Mocha Chia Pudding

Last night was my first attempt at chia seed pudding.  And OMG.  I may be obsessed.  This could not be simpler or tastier.

3 Tbsp chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp instant coffee powder
10 drops vanilla liquid stevia

Combine in jar.  Shake vigorously.  Let sit in the fridge overnight.  Makes2 servings, but I dare you not to eat it all at once.

Slow-Carbed Vegan Hot Wing/Mac and Beans Casserole

This is a twist on an old favorite.  The substitution of white beans for pasta not only lowers the carb content, it also makes it absurdly easy.  I used a fire-roasted ketchup sweetened with stevia in this recipe, but you could easily sub tomato paste instead.  This is all kinds of decadent.  Creamy vegan comfort food with no sacrifices.

Hot Wings
1 package Trader Joe's chicken-less strips
3 Tbsp melted Earth Balance margarine OR olive oil (I bet AllSpice's butter-flavored olive oil would be awesome here)
4 Tbsp stevia-sweetened ketchup OR tomato paste
2-1/2 Tbsp Siracha

Whisk the melted margarine, ketchup and Siracha together.  Put the "chicken" strips in the bottom of a casserole dish and pour the sauce over them.

Mac and Beans
2 cans white beans (cannelini or butter beans), drained and rinsed

1/3 cup raw cashews
2/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
2 Tbsp white miso
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp tahini
1/2 Tbsp roasted garlic powder
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 Tbsp lemon juice

Layer the beans on top of the hot wings.

Blend everything else in a blender for 3-5 minutes, or until completely smooth.  Pour the cheese sauce over the beans.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Pesto Broccoli and Chickpeas

1 bag frozen broccoli florets
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup pesto
1 head garlic, chopped
1 tsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp slivered almonds, optional

Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes.