Raise your hands high if you are in favor of this decadent treat ✋🏾This yummy morsel is jam packed with my boys’ favorite things!
🍫Chocolate Chips
🍌Fresh Ripe Bananas
Combined together it was a no brainer that we would have a solid treat that the family would love! Do you want to hear the best part??? It’s super easy to make and with a well seasoned cast iron skillet, no need to worry about your dessert feeding the pan instead of you 🤷🏽♀️ it comes out clean no parchment paper needed 🤤
In my world an amazing Gyro is like the power meal I wish I could eat daily. Did you know that it’s actually pronounced “Year•Oh“ ?? This recipe is one of the most fun recipes I’ve ever made! This summer I’m leaning into the sauces! This will be a Saucy Girl summer 🔥🤤 Lit… lit.
Fresh Herbs and spices are the star in this recipe! Aromatic herbs such as dill & oregano. Spices like cinnamon & cumin make an amazing marinade for this jackfruit chicken filling.
Ingredients
JACKFRUIT Chik’n (for best flavour, marinade overnight)
1. Drain the jackfruit. Squeeze excess water off and separate with your hands. Chop the firm end pieces into the mixture.
3. Heat up olive oil in a medium pan I use my Always Pan. Add diced red onion sauté until softened, translucent and lightly carmelized. Add chopped garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
5. Add majority of the spices: cloves, cinnamon,chicken•less seasoning ,cumin, and oregano to the sautéed onions and garlic.
6. Mix in the tomato paste.
8. Now add in the prepared jackfruit along with soy sauce, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything extremely well. Last add the white pepper and some salt to taste. Simmer the mixture for another 10-15 minutes and then allow it to cool down. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet in the fridge overnight to intensify the flavour. ( Do Not Skip)
9. Just before you are ready to assemble your gyros, set the oven to Broil (Hi). Cook for about 20-25 minutes, until a little caramelized and browned around the edges.
Assembling the gyros is super easy! Just add in tomato wedges, fresh cucumbers, red onion, fresh dill, lettuce, and lots of plant-Based Tzatziki sauce. I used warmed pitas 🥙
I hope you enjoy this yummy recipe! It’s definitely a must try.
I know… I know spring is here, but this soup just couldn’t wait until next year! It doesn’t get any better than a nice soup on a rainy spring day. The weather in Maryland is still chilly, but the days are a bit warmer. The super star in this soup are the Kovi Kai raw cold pressed elixirs 🙌🏾
Kovi Kai is the most convenient way to enjoy fresh Ginger or Turmeric in your meals and drink creations.
This soup was super easy to make because it’s a slow cooker recipe. I love a hearty & filling slow cooker meal. This one is the truth and with the fresh bite of the Ginger and earthiness of the Turmeric it makes a flavor packed meal.
After a quick Sauté of the onion, garlic. Browsing the jackfruit… all you do is add to the slow cooker and let it slow roll until you are home free.
Taking the time to separate your jackfruit is a key component in the preparation of jackfruit. Fully draining and dicing yields the best results. My favorite jackfruit brand is herePrep all veggies ahead for a even quicker meal prep time.Pro Tip: I sautéed 1/2 of my onion and left some raw. So as the slow cooker works it’s Magic, you have some different textures within the soup. I recommend red onion do no other reason than I love the color variety it provides. 📸 : Shaughn Cooper
Be sure to let me know how you like this yummy recipe! If you make it be sure to tag @iamcryscarey on IG 🖤
I love eating cookies that’s my … problem!! I don’t think I’ve ever met a cookie that I didn’t like. Well maybe 🤔 This is truly a time to be plant-based. Literally there are so many options for cookies that are vegan. I’ve tried macaroons, chocolate chip, butter cookies… You name it. Let’s stay focused though. Although you can buy any cookies already veganized. It just adds a certain vibe when you make homemade goodies from scratch.
Tip #1 Plant Milk versus Cows milk in Cookies.
Plant milk can usually be used 1:1 in most cookie recipes unless otherwise stated. One additional thing to be conscious of is if the milk is sweetened or unsweetened. Secondarily, all plant milks are not the same. For example, coconut milk has a higher fat content and can be utilized in recipes where you want full fat present. Whereas almond milk is much thinner and resembles skim milk.
Tip # 2 Get Down with Aquafaba!
Aquafaba which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas is like the secret ingredient for most vegan bakers. This liquid can make a meringue that will rival non-vegan ones! It’s very flavor neutral and can be used as an egg replacer for whipped egg whites. Another trick for the Aquafaba is to add a bit of xanthan gum to make it more stable and keep the sheen, although not necessary.
Tip #3 coconut oil is your friend 👍🏾
In cookie baking you can usually swap out solid butter for a coconut oil. Additionally if it calls for melted butter, you can melt the coconut oil and use once it’s liquid. Keep in mind that this works for Cookies but is not the same for Cakes and other baked goods.
Tip # 4 Honey= Agave or Maple Syrup
In vegan baking, most people leave the honey behind. If you are making cookies and choosing to avoid honey, then Agave and Maple Syrup are your best friends. In most recipes they can be swapped for a 1:1 ratio.
Pro Tip: Be sure you use pure maple syrup and not the processed syrup product.
Tip # 5 My Oven Thermometer is the holy grail!
Often times plant-based recipes may require longer baking times and accurate heating temperatures. Monitoring your temperature with an Oven thermometer is so helpful. The thermometer can catch temperature variances that can cause your cookies to turn out imperfect. It’s a small investment and I highly recommend.
I hope you enjoy these tips! Checkout my tried and true chocolate chip cookie recipe below:
Happy Baking! Don’t forget to checkout our measured in melanin baking accessories such as aprons & bowls at Measured In Melanin
This was my first time doing a decorated crust, but I figured for Pi Day we should do it big! This pie was super simple and plant-based. Easy… Breezy Apple Peazy and it’s “Semi-Homemade” to save you some time in the kitchen ✅🥧 You can start with a boxed pie crust like this or you could try refrigerated to save even more time. Both are vegan by accident and the perfect base for this recipe (be sure to read labels) You will need 2 boxes for one pie to get a nice thick top crust and a bottom crust and some extra for designs. If using ready made or refrigerated you will need 3 sheets.
You can opt for Apple Pie Filling as it’s easier and most are vegan (be sure to check the label) but I suggest adding some additional apple pie spice, lemon, and maple syrup to taste. Don’t go in blind with canned filling. You might be disappointed 😞 I absolutely love these pink pastry brushes they are my favorite. Fun for the spring kitchen gadget/tools.Oven Ready! Going in ✅
Keep a close eye on your pies. I came to the realization that to get perfect edges you have to protect your crust. So, I brought this to prevent future pies from getting too dark or burnt edges as they tend to cook faster than the middle. For this pie I struggled with foil wrapping 🥴 A literal nightmare.
Today in honor of National meatball Day I’m sharing my Amaze•Balls recipe for Lentil Meatballs! These yummy morsels come together in 30 minutes with less than 10 ingredients and I promise you, no crazy ingredients like unicorn milk 🦄 🥛
With these simple Whole Food Plant-Based ingredients you can have a yummy “meatless” balls great with your favorite pasta or pasta substitute like carrot or zucchini noodles 🤤
The secret to this yummy recipe is the Nola creole spices lentils created with Chef Gone Mad Creole Smokehouse & Cajun Nola for a little heat 🔥You know what they say if you can’t stand the heat 👩🏾🍳 “Stay out the kitchen”
Be sure to checkout Chef Gone Mad Spices from this dope & Black owned business bringing the heat!
The second part of this recipe that yields a meaty and flavorful ball is not over pulsing the mix so there are some chunks left but not large chunks. Also taste testing your mixture is a secret to assuring it’s high on the flavor meter.
You want flavor you can see!! 👀
These meatballs pack an awesome 10 mg of protein per 4 meatballs and the recipe yields 12 meatballs. So when they ask you where you get your protein you can say “I pack it in my balls” 🤣🤷🏽♀️
Vegan Parmesan Cheese makes life better! 📸 : Shaughn Cooper I put mine over a plant-based garlic pesto pasta 🤤 📸: Shaughn CooperThe fresh Basil adds an element of color and the flavor is insane it’s optional but I definitely recommend💯👌🏾 📸: Shaughn CooperBe sure to checkout Otamot today!
Let me know what you guys think about this super awesome recipe! It’s a super tasty, fun and easy weeknight meal.
Ways to celebrate National Meatball Day:
•Make some meatballs 👌🏾
•Make a meatball sub! These are tasty in a sub too btw 😋
• Throw an Amaze•Balls party! Tons of meatless balls and dipping sauces 😚 YES PLEASE!
• Singing: On top of Spaghetti all covered with cheese 🧀 is always a good idea! Tradition never dies.
Whatever you do today to celebrate be sure to have fun and allow the food to connect you to friends and family. My boys love meatballs, and they satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
As a home based chef I look forward to learning about flavors and playing in all kinds of herbs & spices. I consider myself a self-proclaimed flavorologist. My friends over at The Zen of Slow Cooking have all the goodies on deck! I made two amazing and fun recipes with the Southwest Fiesta Multicooker blend. Here’s my thought’s …
Slow cooker recipes are perfect for the weeknight meals we need to be quick but pack a huge punch on the flavor meter, because we are not eating anything bland at the Carey household! 🤷🏽♀️
Surely if I’m in the kitchen I have something to smile about! My true happy place ♥️ 📸 : Shaughn Cooper
Easy Peasy weeknight meals are a snap with My Zen of slow cooking easy and ready to go spice blends . These ready to go flavor packs are perfect for a no fuss weeknight meal ♥️As a busy mom I appreciate these ready to go ideas. I made a plant-based slow-cooker chili and my family really enjoyed this one. Chili is a meal you can throw together fairly easily and it’s super yummy and customizable.
Did you know that Cilantro Stems have just as much flavor as their leaves? Well now you do, and we’re throwing them all in the slow cooker! Once they’ve cooked down, you can’t even see that they’re there, but you sure can taste their yummy flavor. I’ve also always added fire roasted tomatoes in lieu of tomato paste. So this recipe is no different.
Slow cooker Magic brings this dish all the way together so seamlessly 📸: Shaughn Cooper
The last and most definitely not least favorite part of chili is the toppings! I mean c’mon we all know the chili is all about the toppings. What are your favorites? Mine are plant-based cheese, plant-based sour cream, and fresh cilantro with a squeeze of lime.
The spice packet was a great compliment to the chili and I didn’t have to measure out chili powder, cumin, etc. To make the perfect chili! Want to know the best part about chili??? Leftovers
Fresh Lime juice livens up any meal I added some canned Rotel Mild Tomatoes, fresh onion, avocado, and vegan cheese sauce, grain-free tortillas. Re-Purposing Leftovers into a new meal is my thing and this slow-cooker chili snapped as some chili cheese nachos 😋Fresh Chopped Cilantro 🌿 adds a bit of flair ♥️It’s the Avocado•Rose for me 🥑🌹
Tips & Tricks
• Be sure to chop your veggies small and uniform! This aides in cooking evenly.
•Be sure to stir everything well and do not drain the beans or the tomatoes.
So unless you are living under a rock then I’m certain that you have seen or heard about the viral feta pasta that is sweeping the Internet. I actually created a Tiktok Here. This pasta is legit one of the best things since sliced bread 🍞 and ironically it tasted amazing with sliced baguettes 🥖🤷🏽♀️
This is one of my favorite shots from this shoot! 📸: Shaughn Cooper
My recipe utilizes store bought vegan feta cheese which is absolutely amazing and very identical in flavor and texture to traditional Feta! An easy weeknight meal that will have you legit licking your bowl.
I have tried this with Feta & Gouda cheese both are amazing. One notable difference is the Gouda did not melt completely while the feta turned to straight melty goodness. 📸: Shaughn Cooper
One thing for sure two things for certain. This pasta is definitely a crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike. It’s cheesy tangy flavor gives cheese pizza pasta vibes. Which is right up my kids alley! Because I mean kids love pizza! Mine have never met a pizza they didn’t like.
Herbs & Spices are the key all recipes on of my favorite staple seasonings is Dacy Dash ‘s Salt and pepper blend! 💪🏾🙌🏾🖤 Another Favorite Shot! 📸: Shaughn Cooper Plated and ready to eat!! Can’t get enough of this beautiful Wooden Bowl 📸: Shaughn Cooper
So I did a recipe guide that features this super yummy weeknight & kid friendly meal! 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
I must pay homage to the original creator of the viral feta pasta. It did not just start with the viral tiktok video. The pasta actually originated in 2019 on Grilled Cheese Socials website.
My recipe actually is nut free & dairy free. Give it a try today and let me know what you think!
Perfection comes in many forms pasta is one ♥️🌱 Here are some fun facts about Feta Cheese! Did you know You can buy Vegan Feta online shipped to your door Shop Now!Have you tried Imperfect Foods? Fresh produce delivered to your door weekly with huge benefits to our environment!
-Crys🖤 (Always Measured in Melanin so you don’t have to!)
Today’s the holiday we’ve all been waiting patiently for. I don’t know about you but I’m seriously a pizza lover. So any excuse to eat pizza in celebratory fashion… I’m totally here for it.
My Vegan Skillet Deep Dish Pizza is always a hit! 📸: Shaughn Cooper
The unique thing about this pizza is that it’s made upside down in a cast iron skillet and it’s super easy to make. Utilizing fresh plant-based ingredients to bring this palate pleaser to life!
You have not had pizza until you have made it with fresh dough! 📸: Shaughn CooperTip: When using frozen dough thaw and then sit dough in bowl with infused oil. This give so much more flavor to the crust!Rolling out the dough is my favorite part! 📸: Shaughn Cooper
Pizza is so customizable. Add as many or as few toppings as you desire. No rules just great no fuss Deep Dish Pizza.
Fresh ingredients are always the best!
Here are a few fun facts about pizza that are mind blowing!
Did you know that approximately 350 slices of pizza are eaten every second and that only here in America?!?
On this past Sunday during the Super Bowl, the franchise Pizza Hut sold more than 2 million pizzas! Now that’s a lot of cheese 🤑 Pun Intended.
The worlds most expensive pizza named ‘Louis XIII’ as prepared by Chef Renato Viola master pizza chef 🧑🍳 the cost is $ 10,006.81 USD 😳
Finding yummy Plant-Based pepperoni was a happy moment for me. I get so excited when I can show the boys that literally everything can be made vegan! Note how this pizza is easily assembled right in the skillet upside down! Who knew right!?Pro Tip: To melt vegan cheese better, wet the cheese this helps it to melt more evenly and doesn’t affect the flavor profile.I used almost a whole jar of Spicy Otamot for this but they have flavors so take your pick @otamot & Save!Topped with oil infused dough and then brushed with a bit more oil for good measure 😋 Fresh out the oven!Everything tastes that much better when it’s “Measured in Melanin” ✊🏾 checkout my new embroidered aprons Measured in Melanin
Without further adieu I will give you this coveted recipe. I hope you enjoy it ♥️ checkout this video of me making the pizza here for all my visual learners Vegan Deep Dish Pizza
Celebrate today with your favorite pizza! Whatever you like even if it’s pineapple and vegan ham 😆😑 lol
Random Fact: I detest pineapple on pizza. I’ll never forget the day my husband and I had a huge fight when he thought it was a good idea to add pineapple to our shared pizza. Needless to say, he never did that again 🙄😬
Pizza Goals!
“Say no to drugs, say yes to pizza”
-Unknow
Share this with anyone who needs a little love and a lot of cheese 😁🍕🤑
What an amazing holiday right?!? I told y’all in 2021 we are catching all the celebrations 🎉
Ice cream for breakfast is something to smile about!📸: Shaughn Cooper
I didn’t have to convince the boys to dive in Prince Bryce was ready !?! You know it’s awesome when you don’t have to convince the boys to participate 😉
And on this day in history we found out that the kid loves Pistacho ice cream 🍦 Who knew?
The Jeni’s Ice Creams on 14th street was the perfect location… it’s bright and fun and located on one of the busiest streets in DC.
The Sparkling Berry Punch & Dark Chocolate Truffle were the flavors I tried. One of the best ice cream moments hands down! The fresh waffle cones were not plant-based, so I opted for the traditional waffle cone and the lively bunch who served us pointed out how the awesome sugar cones were also plant-based too. I’m a sucker for good service.
It’s official I ate Ice Cream for breakfast! “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream… which is pretty much the same thing.” — Unknown
Today, I’m making my favorite waffles and topping them with a super yummy scoop of ice cream and a dollop of coconut cream for BREAKFAST 🧇
Ironically this dope holiday was invented in New York in the dead of the winter. Created in the 1960s (because duh it was the happening thang) the day has proven that you can eat ice cream at any time of the year, any time of the day, and on any occasion. So on the first Saturday in February, go ahead and get your treat on. Before noon. We won’t judge.
Original Source: Recipe Adapted from National Today
“Tomorrow we can eat broccoli, but today is for ice cream.” — Malory Hobson
During the busy weeknights… I rarely know if I’m coming or going. One thing is for sure there are some veggies in the fridge going bad 🤷🏽♀️ Seriously, I cannot be the only person who intends to eat more veggies on Saturday buys out the produce section or in my case ordering everything “ New and Now” from Imperfect Produce (where I get all my produce desires delivered to my door weekly). I often bite off more veggies than I can chew by thinking up these fancy plant-based creations but my schedule is just too busy to oblige random weekday foodie ventures 🥴
Does this sound like you?? Fear not, I have just the perfect recipe for those veggies and you only need one sheet pan and one pot. I use this method to eat up the veggies I buy that are partially used or unused without a recipe in mind. This week the sheet pan was a seriously clutch meal because I’ve been struggling with this toothache and a heavy load of obligations. It was literally right on time! Checkout my go to sheet pan that I don’t even have to use foil with it cleans so easily and won’t discolor. The Best Sheet Pan Ever
This pasta is flavored with my signature cashew cheese sauce! Who says cheese is only for macaroni 🤷🏽♀️ Paired with my braided garlic bread 👌🏾
The Garlic Bread Braid is easily my favorite part, and guess what!?! All you need is a sheet of crescent dough, vegan butter, garlic, and basil. I mean with this meal it’s giving Olive Garden At-Home and it’s 100% plant-based! Checkout My Garlic Bread Recipe Here!
This sheet Pan featured Brussels Spouts, Asparagus. Roma Tomates, Red Onion & roasted garlic. The sauce was a simple toss in olive oil, garlic, and Italian Herbs!
For all of my busy families looking to fuel the kids in smarter and healthier ways you must try this simple meal idea! A great suggestion is to let the kids pick out the veggies they want to try to encourage trying new things.
Don’t Get stuck with dinner on your mind grab a sheet pan and make it happen!
Be sure to try something new this week and enjoy living your best plant-based life ♥️🌱- Crys
Last week on IG Live Brandon and I affectionately shared the 5 tips for going vegan. As promised, I am sharing them here on the blog!
1. Look at all your meals with a vegan eye!
I Cook daily and what helps me to create vegan goodness, is simply looking at food and see the possibility. For instance, if I see a meal that has crab I see Jackfruit or if it has chicken I see Tofu! See what it can be instead of what it is. Possibilty within perspective.
2. Bring on the Textures… Time for New Flava on your plate 😎
As a person who is very particular about texture and flavors, I must say that food results depend largely on textures and knowledge of different flavors. I challenge you to question your dinner guests ( or family ) to describe what made the meal taste great. I assure you the responses will not be about meat or dairy. You will get “oh is was creamy, juicy, crisp, etc” … insert your favorite foodie adjectives 😋 Mainly, this is the case because the textures and flavors make a meal memorable and tasty. Because we want crispy “Chik’n” not soggy seitan …
3. We all got choices … IJS
In 2021 there is literally a Vegan substitute for everything. You can go to any aisle and find a vegan version of your favorite things. With a plant-based diet becoming more popular and sustainable many companies are jumping on the bandwagon with veganized versions of your all time favorite foods. I do recommend limiting these items to treats because… too much of a good thing, is a thing. Get creative ☺️ try to use plants often.
4. 🗣Practice … All those other meals were practice 🤷🏽♀️
We all know practice makes perfect. You may have to commit to some trial and error to get the desired results. I’ve learned so much about working with plant-based meats and cheeses with hacks and cooking tips that work. Literally practice is how my blog was born. Playing with ingredients, textures, and flavors is my favorite past time. I actually have a thing where I look for recipes that are not plant-based and set out to veganize them… it’s like a rush for me. I also love practicing with old favorites!
5. Positive Outlook = Positive Results
The most important ingredient in a veganized recipe is the outlook. I try not to refer to plant-based ingredients as Fake or Faux. Instead I use a different term like chicken-less or beef-less. When using terms like the aforementioned it creates a negative connotation that signifies that it’s missing something or inadequate in some way. Change your perspective and change your outcome. The mindset weighs heavy on your ability to stick with it and enjoy.
Today I’m leaving you guys with my sister-in-love’s coveted Skillet Apple Pie we Ⓥ𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚣𝚎 🅸🆃. So, in our live last we I shared how this was a favorite of my husband and I. This pie is a treat! I’m sure your family will love it ♥️ This also shows how some will support your journey in a big way 🤗
Be sure to tune in every Wednesday on IG Live @iamcryscarey at 8:30PM EST. Candid Convos w/The Carey’s
Every week on Instagram I share a Snackin’ September Reloaded post on Wednesday that features a fun, tasty and kid-friendly recipe.
This week’s feature item is the Amazing iamcryscarey’s Deep Dish Skillet Pizza 🍕😋
This was one of the best pizza’s I’ve ever had like seriously 🤔😳
This week’s Line up includes:
🌱 Iamcryscarey’s Deep Dish Skillet Pizza
🌱 This weeks fun facts is about Basil 🌿
Checkout my recipe here and head 👇🏾 to my IG to checkout the reel on how it’s made!Check it Out!
I topped mine with fresh Basil 😋 That is my favorite herb currently. What is your favorite pizza topping? My secret ingredient is the Otamot Sauce it’s creamy, thick, and packed with veggies!! Use Code BONVIVANTVEGAN10 to save today 😊
As I typed this title I snickered to myself thinking about donkey from Shrek who confidently asked Shrek “You know what else everybody likes? Parfait!”
I personally love parfaits this one is the first I’ve made since going plant-based and let me tell you it was not skimpy on the flavor meter! However, I must say you won’t tip the calorie scale with this guy because with Simply Delish plant-based puddings you are getting the best of both worlds having a party on your mouth literally. The puddings are keto & vegan friendly and will evoke feelings of nostalgia when consumed. I used sandwich cookies to separate the layers and to add a little razzle-dazzle to the top of my cups.
The simplicity it took to make these desserts was quick and painless. It took literally less than 30 mins to make and assemble.
Hope you guys enjoy 😊 My family absolutely loved them! Be sure to like, subscribe, and share ♥️ -Crystal
I am Crystal Carey Plant-Based Blogger, Wife & Mom 