteak he wouldn't eat for lunch. He LOVED them! He was a sucker for the 'traditional' - although clearly it's debatable what the traditional version is exactly. He's always considered the melted provolone slices, not the cheeze whiz sauce, the original version - and the chef in me wants to hope he's right. So when he told me he'd sort of been craving that familiar old sandwich, we knew we could make a vegan version that was just as friggin' good. And I think we nailed it on this one. The secret? The cheesier-than-ever Daiya provolone slices! They're the perfect sub for the ooey-gooey, melty cheese that makes the original so memorable. The slices melt and stretch just like real cheese, but are a delicious, plant-based alternative for anyone looking to eat better, whether they’re dairy-intolerant, allergic, vegan, or simply living a healthy lifestyle.
The jackfruit makes the perfect substitute for a shaved steak, and was super like the original once we got a little char on the jackfruit. Our best tip is to cook in cast iron if you can - you'll get nice, crispy edges on the jackfruit. Once you get the jackfruit cooked up you toss in the grilled veggies and cheese, and voila! You've got yourself a super yummy, way healthier Jackfruit Philly Cheesesteak Sub! These sandwiches are so yummy served up fresh, but can be easily wrapped in paper and taken along on a picnic. Either way, do yourself a favor and cook these up for yourself. The recipe makes enough for two, so you can make one for someone you really like or have leftovers for day two. Oh, and people usually ask - we find our jackfruit at local Asian markets, but you can usually find it, though overpriced, at Whole Foods as well. Enjoy! 
INGREDIENTS
Daiya vegan provolone cheese slices 1 loaf Italian bread or 2 large sub rolls, sliced 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon coconut oil 2 - 20 oz. cans jackfruit, drained and shredded 1/2 cup water 1 large clove of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon liquid smoke 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon white cooking wine 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce salt + pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Place the Daiya slices and sub rolls to the side, you'll need them after the filling is prepared. Heat coconut oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Sauté the thinly sliced onions and peppers until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Begin heating the next bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. As it heats up, pour in the shredded jackfruit, water, minced garlic, liquid smoke, and maple syrup. Sauté until the liquid reduces to about half, then add the white cooking wine, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and continue to cook over medium heat until the liquid has completely reduced and the jackfruit is beginning to brown. Throw the onions and peppers into the pan with the jackfruit and toss to combine. Line the mixture into a straight line across the middle of the pan. Place Daiya provolone slices onto the mixture (we used 2 per sandwich), then cover the pan with a lid for about 30 seconds to a minute, or until the cheese has become melty on top of the jackfruit mixture. Use a spatula to scoop the mixture onto your sub rolls and enjoy! NOTES Leftover filling will last in the fridge, covered, for a few days. Traditional cheesesteaks are served on soft bread, but all we could really find was a french baguette. While soft sub rolls are my recommendation, use what you can find. 
Cranberry Apple Salad with Pepitas and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
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