Author: Chef Kim

mango fresh and dried

Mango Berry Tart

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Mango Berry Tart

Fresh fruit, no added sugar, amazing taste, what could be better than this mango berry tart. It is easy and quick to pull together.

I made this for a class on Breaking up with Sugar and everyone loved it. When you are eating whole plant foods, there is less of a need to watch your calories and carbs. Whole plant foods are complex carbohydrates and break down slowly for sustained energy and even blood sugar.  Fruit isn’t the culprit, it’s the non-nutritive added sugars in processed foods that are really causing the problems people have with sugar and raising the risk of disease.

This fruit tart is a delicious way to get healthy sweetness into your life. It is simple and fresh and tastes amazing. It looks beautiful as a tart but also layered in glasses to make a parfait that is suitable for breakfast or dessert.

Give it a try!

Print Recipe

Mango Berry Tart / Parfait

Fruity and delicious, creamy and bursting with flavor without added sugar
Prep Time20 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: berries, coconut, dates, mango
Servings: 6
Author: Chef Kim

Equipment

  • 1 food processor

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2½ cups of shredded coconut
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch salt
  • 1/3 cup dates pitted and chopped

Filling:

  • 2 mangos peeled and chopped (or use thawed frozen)
  • ½ cup dried mango soak for 15 minutes in water
  • 2 cups berries single or mixed, I like blackberries
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

Prepare Crust:

  • To a food processor, add coconut, vanilla and salt and pulse to combine.
  • Add the dates and blend until dates are incorporated and mixture holds together when pinched. May need a few more dates.
  • Press into a pie dish or use as a layer or topping for a parfait

Prepare Filling:

  • In a food processor, pulse the dried mango and half of the mango cubes until thick and smooth. Be sure you have soaked the dried mango until softened.
  • Add the remaining mango and pulse a few times, should be chunky. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Fold in the berries and pour into a prepared pie crust or layer in cups for a parfait. Chill for an hour before serving.

Notes

The filling can be used by itself as a fresh fruit pudding.
Nuts can be added if desired to the coconut mixture, remove equal amounts of coconut as added nuts.
Any kind of berry can be used. If using frozen berries, thaw and strain any liquid before adding to the mango puree.
white bean salad

Artichoke White Bean Salad

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Artichoke White Bean Salad

This artichoke white bean salad takes on a Mediterranean flare and makes a nice summer meal.

Use low salt canned beans and canned or frozen artichokes, not marinated in oil. Beans are filling and provide much needed fiber and complex carbohydrates along with vitamins and minerals. Artichokes are known for their detoxing qualities, but also provide vitamin C, potassium, fiber and folate.

In the summer when it is hot, you don’t really want to cook. Making this meal salad can be done without adding heat; you just combine the ingredients and enjoy.

Print Recipe

White Bean Artichoke Salad

Mediterranean flavors combine in a quick and easy salad
Prep Time15 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: artichokes, white beans
Servings: 4
Author: Chef Kim

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cannellini beans or Chickpeas cooked
  • 2/3 cup Artichoke Hearts from the can, drained, chopped or frozen, thawed
  • 2/3 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1/3 cup Red Onion sliced
  • 1/3 cup Parsley finely chopped
  • 2 2/3 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 2/3 tsps White Wine Vinegar
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese optional

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine. Divide evenly between bowls or onto plates and enjoy!
lentil and corn salad

Lentil and Corn Salad Bowl

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Lentil and Corn Salad Bowl

If you are looking for an easy summer meal that is light and satisfying, this lentil salad bowl may be for you. It’s made with lentils, you can make a batch or use canned lentils if it’s hot and you don’t want to add heat to your house or you just don’t have time to cook lentils. I like to make extra when cooking beans and lentils and then portion out two cups into bags and freeze. Then I always have some on hand.

For the corn, you can use frozen, thawed or I like raw corn cut from the cob. Yes, you can eat raw corn, it’s crispy and sweet. I tend to stay away from canned corn and use frozen if I don’t have fresh.

Add colored bell peppers to get a variety of antioxidants, red onion, tomatoes and avocado and you are ready to go.

Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss. For a twist on flavor, blend the dressing ingredients with a couple spoonsful of salsa.

Easy, satisfying and delicious! Let me know if you give it a try or tag me in a post.

Print Recipe

Lentil and Corn Salad

quick, easy and satisfying salad, perfect for warm summer nights
Prep Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: corn, lentil
Servings: 4
Author: Chef Kim

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Lentils, brown or green cooked and rinsed or use canned
  • 2 cups Corn thawed frozen or cut from cob
  • 2 Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 2 Tomato medium, diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion finely chopped
  • 2 Avocado chopped
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
  • 2 Tbs Parsley very finely chopped
  • 2 Garlic clove, small, minced

Instructions

  • Divide the lentils, corn, pepper, tomato, red onion, and avocado between four bowls or plates.
  • To a small jar add the oil, lemon juice, parsley, and garlic and shake well until combined. Pour the dressing over the salads, mix well and enjoy!
strawberry chickpea salad

Strawberry, Rhubarb and Chickpea Salad

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Strawberry, Rhubarb and Chickpea Salad

Add moreAre you looking for a yummy sweet and satisfying salad that is easy to throw together? I got you. Spinach or mixed greens, topped with strawberries, pecans and chickpeas and drizzled with a strawberry rhubarb dressing hits the spot.

If you really like the tang of rhubarb, finely dice a 1/4 cup and toss that in the salad in addition to using it in the dressing.

Don’t make salad too complicated. These simple ingredients provide, protein, fiber and carbs for a satisfying lunch, light dinner or side. Give it a try and let me know how you like the tangy dressing. Add more honey to your liking.

Print Recipe

Strawberry and Chickpea Salad

Sweet strawberries, crispy pecans, and filling chickpeas tossed with spinach and topped with a strawberry rhubarb dressing.
Prep Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chickpea, pecans, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries
Servings: 3

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Strawberries sliced, divided
  • 1/2 cup Rhubarb chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Raw Honey more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach
  • 2 cups Chickpeas cooked or 1 can, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Pecans

Instructions

  • Add half of the strawberries, rhubarb, balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, and salt to a small blender and blend until smooth.
  • Divide the spinach, remaining strawberries, chickpeas, red onion, and pecans evenly between bowls. Add the dressing on top and enjoy!

Aquafaba Mayonnaise

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Aquafaba Mayonnaise

When you run out of mayonnaise, whip up this quick aquafaba mayonnaise and see how fresh and good mayo can be. It is so much better than those that have been sitting on the grocery store shelves.

The oil you use will be the biggest flavor you taste, so be sure you like the oil you use. Lightly flavored olive oil or the oils that are infused with other flavors would also make yummy mayo flavors for salads and sandwiches. Cold pressed nut oils would work as well. Use what you like.

If you are not wanting to use a lot of oil, there is a recipe for cashew mayonnaise found here.

Let me know what you think if you give it a try.

Print Recipe

Aquafaba Mayonnaise

This is a light tasting, dairy, nut and animal free mayonnaise that is easy to make.
Prep Time15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: avocado oil, chickpea water
Servings: 2 cups
Author: Chef Kim

Equipment

  • blender or immersion stick blender

Ingredients

  • 1 cup avocado or grapeseed oil
  • 3 T of chickpea water this is called aquafaba
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 T lemon juice or cider vinegar
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • Pinch cayenne powder

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a wide mouth pint jar or leftover jar that has a large enough hole to fit the blender tip into.
  • Let the oil settle to where you can see the layers in the mixture.
  • Insert blender to the very bottom of the jar and turn on high. Blend without moving the tip until you see the oil begin to emulsify and the creamy mayo climb up the sides of the jar.
  • When there is just a little oil left on the top of the white creamy mayo, gently lift the blender and blend moving up and down until all the oil is emulsified and no longer visible.
  • Do not blend at the top or Mayo will fly. Keep the tip just below the surface until done.
  • Keep refrigerated.
  • To make this in a regular blender, add the chickpea water and all the other ingredients except for the oil, to the blender.
    Start the blender on low, and slowly drizzle in the oil while the blender is running. Do this through the opening in the lid of the blender. Blend until creamy. Transfer to a jar for storage.

Notes

Aquafaba is the strained liquid from a can of chickpeas.
The aquafaba can be substituted with almond milk.
Light olive oil, infused olive oil and cold pressed nut oils will also wok well.
waldorf salad

Picnic Waldorf Salad

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Picnic Waldorf Salad

This Waldorf salad is ready for a picnic! It is sweet, crunchy and satisfying when it’s warm outside. What makes this Waldorf salad especially good for picnics is that the mayo used doesn’t have eggs, which can make it more susceptible to spoiling.

Making your own mayonnaise results in a better tasting salad. The store-bought kind don’t come close to the flavor of freshly made mayo. In this recipe I typically use the cashew mayo included, but you can also try this nut free vegan mayo.

For the salad, combine fresh crispy apples and grapes, chop some celery and add some crunch with your favorite nuts or seeds. They can be swapped out to your liking. Then stir in the mayo of your choosing and you’re done. Quick and delicious.

This recipe comes from way back in 2011 when I had finished my Raw Chef training and started teaching raw food classes. Let me know if you try it.

waldorf salad
Print Recipe

Waldorf Salad

Crispy, quick and delicious salad, perfect for a picnic.
Prep Time30 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apples, celery, grapes, nuts, seeds
Servings: 4
Author: Chef Kim

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients

Cashew Mayonnaise

  • 1 cup cashews soaked for 2 hours, drained
  • 6 tablespoons purified water
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 pitted dates
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • pinch pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil mild flavor
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salad

  • 2 large apples, diced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup grapes, sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or other nut or seeds
  • 6 tablespoons cashew mayo
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sweet hot mustard

Instructions

For Cashew Mayonnaise

  • Soak cashews for two hours or to do a quick soak, add boiling water to cover cashews and soak for 30 minutes. Drain.
  • Add all the ingredients for the mayo, except the oil, to blender and blend until smooth.
  • Scrape down sides and add oil, blend again until completely emulsified. Store in sealed glass jar in refrigerator.

For the Salad

  • Cut fruit and celery and add to a mixing bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice and mustard. Pour over salad mixture and toss well to coat.
  • Store refrigerated for three days.
corn soup

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican Street Corn is delicious but sometimes cumbersome to make. This soup is easy to stir together and brings those delicious flavors into a warm savory dish.

For some people corn can cause an inflammatory response. If you have done an elimination diet and do not see any effects of including corn in your diet, I hope you will enjoy this recipe. (If you struggle with inflammation and haven’t considered corn as a possible trigger food, you may want to eliminate it in all forms for a month and see if there is any improvement.)

corn soup
Print Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Soup

The flavors of street corn in a warm creamy flavor filled soup. Fast and delicious!
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cashew, corn
Servings: 4
Author: Chef Kim

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 8 cups Frozen Corn thawed
  • 1 Yellow Onion large, diced
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • pinch cayenne more to your liking
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 6 cups Water
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
  • 1/4 cup Lime juice
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add corn, onion, chili powder, cayenne and salt. Stir occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes, or until onion is soft.
  • Scoop out 1/3 of the mixture and set aside.
  • In a blender, blend the cashews with 1 cup of the water. Add this mixture to the pot with the remaining water.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Use a handheld immersion blender to puree until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender). Stir in nutritional yeast, lime juice and half the reserved corn mixture. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Divide the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining corn mixture, cilantro and additional chili powder (optional).
quesadilla

Sweet Potato Quesadilla

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Sweet Potato Quesadilla

I love the combination of sweet potatoes and black beans, how about you? These Sweet potato quesadillas hit the spot when you need an easy meal or snack that is full of flavor.

It doesn’t just taste good, you will be nourishing your body with potent phytonutrients found in the sweet potatoes, spinach and black beans that benefit immune function, provide anti-inflammatory compounds and restore energy and vitality – who doesn’t want those things? Eat up and enjoy!

quesadilla
Print Recipe

Sweet Potato Quesadilla

The perfect combination of sweet potato, black bean and spices come together in this easy meal or snack!
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: avocado, black beans, spinach, sweet potato
Servings: 4
Author: Chef Kim

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Water divided
  • 1 1/3 cup Sweet Potato shredded
  • 2 tsps Taco Seasoning or chili powder and cumin
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach
  • 1 can Black Beans rinsed
  • 1 1/3 cups Salsa
  • 1 Avocado sliced
  • 4 Brown Rice Tortilla Or almond flour or another soft gluten free
  • 1/2 cup dairy free cheese optional

Instructions

  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add half the water and then the sweet potato and sauté for one minute. Then add the spices. Sauté over medium-low heat until cooked through, about six to eight minutes. Add more water if needed to prevent any sticking.
  • Once the sweet potato is cooked through, add the spinach, black beans, and salsa. Stir to combine and cook until the spinach is wilted and the beans are warmed through. Remove from the heat and set aside in a large bowl. Wipe out the skillet.
  • Place the tortilla on the skillet over medium-low heat and spread the sweet potato filling over half the tortilla and sprinkle with cheese, if using. Avocado slices can be added inside or served on top after cooking.
  • Fold the tortilla in half and gently press down. Cook for two to three minutes per side or until browned and crispy. Let the quesadilla cool slightly and then cut into wedges. Repeat until filling is gone. Enjoy!
cauliflower tacos

Cauliflower Tacos with Lime Creme

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Cauliflower Tacos with Lime Creme

Tacos are a fun way to get in a serving of veggies! These cauliflower tacos are easy, delicious and perfect for Cinco de’ Mayo or anytime!

Taste the spice blend and add cayenne or hot sauce if you like a kick. The lime creme will elevate the flavors and also cool the spice down, so a little more spice may be needed. Adjust to your liking.

cauliflower tacos
Print Recipe

Cauliflower Tacos

Fresh and delicious tacos that provide a delicious serving of veggies.
Prep Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: cashews, cauliflower, lime, tacos
Servings: 4
Author: Chef Kim

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Avocado Oil
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt divided
  • 1 head Cauliflower medium sized, chopped into florets
  • 1/3 cup Cashews soaked, drained and rinsed
  • 3 Tbsp Lime juice
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 8 Corn or Almond Flour Tortillas
  • 1 cup Purple Cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1 Avocado sliced
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl stir together the oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder and half the salt. Add the cauliflower to the bowl and toss to coat. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove, flip the cauliflower around and roast for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add the soaked and rinsed cashews to a blender along with the lime juice, water and remaining sea salt. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  • Divide the tortillas between plates. Add the cabbage, roasted cauliflower and avocado to each tortilla. Drizzle the cashew lime sauce over each taco and garnish with cilantro, if using. Enjoy!
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped, for garnish, optional)
strawberry parfait

Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait

Chef KimLeave a Comment on Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait

Are you ready for a simple delicious dessert? This strawberry rhubarb parfait is for you if you love that combination. The cream is this recipe is sweetened with banana and would be lovely used over raw brownies or fresh fruit as well.

Please take advantage of fresh berries as they become ripe this season. They are definitely better tasting when in season.  Berries are wonderfully packed full of antioxidants and vitamins for supporting a variety of body functions, especially anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. So, get your fill of berries!

This strawberry rhubarb parfait is a good way to get in a serving of berries and feel like you’re treating yourself to something special at the same time.

Print Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait

A sweet and tart fruity dessert with a creamy cashew whip topping.
Prep Time30 minutes
soaking time1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cashew, rhubarb, strawberry
Servings: 4
Author: Chef Kim

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Rhubarb chopped
  • 2 cups Strawberries sliced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 1/2 cups Cashews soaked for 1 hour and drained
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 Bananas
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Soak cashews in warm water enough to cover for an hour. Strain and rinse.
  • Place rhubarb, strawberries and honey in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes or until rhubarb starts to break down and a sauce starts to form. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the rest.
  • Combine cashews, 1/2 cup water and bananas in a blender. Blend very well until smooth and creamy. Add more water to reach desired thickness.
  • Divide the stewed strawberry rhubarb between four serving glasses or jars and spoon the cashew banana cream over top. Garnish with extra fruit or nuts. Enjoy!