Happy New Year!

Hoff's Quinoa Tater Tot Nachos

Hoff's Quinoa Tater Tot Nachos
Yields: two hearty entrees meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

Nacho "Meat"

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups Water
• 1 tsp. Taco Seasoning
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Cheese Sauce:

• 1 15  oz. can Diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15  oz. can Carrots (rinsed & drained)
• 1 Fire Roasted Red Pepper
• 1 cup Plant Milk
• Juice from half a Lemon
• 3 tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
• 1 tsp. smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Nachos:

• 1 bag Tater Tots
• 1 15 oz. can Refried Beans
• 1 Avocado (chopped/optional)
• 2 tbsp. diced Onion
• Slice Black Olives (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare Quinoa per the box directions, adding the rest of the ingredients, I prefer using the Instant Pot - throw all the ingredients in the IP, seal & lock lid, set Manual timer for 4 minutes, allow to Natural release for 10 minutes, then Quick release
2. Prepare the Tater Tots per the directions (I throw in my air fryer)
3. Meanwhile put Cheese Sauce ingredients into Vitamix & blend on high for 6 minutes
4. Heat the Refried Beans
5. When the Quinoa, Cheese & Beans are done, assemble your Nachos or Salad anyway you see fit

 Healthy Hoff: This is an indulgent meal that I would only enjoy 1-2 times per year, typically around the holidays.  However, just replace the Tater Tots with some chopped Lettuce & a handful of broken Corn Chips to enjoy anytime you want!

Merry Christmas!

Hoff's Orange Date Truffles

Hoff's Orange Date Truffles
Yields: 10ish Truffles
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 10 Dates (pitted)
• 2 tbsp. Cacao Powder
• 1/4 tsp. Orange Oil
• Pinch of Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Throw all ingredients into a high speed blender
2. Blend about 30 seconds until Dates are chopped into tiny pieces
3. Spoon about a tbsp. of mix into you hand and roll into a ball, repeat until all mix is used
4. Optional: roll each ball in additional Cacao Powder
5. Allow to set up in the fridge
6. Store in the fridge

Hoff Thoughts: If your Dates are dry, soak in water about 15 minutes and drain before using.

Raw Lemon/Orange Honey Tea

Raw Lemon/Orange Honey Tea
Yields: 1 serving
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 32 oz. Water
• 1 Lemon (peeled & de-seeded)
• 2 Clementines
• Honey
  

Directions:

1. Heat Water to 100-105 degrees
2. Add Lemon, Clementines & Honey (adjust amount to desired sweetness) to Vitamix
3. Pour Hot Water over spoon to remove the Honey easily
4. Blend for about 30 seconds to combine
5. Drink immediately

Hoff Thoughts: I love this electric kettle by Bonavita; although the minimum temp is 140 degrees and to keep it raw you don't want to go above 118 (depending on your source).  But, it heats up so fast, that I can just stop it once it reaches the temperature that I want.

Hoff's Quick Mac & Cheese

Hoff's Quick Mac & Cheese
Yields: 4-6 serving
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. Gluten-free Pasta
• 1 stick Earth Balance Butter
• 1/3 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1 cup unsweetened plain Plant Milk
• 1 tbsp. Arrowroot
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta according to directions
2. Meanwhile put remaining ingredients (except Butter) into Vitamix & blend until smooth
3. Drain Pasta, return to pot, mix in "Cheese Sauce" & Butter
4. Return to stove-top to heat through
5. Enjoy!

Hoff's Portobello Stew (Instant Pot)

Hoff's Portobello Stew (Instant Pot)
Yields: 6-8 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 cartons Portobello Mushrooms (chopped)
  
• 1-2 cups Baby Potatoes (quartered)
• 3-4 Carrots (chopped)
• 1 15 oz. can Green Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Braggs
• 2 Bay Leaves
  
• 2 tbsp. Tomato Paste 
• 1 tbsp. minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp. Coconut Sugar
• 1 tsp. Paprika
• 1 tsp. Oregano
  
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Stir ingredients together in the IP, Bay Leaves on top
2. Close & lock lid
3. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
4. Select Manual setting, High Pressure & set for 15 minutes
5. Manually release pressure
6. Remove Bay Leaves 
7. Serve alone or over Rice, Wide Noodles or Mashed Potatoes
   

Hoff Thoughts: You want just enough liquid to cover the ingredients, if you don't have enough, just add some Water.  Another variation of this recipe is to add Jakefruit.

Happy Turkey Day!

Hoff's Orange Risotto Rice (Instant Pot)

Hoff's Orange Risotto Rice (Instant Pot)
Yields: 4-6 Servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Orange Juice
• 2 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 cups Risotto Rice
• 1 15 oz. can Mandarin Oranges in light syrup
• 5 oz. Spinach (optional greens add)
• 3 tbsp. chopped Cashews (optional)
• Sea Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Mix Juice & Rice together in IP
2. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
3. Press "Manual" button & reduce time to 5 minutes
4. When done, use quick release method
5. Stir in Spinach until wilted, Mandarin Oranges with Juice & Cashew pieces
6. Season with Sea Salt

Hoff Thoughts: I don't actually chop my Cashews, I just throw them in a sandwich bag and bash them a bit with a heavy object, ah...Zen.  I also don't buy whole Cashews, too pricey!  Instead, I opt for their cheaper, yet still tasty alternative - Cashew pieces.  As I typically blend them to make sauces or break them into tiny pieces for a hit of crunch in dishes such as this, the cost effective pieces work out perfectly!

Mushroom Alfredo

Mushroom Alfredo
Yields: 5-6 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Gluten-free Pasta
• 1 Sweet Onion (half moon slices)
• 1 carton Mushrooms 
• 1/2-1 cup Veggie Broth
• 1 cup Cashews
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened plain Almond Milk
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• 1/2 Lemon
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• Pinch of Nutmeg
• Pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta according to directions
2. Meanwhile place Cashews, Milk, Garlic, Juice of Lemon & Seasonings into a Vitamix
3. Blend until well combined (about 30 seconds)
4. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick frying pan, sautee Onions until brown
5. As Onions begin to stick, add a splash of Veggie Broth
6. Add Mushrooms, adding Veggie Broth when needed
7. When Pasta is done, use a slotted spoon to transfer Pasta to Sauce (the goal is to incoprporate some of the starchy water to create a thicker Sauce
8. Stir & serve

Hoff's Quick Red Lentil Soup (IP)

Hoff's Quick & Easy Red Lentil Soup

Servings: 6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Red Lentils
• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 1 cup Water
• 1 15 oz. can diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• 1 15oz. Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 tsp. Dried Onions
• 1 tsp. Smoked Paprika 
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Stir everything together in the IP
2. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
5. Select Manual setting on High Pressure & cook for 2 minutes
6. Natural release pressure for 15 minutes, then Quick release
7. Season with Sea Salt

Hoff's Thoughts: Soup is even better the next day.

This Time I Really Found An Aluminum-Free Deodorant That Works!

I know, I know - I've made this proclamation before when I exclaimed that Thai Deodorant Stone Crystal Deodorant Stone was the real deal.

I'm sorry, I was...wrong.

At first, the stone was the bomb, worked beautifully...for a few months, then things started going south and I switched back to my aluminum-laced deodorant that I had shoved to the back of the cabinet in case things didn't work out.  But after using that for a few months, I would freak out over the aluminum and switch back to the stone, which worked for a few months and then slowly stopped working.

In retrospect, this was a disturbingly good thing.  What it forced me to realize was that I was absorbing all the chemical crap from the aluminum deodorant and that it was taking two months to work itself out of my system - that's why the stone appeared to be working. DISTURBING!

More motivated than ever to find an effective aluminum-free deodorant I tried one natural deodorant after another, until I finally found what I was looking for.

Determined not to make the same misguided proclamation to all of you again, I used said product for over a year and I'm still in love with its effectiveness!

Despite searching the world, the answer turned out to be in my own backyard - made right here in Lakewood, Ohio - Stem Soaps has crafted the perfect aluminum-free deodorant!

While they have the cutest little shop that deserves a drop-in, don't despair non-Clevenlanders, all of their products including this coveted deodorant is available online!

Check it out!

Hoff's No Crust Pumpkin Pie

Hoff's No Crust Pumpkin Pie
Yields: 1 pie
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 15 oz. can 100% Pure Puree Pumpkin
• 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup Vanilla Almond Milk
• 4 oz. Apple Sauce (that's one of those snack packs)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar or 7 pitted Dates
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 tsp. Vanilla Powder
• 1 tsp. Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Blend Oats in a food processor to make “flour”
3. Add remaining ingredients, blend until smooth
4. Pour into a glass/silicon pie dish
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until set
6. Serve cold or warm

Hoff Thoughts: Kick this up a notch by sprinkling Brown Sugar on top of the Pie with 10 minutes to go on the cooking time.

Doc: The Game Changers

The Game Changers, is a must see!  Particularly perfect for those interested in sports.


This doc follows a variety of athletes from endurance runners to weight lifters, to an Olympian who have gone plant-based in order to improve their performance, extend their careers and give them an edge over competitors.

There is some profanity peppered throughout as well as a “scientific” test around erections, so use best judgement if sharing with little ones.

Just as Forks Over Knives tapped into the mainstream consciousness, so too will this film.  

"Presented by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic and Chris Paul — a revolutionary new film about meat, protein and strength."
 

Check out the trailer or watch online now:

Hoff's Lasagna Soup (IP)

Hoff's Lasagna Soup (IP)
Yields: 10 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 1-2 cups Water
• One bag Gardein The Ultimate Beefless Ground
• 10 oz. box of gluten-free Lasagna Noodles (broken into pieces)
• 24 oz. jar Spaghetti Sauce (oil-free)
• 1 15 oz. can White Beans (rinsed & drained) 
• 1 15 oz. can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Zucchini (shredded)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 Garlic cloves (chopped)
• Season with Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Stir together all ingredients in the IP 
2. Add enough Water to cover the Pasta
3. Close & lock lid
4. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
5. Select Steam setting on High Pressure & cook for 3 minutes
6. Quick release pressure
7. Optionsl: Blend 1 laddle of Broth with 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast, mix back into Soup

Soul :) Smile

Soul :) Smile

Raw Lemon Honey Tea

Raw Lemon Honey Tea
Yields: 1 serving
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 32 oz. Water
• 1 Lemon (peeled & de-seeded)
• Honey
  

Directions:

1. Heat Water to 100-105 degrees
2. Add Lemon & Honey (adjust amount to desired sweetness) to Vitamix
3. Pour Hot Water over spoon to remove the Honey easily
4. Blend for about 30 seconds to combine
5. Drink immediately

Hoff Thoughts: I love this electric kettle by Bonavita; although the minimum temp is 140 degrees and to keep it raw you don't want to go above 118 (depending on your source).  But, it heats up so fast, that I can just stop it once it reaches the temperature that I want.

Hoff’s Raw Butternut Squash Soup

Hoff’s Raw Butternut Squash Soup

Serves: 2
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chopped Butternut Squash
• 3 cups Water
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a Vitamix & blend on high for 3-4 minutes
2. Serve immediately

Hoff Thoughts: When eating raw, food should not exceed 118 degrees.  A Vitamix "should" raise the temperature of food 10 degrees every minute it is run. However, my Vitamix runs hotter; it's a good practice to use a meat thermometer to test how hot this soup gets based on how long you run your machine.  Three minutes for me = 115 degrees.

Never Forget

Soul :) Smile

Hoff's Hot & Sweet Brussels Sprouts (IP)

Hoff's Hot & Sweet Brussels Sprouts (IP)
Servings: 4
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Frozen Brussels Sprout
• 1/2 cup Water
• 3 tbsp. Braggs
• 3 tbsp. Maple Syrup
• Hot Sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp. GF Flour
• Sea Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Whisk together Water, Braggs, Maple Syrup, a few dashes of Hot Sauce (depends on how Hot you want it) & Flour in IP
2. Toss Brussels with the Sauce
3. Close & lock lid
4. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
5. Select Steam setting on High Pressure & cook for 0 minutes
6. Quick release pressure
7. Stir & serve

Hoff Thoughts: I'm not one for hot/spicy food but, I feel the Hot Sauce compliments the sweetness of the Maple Syrup, however, I completely understand if you choose to leave it out all together.

Hoff's Jambalaya

Hoff's Jambalaya (IP)
Yields: 6-8 Servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Veggie Broth
• 1 1/2 cups Brown Rice
• 1 cup Soy Curls or Tempeh
• 1/4 cup Bacon Bits (vegan)
• 1 container Cremini/Button Mushrooms (quartered)
• 1 cup chopped Spinach (reserved)
• 1 Red Pepper (chopped)
• 1 cup Organic Corn (frozen)
• 1 Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1 15 oz. cans Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15 oz. can Diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15 oz. can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 5 oz. can Tomato Paste
• 1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
• Dash Liquid Smoke
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tbsp. Smoked Paprika
• 2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• Sea Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Mix together Water & Tomato Paste in IP
2. Stir in remaining ingredients, placing the Bay Leaves on top
3. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
4. Press "Manual" button & reduce time to 22 minutes
5. When done, use Natural release method for 10 minutes, then Quick release
6. Stir in Spinach
7. Season with Sea Salt & Pepper

Quick Bean Burritos

With a little help from your panini press or my personal favorite Cuisinart Griddler, yummy bean burritos can be in your tummy in minutes!

It just takes 4-6 organic flour tortillas, 1 15oz. can of fat free re-fried Beans (you'd think you'd want the vegetarian beans, but those usually contain oil, which you don't want) and a little Nutritional Yeast, salsa optional.

Simply divide the beans evenly among the tortillas, sprinkle with Nutritional Yeast, roll like a burrito.  Cook using your favorite sandwich press until browned.

So simple, I'm mad that I didn't think of this sooner!

Keep it healthy!

Soul :) Smile

Hoff’s Broccoli Rice Pilaf (IP)

Hoff’s Broccoli Rice Pilaf
Yields: 4-5 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 cups Arborio Rice 
• 1 cup Gluten-free Spaghetti (broken into pieces) 
• 2 stalks Broccoli (chopped) or Broccoli Rice
• 1/2 Sweet Onion (minced)
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast 
• 2 tbsp. Braggs

Directions:

1. Stir all ingredients together in IP
2. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
3. Press "Manual" button
4. Decrease cooking time to 5 minutes
5. When done, use quick release method, watch for liquid splatter
6. Stir Rice, dig in!

Hoff's Broccoli Cheddar Rice (IP)

Hoff's Broccoli Cheddar Rice (IP)
Yields: about 8 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Jasmine Rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 large head of Broccoli (finely chopped) 
• 1 cup Water

"Cheese" Sauce:

• 15 oz. can diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 15 oz. can sliced Carrots (rinsed & drained)
• 1 Roasted Red Pepper (jarred)
• 1/3 cup Nutritional Yeast
• Juice from half a Lemon
• 2 tbsp. Hemp Seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp. Lemon Pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Paprika 
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt 

Directions:

1. Place Broccoli with 1 cup of Water in IP
2. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
3. Press "Steam" button, reduce time to 0 minutes
4. When done, use quick release method
5. Remove Broccoli and set aside
6. Stir Rice & Water in IP
7. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
8. Press "Manual" button, reduce time to 3 minutes
9. When done, allow to sit for 10 minutes and then use quick release method
10. While all this is going on blend the "Cheese" Sauce" ingredients together using a high speed blender
11. Once everything is down, fold the Rice, Broccoli & Sauce together
12. Enjoy!

Hoff Thoughts: This is where two IPs comes in handy, you could steam the Broccoli while the Rice is cooking.  Do not try to combine the Broccoli with the Rice, 3 minutes is too long for this delicate vegetable and the result will be a mushy mess.

Chickpea Pizza Crust

Chickpea Pizza Crust
Serves: 1 Crust
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Chickpea Flour
• 1 cup Water
• 1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
• ¼ tsp. Baking Powder
• ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
• ¼ tsp. Onion Powder
• ¼ tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients until smooth, let sit for at least 30 minutes
3. Pour batter into a Cuisinart Griddler
4. Level using a spatula
5. Bake for 8 minutes at 425°F
6. Carefully remove with a spatula (at this point, the dough is fully cooked)
7. Dress your pizza and cook in the oven at 400°F for another 15-20 minutes

Airfryer Corn On The Cob

Airfryer Corn On The Cob
Servings: 4
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 4 organic ears of Corn (shucked)

Directions:

1. Break/cut each ear in half
2. Arrange in the Airfryer basket in an even layer to allow adequate airflow
3. Bake at 390 degrees for 15-20 minutes
4. Turn each ear halfway through cooking

Soul :) Smile

Happy 4th of July!

Apricot Bars

Apricot Bars
Yields: 9 pieces
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 Ripe Bananas
• 1 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
• 3/4 cup Apricot Preserves
• 1/2 cup Raisins
• 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1/2. tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Mash Bananas & Vanilla together
3. Stir in remaining ingredients until combined
4. Press mixture in 8x8 glass or silicon pan
5. Bake 25 minutes
6. Cool for 20 minutes before cutting

 

Soul :) Smile

DIY Beach Hair Salt Spray

Get that beachy wave texture without the $$$.


DIY Beach Hair Salt Spray
Yields: 1 cup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Water
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Coconut Oil
• 10-15 drops Essential Oil (optional)
• 1 Spray Bottle

Directions:

1. Shake all ingredients together in a spray bottle
2. Spray & scrunch hair to achieve beachy waves
3. Let dry & get your day on!

Vegan Cheese Sauce II

Recipe adapted from: Jill McKeever

Vegan Cheese Sauce II
Yields: about 3ish cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Water
• 1 cup Steel Cut Oatmeal
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
• Juice from 1/2 Lemon
• 12 oz. jar Roasted Red Pepper in Water (do not drain)
• 1 tbsp. Liquid Smoke
• 1 tbsp. Paprika
• 1 tbsp. Cumin
• 1 tbsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Blend ingredients together using a Vitamix for 5 minutes
2. Immediately transfer Sauce to storage container or use, Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools (in the time it took me to take photos, this stuff glued itself to my Vitamix container)

Hoff Thoughts: Serve over Veggies or pair with Pasta for a mean Mac & Cheese (about 1 cup Sauce with 1/2 cup Plant-based Milk. *Jill recommends Pecan or Apple Liquid smoke, which I would love to try, but I can't get my hands on it, just use what you have.