Caramelized Onions (IP)

Caramelized Onions (IP)
Yields: 1 Onion
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 1 Sweet Onion (half moon slices)
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Turn on Saute setting, to heat up pot
2. Add Onions, Sugar & Salt; mix together
3. Saute until Onions release their water
4. Turn off Saute setting
5. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
6. Press "Manual" button & reduce time to 20 minutes
7. When done, use quick release 
8. If too much water is left, turn on Saute setting until desired amount is left
9. Enjoy or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!

Hoff Thoughts: I prefer to use my 3 qt Instant Pot, when I only need one Onion, however, I pull out the 6 qt when I need to make a few Onions.

Vegan Cheese Sauce III

Vegan Cheese Sauce III

Yields: about 5ish cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. small/chopped Yukon Potatoes
  
• 12 oz. Baby Carrots
• Water (enough to cover Potatoes/Carrots), reserve 1 1/2 cups cooking Water
• Juice from 1/2 Lemon
  
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1 tbsp. Liquid Smoke
• 1 tbsp. Paprika
• 1 tbsp. Cumin
• 1 tbsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Place Potatoes, Carrots & Water the IP
2. Close & lock lid
3. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
4. Select Manual setting on High Pressure & cook for 7 minutes
5. Quick release pressure
6. Blend Potatoes, Carrots, & Seasonings with 1 1/2 cup cooking Water using a Vitamix until smooth, not too long, since ingredients are hot
   
7. Immediately transfer Sauce to storage container or use, Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools
8. Clean Vitamix immediately
   

Hoff's Sloppy Joe's II (IP)

Hoff's Sloppy Joe's II (IP)

Yields: 6-8 sandwiches
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Water
• 1 cup Red Lentils
• 12 oz. frozen Broccoli Rice
  
• 1/2 Sweet/Red Onion (chopped)
• 15 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• 5 oz. can Tomato Paste
• 2 tbsp. Sugar
• 1 tbsp. minced Garlic
  
• 1 tbsp. Molasses
• 1 tsp. Mustard
  
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
  

Directions:

1. Turn on Saute feature and brown the Onions, add Garlic for 30 seconds
2. Turn Saute feature off
3. Stir remaining ingredients together in the IP
4. Close & lock lid
5. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
6. Select Manual setting, High Pressure & set for 15 minutes
7. Quick release pressure
8. I prefer to serve as open-faced sandwiches

 

Hoff Thoughts: Once cooked, if the Sloppy Joe's is too runny, add a few tablespoons of Instant Mashed Potatoes to absorb the excess liquid.

Hoff's Mole Sauce

Hoff's Mole Sauce

Yields: 4 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free
 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Rice (prepared)
• 1 cup Water
• 1 15oz. can Black Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15oz. can Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 12oz. jar Roasted Red Pepper (drained & chopped)
  
• 1 Red Onion (diced)
  
• 2 tsp. minced Garlic
  
• 3 tbsp. Raisins
  
• 1 tbsp. Tomato Paste
  
• 1 tbsp. Cocoa Powder
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
  
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Veggie Bullion
• Sea Salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. Prepare Rice according to box directions, set aside
   
2. Meanwhile in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, brown Onions & Garlic
3. Add Red Pepper & Beans
4. Add Spices then Water
5. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer
   
6. Stir in Raisins
7. Plate Rice, top with Mole
   

Golden Gravy

Recipe based on McDougall's Golden Gravy

Golden Gravy
Yields: 4 1/3 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 1/3 cup Braggs
• 1/2 cup Brown Rice Flour
• 1 tbsp. Liquid Smoke
  
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
  

Directions:

1. Whisk together Broth, Braggs, Smoke & Onion Powder in saucepan over medium-high heat
2. Bring to a boil
3. Whisk in 1 tbsp. of Flour at a time
4. Cook until desired thickness achieved
   

Hoff's Sweet Potato Rice Chili (Instant Pot)

Hoff's Sweet Potato Rice Chili (Instant Pot)
Serves: 5-6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Brown Rice
• 2 1/2 cups Water
• 10 oz. bag frozen Sweet Potatoes
• 1 15 oz. can Black Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• 1 15 oz. can fire-roasted diced Tomatoes
• 1 6 oz. can Tomato Paste
• 1/2 Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1 tsp. Chili Powder
• 1 tsp. smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• Season with Sea Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the IP
2. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
3. Press "Manual" button
4. Decrease cooking time to 22 minutes
5. When done, 10 minute Natural release, then Quick release
6. Serve & enjoy!

Hoff's Shepherds Pie

Hoff's Shepherds Pie
Servings: about 6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 4 cups prepared Mashed Potatoes 
• 2 bags frozen Organic Peas, Carrot, Corn mix
• 1 - 20 oz. can Jackfruit (rinsed, drained & chopped)
• 2 pre-cooked Yukon Gold Potatoes (chopped)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 cups Plant-based Milk (unsweetened)*
• 1 cup Water*
• 2 pre-cooked Yukon Gold Potatoes (rough chopped & reserved)*
• 1/3 cup Oats*
• 2 tsp. minced Garlic*
• 2 tsp. Onion Powder*
• 2 tsp. Garlic Power*
• 2 tsp. Chicken Broth Base*
• Season with Sea Salt & Pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Stir together all ingredients in a 9X9 baking dish  (except reserved* Potatoes, Milk, Water, Oats & Seasonings)
3. Using a high speed blender, blend reserved* Potatoes, Milk, Water, Oats & Seasonings for 6 minutes
4. Pour blended mixture into the Vegetable and stir to combine
5. Top with Mashed Potatoes
6. Bake for 15 minutes
7. Broil for 5 minutes to crisp the top

Cake Mix Pumpkin Donuts

Cake Mix Pumpkin Donuts
Yields: 9 large donuts
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz. box GF Cake Mix
• 1 15 oz. can pureed Pumpkin
  
• 1/2 cup Apple Sauce
  
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Spice
  
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Optional Glaze

• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• pinch Sea Salt
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a medium bowl, mix ingredients together
   
3. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk glaze ingredients together, set aside
   
4. Spoon dough into a non-stick donut pan (oiling the pan is not necessary)
5. Bake 12 minutes
6. Allow to cool completely for easy removal
7. Dunk each donut into glaze
8. Get your pumpkin on!
   

Hoff's Skyline Chili II (Instant Pot)

Hoff's Skyline Chili II (Instant Pot)

Serves: 5-6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. gluten-free Spaghetti
• 1 package Tempeh (optional)
  
• 2 15.5 oz. cans Bush's Chili Starter Traditional Mild
  
• 1 15 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• 1 15 oz. can fire-roasted diced Tomatoes
• 1 15 oz. can Pumpkin Puree
  
• 1/2 cup Red Lentils
  
• 1/2 Sweet Onion (chopped) 
• 1 cup Water
  
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
  

Directions:

1. Prepare Spaghetti according to package directions
2. Beak Tempeh into medium chunks & blend on low in a high-speed blender to form crumbles
3. Combine the rest of ingredients, including Tempeh in the IP
4. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
5. Press "Manual" button
6. Decrease cooking time to 10 minutes
7. When done, use Natural release method
8. Stir in Spaghetti, top with optional Nutritional Yeast

Hoff Thoughts: If you're from around Ohio, you know that we love our Chili with Spaghetti, Skyline Chili style.  Of course this typically is accompanied by a sky high mound of shredded cheddar cheese, save yourself the artery clogging and use Nutritional Yeast instead.

Hoff's Creamy Broccoli Soup (IP)

Hoff's Creamy Broccoli Soup (IP)
Yields: about 10 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 cups Plant-based Milk 
• 2 pre-cooked Yukon Potatoes (rough chopped)
• 1 cup Rice Blend
• 1 - 16 oz. bag frozen Broccoli
• 1 small Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1/3 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 3 tsp. minced Garlic
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp. Paprika
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Blend Potatoes w/Milk & Broth (set aside)
2. Combine all remaining ingredients in IP
3. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
4. Press "Manual" button, reduce time to 15 minutes
5. When done, use natural release method
6. Stir in pureed Potatoes
7. Serve with crusty bread

Hoff Thoughts: Pureed Potatoes make the soup too thick and the IP will not come to pressure, best to leave out until the soup is cooked.

Hoff's Creamy Veg Soup (IP)

Hoff's Creamy Veg Soup (IP)
Yields: about 10 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 3 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 cups Plant-based Milk 
• 4 cups pre-cooked Yukon Potatoes (chopped) (reserve 2 cups)
• 1 - 16 oz. bag frozen California Blend (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots)
• 1/2 cup Organic frozen Corn
• 15 oz. can Cannellini Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 small Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 3 tsp. minced Garlic
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 2 tsp. dried Basil
• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp. Paprika
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Blend 2 cups Potatoes w/Milk
2. Combine all ingredients in IP
3. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
4. Press "Manual" button, reduce time to 10 minutes
5. When done, use quick release method
6. Serve with crusty bread

Hoff Thoughts: If the pressure cooker doesn't come to pressure because the soup is too think, don't worry, it will still heat through which is all it needs.

Energy Bars

Energy Bars

Yields: about 8-10 bars
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 2 cups Old Fashioned Oatmeal
• 1/2 cup Oatmeal
  
• 1/3 cup canned Pumpkin
• 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
  
• 1/4 cup Raisins
• 1/4 cup Craisins
  
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Spice
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
  
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl mix together first three ingredients (wet ingredients)
2. Then mix in remaining ingredients
3. Spoon batter into a 9X9 glass/silicon baking dish, level out mixture and press down to pack the bars together
   
4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes to set-up
   
5. Cut into equal bars, store in the fridge or freezer
   

 

Hoff Thoughts: Additional add-in suggestions: (these do increase calorie density &/fat or both) almond butter, pistachios, chocolate chips, dates.

Hoff's Corn Chowder II (IP)

Hoff's Corn Chowder II (IP) 

Yields: About 6-8 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

Cream Sauce:

• 12 oz. frozen Cauliflower (thawed or steamed)
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plain Plant-Milk
• Juice from 1/2 Lemon
• 3 tbsp. Old Fashioned Oats
• 2 tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
• 2 tsp. minced Garlic
• 1 tsp. Miso (optional)
  
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder 

 Soup Base:

• 2 cups Veggie Broth
  
• 16 oz. bag frozen Organic Corn
• 1 cup Red Lentils
• 12 oz. jar Roasted Red Pepper
• 1/2 Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp minced Garlic
  
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Cumin
  
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Using a high speed blender, blend Cream Sauce ingredients together
   
2. Turn on Sautee feature of IP and brown Onions & Garlic, turn off feature
   
3. Add Soup Base ingredients & Cream Sauce to IP
4. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
5. Press "Manual" button & reduce time to 25 minutes
6. When done, use quick release method
7. Using an inversion blender, blend soup until desired smoothness/chunkiness is achieved

 

 

Hoff's Apple Pie Oatmeal Bake

Hoff's Apple Pie Oatmeal Bake 

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

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Old Fashioned Oatmeal
• 3 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based Milk
• 21 oz. can Apple Pie Filling
  
• 1 organic Honey Crisp Apples (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  
• 2 tsp. Apple Pie Spice
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
  

Crisp Topping:

• 1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oatmeal
• 2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp. Apple Pie Spice
  

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees
2. Stir Oatmeal, Milk, chopped Apples, Apple Pie Filling, Brown Sugar, Salt and Spice together
3. Transfer to a 9x9 glass baking dish
4. Using a high speed blender, pulse Crisp Topping ingredients until coarsely chopped
   
5. Layer on top of Oatmeal
   
6. Bake for 30 minutes
7. Serve with a drizzle of Maple Syrup if desired

Hoff's 15 Bean Veggie Soup (Instant Pot)

Hoff's 15 Bean Veggie Soup (Instant Pot)

Yields: 5 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg HamBeens® 15 BEAN SOUP® (discard seasoning packet)
  
• 8 cups Veggie Broth/Water
  
• 1 jar Spaghetti Sauce (Prego Light)
• 16 oz. bag frozen Veggie Mix (corn, carrots, green beans, peas)
  
• 15 oz. can diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup frozen Spinach
• 1 Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1 tbsp. minced Garlic
  
• 1 tbsp. Ham Seasoning
  

Directions:

1. Press IP Sautee button, add Onions and cook until translucent
2. Add Garlic, stirring for 30 seconds before turning off the IP
   
3. Stir remaining ingredients together in IP
4. Close & lock lid
5. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
6. Select Manual setting on High Pressure & cook for 45 minutes
7. Manually release pressure
8. Stir & serve

 

Hoff Thoughts: This soup is even better the next day as the flavors meld together.  While the Bean seasoning mix is vegan and gluten-free, read the ingredients, they sounded a little to chemically to me.

Hoff's Taco Salad II (IP)

Hoff's Taco Salad II (IP)
Yields: 2 Big Salads

meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, oil-free

 

Ingredients:

• 2-3 Romaine Heads (chopped)
• 6 Corn oil-free Tortillas
  
• 1/3 cup Red Onion (chopped)
• Sliced Black Olives (optional)
  
• Salsa
  
• Juice from 1 Lime
   
• Upton's Chili Lime Jackfruit or 8oz. of Mushrooms (chopped)
  
• 1 cup Jasmine Rice/1 cup Quinoa/half & half
  
• 1 cup Water
  
• 1 15 oz. can Black Beans (w/liquid)
• 1/2 cup frozen Organic Corn
• 1 Taco Seasoning packet
  
• 3 tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
• 2 tbsp. Sugar (if using Upton's Jackfruit)
• Season with Sea Salt
  

Directions:

1. Combine Jackfruit/Mushrooms, Rice, Water, Black Beans, Corn & Seasonings in IP
2. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
3. Press "Manual" button and adjust cooking time to 3 minutes (Rice only), 4 minutes (Quinoa or half & half) at high pressure
4. When done, use natural release method
5. While IP is releasing, crisp Tortilla shells (prep with a little Lime Juice & Salt) in an air fryer or preferred method
   
6. Top bed of Romaine with Taco Mixture, add Onion, Black Olives & Lime Juice, finish by breaking Tortilla shells into pieces and top with Salsa
   

Hoff Thoughts: Upton's Jackfruit has a bit of a heat kick, hence the addition of the Sugar, but if you like heat, leave it out.  I prefer to use a big bowl for this dish, as this is an Elaine style salad.

 

Hoff's Plain Hummus

Hoff's Plain Hummus
Yields: 3 cups
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free
 

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz. can of Garbonzo Beans (rinsed and drained)
• 2 tbsp. Garbonzo Liquid (reserved)
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 2 tbsp. Tahini 
• 2 tbsp. Mustard (optional)
• 1 tbsp. minced Garlic
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Cumin

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in Vitamix/blender (order not important)
2. Use tamper (Vitamix) to push ingredients into blades
3. Blend until smooth (1-2 minutes)
4. Optional: Blend 2 ice cubes into the Hummus for a creamier result
5. Store in fridge

Hoff's Veggie Broth (Instant Pot)

Hoff's Veggie Broth (Instant Pot)

Yields: depends on amount of Veggies
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• Water
• Veggies Scraps (Celery, Carrots, Cilantro, Onions, etc.)
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Paprika
  
• 1 tsp. Onion powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic powder

 
Directions:

1. Throughout the week gather Veggie scraps and store in a zip-lock bag in the freezer until ready to make Broth
   
2. Dump Veggie scraps in the IP
3. Add Seasonings
4. Add enough Water to cover all Veggies
   
5. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
6. Press "Manual" button and adjust cooking time to 15 minutes at high pressure
7. When done, use natural release method (the longer it sits, the darker the broth gets)
8. Using a strainer spoon, extract the larger Veggies pieces (remember you want to save the liquid, not the other way around)
9. Using a funnel and fine mesh strainer, carefully pour Broth into mason jars or storage container of choice (a second set of hands makes this easier)
   
10. Can be frozen for later use or kept in the fridge for up to a week

Hoff's Black Bean Mango Rice (Instant Pot)

Hoff's Black Bean Mango Rice (Instant Pot)
Yields: 6 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 2 cups Jasmine Rice
• 1 cup chopped Mango
• 16 oz. jar Mango Salsa
• 1 15 oz. can Black Beans (w/liquid)
• 2 cups Water
• Season with Sea Salt

Directions (Instant Pot):

1. Place all ingredients into the IP, stir
2. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
3. Cook Manually on High Pressure for 3 minutes
4. Manual Release
5. Stir & Serve!

Hoff's Tomato Tortilla Soup (IP)

Hoff's Tomato Tortilla Soup (IP)
Yields: 6-8 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free*

Ingredients:

• 6 small Corn Tortillas
• 2 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 - 15 oz. cans Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp. minced Garlic
• 2 tsp. Paprika 
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• Season with Sea Salt/Braggs*

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to IP
2. Close & lock lid
3. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
4. Select Manual setting on High Pressure & cook for 10 minutes
5. Quick release pressure
6. Using an immersion blender, blend soup for a few seconds, to make creamy w/some ingredients left whole
7. When serving, place a few Tortilla Chips and or Onion on top of soup

Hoff’s Baked Mac & Cheese

Hoff’s Baked Mac & Cheese

Yields: 4-6 serving

meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. Gluten-free Pasta
• 1/3 cup Gluten-free Bread Crumbs
• 1 - 4 oz. 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. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Cook Pasta according till just before al dente, about 9 minutes
3. Meanwhile put remaining ingredients (except Butter) into Vitamix & blend until smooth
4. Drain Pasta, return to pot, mix in "Cheese Sauce" & Butter
5. Transfer Mac & Cheese to a 2 quart baking dish with lid
6. Top with Bread Crumbs
7. Cover & bake for 30 minutes
8. Enjoy!

Hoff Thoughts: Do not make the Mac & Cheese portion ahead of time and bake later, too much sauce will absorb into the pasta.

Hoff’s Orange Sauce II

Hoff’s Orange Sauce II
Yields: 2 cups
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free

Ingredients: 

• 1/3 cup Water
• 1/3 cup Orange Marmalade
• 1/3 cup Braggs Amino Acids 
• 2 tbsp. Garlic Vinegar
• 2 tbsp. GF Oats
• 2 tbsp. Maple Syrup 
• 1 tbsp. Honey Mustard 
• 1 tbsp. minced Garlic 
• 1 tsp. minced Ginger 

Directions: 

1. Blend ingredients together using a Vitamix for 6 minutes

Hoff's Miso Veggie Ramen

Hoff's Miso Veggie Ramen
Serves: 1
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Water
• 1 block Ramen Noodles
• 1/2 cup of frozen Veggies of choice
• 1 tbsp. Bragg’s
• 1 tsp. Miso

Directions:

1. Using an electric kettle or heating element of choice, boil Water
2. Meanwhile place remaining ingredients into a bowl
3. Pour boiling Water over ingredients & microwave for 3 minutes
4. Using a fork break apart Noodles
5. Allow to sit for a few minutes to allow Noodles to fully soften & soup to cool 

Hoff Thoughts: This makes the perfect lunch for me or a very quick & light dinner.

Easy Enchiladas

Inspired by Plantiful Kiki

Easy Enchiladas
Serves: 4 - 6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 12 Corn Tortillas
• 15 oz can Black Beans (w/liquid)
•  15 oz can organic Corn (rinsed & drained)
• 2 cups prepared Mashed Potatoes
• 16 oz Enchilada/Taco Sauce
• 1 cup plant-based Milk
• 2 tbsp. Sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Combine Enchilada sauce w/Milk & Sugar
3. In a 9x13 baking dish, spread out 4 Enchiladas, add a little Sauce
4. Top w/half of the Potatoes, then Beans, then Corn
5. Add another layer of Tortillas & a little Sauce
6. Repeat step #4 with remaining ingredients 
7. Top w/last layer of Tortillas & remaining Sauce
8. Cook for 20 minutes 

Hoff Thoughts: The Sugar is to cut the heat in the sauces, because I hate spicy food, feel free to omit.

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Lemon Freeze

Lemon Freeze
Servings: 5
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 22 oz. can Lemon Filling (verify vegan)

Directions:

1. Evenly divide filling into five small containers
2. Freeze
3. Allow to thaw slightly before serving

Tacos & Steamed Veggies, Oh My!

I got some new toys recently to simply make my life easier.

The first is what I had considered an indulgent or gimmick type of purchase, but after using it, I now consider it a MUST HAVE for Taco Tuesday.

A Taco Holder.

This simple, unassuming gadget is absolutely necessary to have a successful taco night! Ok, ok, that’s a bit of a stretch, I mean, I’ve been eating tacos successfully for years without one, but it makes life so much easier! No more falling over tacos, no fillings spilling out, no wrestling to make your taco.  These holders make life so much easier and isn’t that what true happiness is about? I think a headache free taco dinner is worth $8.99, don't you?

The second toy was an unexpected find. After getting back into healthier eating, I was at a lose for how to steam my vegetables. Yes, I know how to steam them, but the thought of bringing a big pot of water to boil felt tedious and steaming in my Instant Pot, makes my veggies too mushy.

Then this baby came into my life, the Microwave collapsible steamer!

I am a sucker for a collapsible anything and it’s BPA free and it comes in my favorite color, black! The bowl, lid and even the strainer is rubber, so it’s super light weight and easy peasy to clean.

Just add a bit of water, lay your veggies out, place the lid, nuke for 3-5 minutes and you’re eating!

For $23.99, I might buy another just for travel!


Keep it healthy!

Hoff's Apple Maple Oatmeal (IP)

Hoff's Apple Maple Oatmeal (IP)
Servings: 6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Old Fashioned Oats (Rolled)
• 3 cups Water
• 1 Fuji Apple (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Dump all ingredients into IP
2. Close & lock lid
3. Make sure pressure release valve is closed
4. Cook Manually on High Pressure for 3 minutes
5. Quick Release
6. Stir & serve or store

DIY Sea Moss Mask

DIY Sea Moss Mask
Yields: 1/2 cup 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Water
• 2 tbsp. Sea Moss Powder

Directions:

1. Bring Water to a boil
2. Pour into high speed blender (I use my Nutribullet because of the small amount) with Sea Moss Powder
3. Blend for 2 minutes (container will be hot)
4. Using a mitt like the Ove Glove, transfer to a glass storage container and place in fridge  on something to protect the glass shelf, for at least an hour before using
5. Will keep for 3 weeks
6. Spread over face & let sit for at least 30 minutes

Hoff Thoughts: Don’t worry, mixture will thicken as it cools.

Doc: Earthlings

Doc: Earthlings

Earthlings, is a must see if you are a human being.

This doc may have come out in 2005, but sadly it is as relevant today if not more so.  I first learned of it about four years ago, when I broke down the first minute of its 2:50 minute trailer. At the time, I had been vegan or rather plant-based for health reasons, abstaining from any animal derived ingredients from a dietary standpoint.  All it took was that one minute to change me into a real vegan, : a strict vegetarian who consumes no food (such as meat, eggs, or dairy products) that comes from animals, also : one who abstains from using animal products (such as leather).  After watching a living animal have its skin ripped from its body and thrown onto a pile of other freshly skinned animals to slowly die, leather/suede lost every ounce of status I once gave it. It would take four years until I could bring myself to watch this film in its entirety.

While this is a hard documentary to watch (I lost it several times) it reveals the truth that is happening every hour of everyday in this world. Having once been a contributor via my own consumption whether by food, possessions, or entertainment, I owed it to the animals who suffered by my ignorance to understand what pain, torment and torture that I caused, so that I will never play apart in these barbaric practices again.

Are you ready?

Hoff's Tortilla Soup (IP)

Hoff's Tortilla Soup (IP)
Yields: 6-8 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free*

Ingredients:

• 4 Corn Tortillas
• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 cups Water
• 20 oz. can Jake fruit (rinsed, drained & shredded)
• 2 - 15 oz. cans Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 15 oz. can Black Beans of choice (rinsed & drained)
• 15 oz. can Kidney Beans of choice (rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup frozen Organic Corn
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1 tbsp. minced Garlic
• 2 tsp. Vegan Chicken Broth Seasoning
• 1 tsp. Cumin 
• 1 tsp. Paprika 
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• Season with Sea Salt/Braggs*

Directions:

1. Turn on sauté feature and cook Onions until translucent
2. Add minced Garlic and stir for 30 seconds
3. Turn off sauté feature
4. Stir remaining ingredients, except Tortillas
5. Close & lock lid
6. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
7. Select Manual setting on High Pressure & cook for 5 minutes
8. Meanwhile, cut Tortillas into stripes
9. Layout on baking sheet & air fry at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes or until crispy
10. Quick release pressure
11. Using an immersion blender, blend soup for a few seconds, to make creamy w/some ingredients left whole
12. When serving, place a few Tortilla Chips on top of the soup