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Furikake Snack Mix

Recipes, Snacks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
furikake snack mix

There are many variations of this snack mix, and this version is made with whole grains and healthy fats! It’s more savory than some of the sweeter versions. It can also be made dairy-free and/or vegan. Please note that furikake often contains fish, so look for a vegetarian version if necessary. You can also make your own furikake, which is a mix of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, and sometimes other ingredients (like fish, which you could leave out).

Make up a batch or two for homemade holiday gifts! Save glass jars and remove the labels to package it.

You can swap ingredients as you’d like. For example:
-Omit almonds and replace with 1 cup of cereal
-Replace 1-2 cups of cereal with 1-2 cups of other ingredients like pretzels, crackers, or another type of cereal
-Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar to the syrup mixture if you prefer a sweeter mix

furikake snack mix
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Furikake Snack Mix

Course Snack
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup agave syrup
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • ¼ cup vegan butter
  • 2 teaspoons reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce
  • 5 cups whole grain squares cereal about 1 box
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • ½ cup furikake use a vegan/fish-free version if necessary
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F.

  2. Bring syrup, oil, butter, and tamari or soy sauce to a boil in a saucepan.

  3. Put cereal and almonds on a baking sheet, pour sugar mixture over, sprinkle with furikake and sesame seeds, and stir to combine.

  4. Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. It will look wet when you first remove it from the oven, but it will dry as it cools.

2-Ingredient Crispy Rice Bars

Dessert, Recipes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2-Ingredient Crispy Rice Candy Bars | Healthier gift, vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free

These bars make a fun and healthi-er gift. They are very easy to make – all you have to do is melt chocolate and stir in cereal. They can be made vegan and/or gluten-free if you check the ingredients on the chocolate and cereal. If these need to be made gluten-free, be extra careful to check the cereal as some rice cereal is sweetened with malt syrup, which is made from barley, a gluten-containing grain.

2-Ingredient Crispy Rice Bars

Print recipe
2-Ingredient Crispy Rice Bars
Serves 12 - 14
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 5 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
Dietary Gluten Free, Vegan
Meal type Dessert
Misc Child Friendly, Freezable
These 2-ingredient candy bars are very easy to make and can be made vegan and gluten-free. They make a great edible gift!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cup crisped brown rice cereal

Directions

Step 1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly until melted. Alternatively, heat the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 seconds increments, stir, and repeat until melted.
Step 3
Gently stir in cereal and mix until all of the cereal is coated.
Step 4
Pour the cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a square in an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
Step 5
Place the parchment paper and bars on a cutting board. Cut the square in half and then cut into smaller bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

 

There are many options for ingredients that you may use, but if you’d like to know the exact brands used in these photos, see below.

2-Ingredient Crispy Rice Candy Bars | Healthier gift, vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free

I used Barbara’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps cereal, which was labelled vegan and gluten free (“Verified to contain less than 20 ppm gluten”) at the time I bought it. It contained 1g sugar per 1 cup serving and was sweetened with organic fruit juice concentrate (pear or apple).

For the chocolate, I used Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate Chips, 55% Cacao, Semi-Sweet. It was “allergen-friendly,” vegan, and gluten-free.









Grilled Portabello with Avocado Chimichurri

Appetizers, Recipes, Sides, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Portabello Steaks with Avocado Chimichurri | Healthy, easy, no added sugar, vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free | Guess Who's Cooking

This recipe is adapted from Minimalist Baker, which has tons of truly amazing recipes! Chimichurri is a flavorful Argentinian sauce typically served with grilled beef. This completely plant-based recipe pairs a healthier “steak” with this healthy topping. The sauce can also be prepared in a food processor for a smoother result.

Grilled Portabello with Avocado Chimichurri

Print recipe
Serves 4
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
Dietary Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Meal type Appetizer, Side Dish, Starter
Occasion Barbecue
Region South American
This recipe is adapted from Minimalist Baker, which has tons of truly amazing recipes! Chimichurri is a flavorful Argentinian sauce typically served with grilled beef. This completely plant-based recipe pairs a healthier "steak" with this healthy topping. The sauce can also be prepared in a food processor for a smoother result.

Ingredients

  • 4 portabello mushrooms (stems removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Chimichurri

  • 1 cup avocado (cubed)
  • 1 cup fresh parsley (minced)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1
Toss mushrooms with olive oil and salt. To broil: place mushrooms gill side up on baking sheet and place under broiler for about 5 minutes on each side, or until tender. To grill: place mushrooms gill side up on preheated grill and grill each side for about 5 minutes or until tender.
Chimichurri
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine avocado, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper. Top mushrooms with chimichurri and serve.

Portabello Steaks with Avocado Chimichurri | Healthy, easy, no added sugar, vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free | Guess Who's Cooking

 

 

Portabello Steaks with Avocado Chimichurri | Healthy, easy, no added sugar, vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free | Guess Who's Cooking

 









Grilled Peaches and Pineapple

Appetizers, Recipes, Sides, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Grilled Peaches and PineapplePhoto credit: Peter Ma

Grilling fruit caramelizes it for a crisp and sweet outside and a warm and tender inside. It also brings out the natural sweetness, so no added sugar is required! Try it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a dessert with your next barbecue.

Grilled Peaches and Pineapple

Print recipe
Serves 6
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
Dietary Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Meal type Appetizer, Dessert, Side Dish
Misc Serve Hot
Occasion Barbecue
Grilling fruit caramelizes it for a crisp and sweet outside and a warm and tender inside. It also brings out the natural sweetness, so no added sugar is required!

Ingredients

  • 4 peaches
  • 1 pineapple
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

Optional

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

Step 1
Preheat grill. Meanwhile, cut peaches in half and remove the pit. Cut the peel off the pineapple and cut into spears.
Step 2
Toss peach halves and pineapple spears with canola oil. Optional: Toss pineapple with cinnamon.
Step 3
Grill peaches and pineapple on both sides, until there are golden brown grill marks. Serve warm.
Step 4
Optional: drizzle balsamic vinegar over the peaches.

 

Grilled Peaches and Pineapple
Photo credit: Peter Ma









Zucchini Breadsticks

Appetizers, Recipes, Sides, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Zucchini Breadsticks | guesswhoscooking.com | Healthy, vegetarian, dairy-free, low carb, cheesy without cheese, and can be made gluten-free

Craving cheesy breadsticks? Although this recipe won’t fool anyone, it is a fun and tasty way to dip something bready and even somewhat cheesy into marinara sauce. It is made with whole, real foods, including vegetables, whole grains or nuts (depending on your choice of flour) and eggs. It is free of refined grains and dairy, and can be made without gluten or grains by using almond meal.

Zucchini Breadsticks

Print recipe
Serves 4
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 27 minutes
Total time 37 minutes
Dietary Diabetic, Vegetarian
Meal type Appetizer, Bread, Side Dish, Snack, Starter
Swap out the flour for summer squash to make cheesy-tasting breadsticks that are much lower in calories and starch. A very tasty way to eat your veggies!

Ingredients

  • 4 yellow crookneck squash or zucchini
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup almond meal or whole wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with olive oil.
Step 2
Cut the squash into 1 inch chunks, which should yield about 6 cups. Place half the squash into a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped, but not mushy. Transfer to a large bowl and repeat with remaining squash.
Step 3
Squeeze some of the liquid out of the squash. When finished, it should yield about 4 cups of squash. Whisk eggs and add to squash. Add flour, nutritional yeast, salt, and garlic powder.
Step 4
Spread squash mixture onto prepared baking sheet and form into an even, thin layer, about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with oregano. Bake for 25 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Move pan to top rack and broil for about 2 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Step 5
Place a large cutting board on top of the baking sheet and carefully flip it over to move the breadsticks to the cutting board. Cut in half lengthwise, then cut into 1-inch strips. Serve with warm marinara sauce.

 

Zucchini Breadsticks | guesswhoscooking.com | Healthy, vegetarian, dairy-free, low carb, cheesy without cheese, and can be made gluten-free
After pulsing in the food processor, squash should be finely chopped but not too small

Zucchini Breadsticks | guesswhoscooking.com | Healthy, vegetarian, dairy-free, low carb, cheesy without cheese, and can be made gluten-free
Form into an even layer before baking

 

Zucchini Breadsticks | guesswhoscooking.com | Healthy, vegetarian, dairy-free, low carb, cheesy without cheese, and can be made gluten-free









Holiday Paprika Popcorn

Appetizers, Recipes, Snacks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Holiday popcorn is a festive yet healthy treat made with whole grains, healthy fats, herbs and spices, and not too much added oil. It’s easy to pop your own popcorn on the stove, and healthier than microwave popcorn. Microwave popcorn bags are lined with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are potentially dangerous for our health and the environment – so make it yourself, and save money as well!

Holiday Paprika Popcorn | Healthy, plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy, great for Christmas | guesswhoscooking.com

Holiday Paprika Popcorn

Print recipe
Serves 8
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 5 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
Holiday popcorn is a festive yet healthy treat made with whole grains, healthy fats, herbs and spices, and not too much added oil. Microwave popcorn bags are lined with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are potentially dangerous for our health and the environment - so make it yourself, and save money as well!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil (or other high heat oil)
  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions

Step 1
In a large stock pot, heat the oil and 3-4 kernels of popcorn, covered, over
medium heat until all kernels pop.
Step 2
Pour in the remaining kernels, cover pot and shake to distribute. Remove pot from heat for 30 seconds. Return pan to heat, shaking pan continuously, leaving the lid slightly ajar for crisper popcorn, if possible. To do this, you can wear two oven mitts (ones that cover your wrists or beyond are best), hold the lid slightly ajar while holding onto the pot handles and shaking the pan as pictured. If you have a lid with a vent, you could just open the vent, or use any other preferred popcorn popping method.
Step 3
When popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, remove from heat. Pour popcorn into a large bowl, removing any unpopped or partially popped kernels.
Step 4
Combine the paprika, garlic powder, and salt. These measurements are general and you may want to add more, but the beauty of this recipe is that the quantities don't have to be exact.
Step 5
Drizzle the olive oil over the popcorn, then sprinkle with the spice mixture. Toss to combine. Add more spices if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Holiday Paprika Popcorn | Healthy, plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy, great for Christmas | guesswhoscooking.com









Pita Sandwich “Cake”

Appetizers, Entree, Recipes, Sides, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

No, this is not intended to be a sweet dessert! It is basically a pita sandwich in disguise, a veggie wrap formed into a cake for a fun presentation for a party or potluck.

Variations:

  • Substitute other veggies if you’d like
  • Try a flavored hummus
  • If you only want to use raw vegetables to save time and skip the eggplant, try something like shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or more of the other suggested vegetables
  • If dairy is not an issue, feta cheese would give a nice boost of flavor
  • Sliced olives in the middle layers or sliced or whole olives on top
  • Other fresh herbs such as basil (middle only, it will turn dark if on top)

Pita Sandwich “Cake”

Print recipe
Looking for a fun new way to serve sandwiches/wraps at a party? Try making this pita "cake" that will impress your guests!

Ingredients

  • 4 whole wheat pitas
  • 2 cups hummus (Large (16-17 oz) container of storebought hummus, or homemade hummus made from 1 can of chickpeas (see below))
  • 2 cups tomatoes (thinly sliced, organic preferred)
  • 1 English cucumber (or 2-3 smaller cucumbers ( organic and thin skin preferred, such as Persian or Japanese))
  • 1 Medium eggplant
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes (cut in half, organic preferred)
  • 1 bunch flat leaf parsley (minced)

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel eggplant and slice thinly. If you have time, lay on a baking sheet or large cutting board and sprinkle generously with salt, then let sit for 30-60 minutes to extract the bitter juices. Rinse and pat dry. Toss with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. Spread into one layer on a baking sheet and bake until tender, flipping over halfway, about 10-15 minutes. You can also move the baking sheet to the top rack and turn on the broiler for a few minutes to brown. Let cool completely.
Step 2
Use a serrated knife to carefully cut pitas in half, creating two thin rounds (rather than two half circles). Cut about half of the cucumber into thin discs. Use a vegetable peeler to cut long, thin strips.
Step 3
On a serving plate, place one halved pita, cut side up. Spread a thin layer of hummus, then add a layer of the cucumber discs, using about half of the discs. Add another halved pita, thin layer of hummus, then half of the sliced tomatoes. Add another halved pita, thin layer of hummus, and half of the cooled eggplant. Repeat all layers one more time and top with a halved pita, cut side down.
Step 4
Use remaining hummus to frost the "cake." Spread evenly with a rubber spatula over the top, then spread about 1/4 cup at a time around the edges.
Step 5
Decorate the "cake" with the long thin ribbons of cucumber around the outside and cherry tomatoes on top. Sprinkle with optional parsley. Feel free to get creative with other vegetable decorations!

 

Basic Hummus Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (can also use white beans such as cannellini or navy beans
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • juice of 1 lemon, about 1/4 cup
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • salt to taste
  • water to thin if necessary

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until very smooth. Add water as needed to thin it out. Hummus will thicken when refrigerated.

Pita Sandwich "Cake" | Guess Who's Cooking | Healthy, plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, whole grain

Pita Sandwich "Cake" | Guess Who's Cooking | Healthy, plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, whole grain Pita Sandwich "Cake" | Guess Who's Cooking | Healthy, plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, whole grain Pita Sandwich "Cake" | Guess Who's Cooking | Healthy, plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, whole grain









31 Healthy Game Day Recipes

Appetizers, Dessert, Entree, Recipes, Sides, Snacks, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

25 Healthy and Fun Game Day Recipes | Guess Who's Cooking | Recipes are mostly minimally processed, plant-based, and low in added sugar and refined flours. Perfect for the Super Bowl!

This is an updated post from last year. There are a few new recipes that were too good not to include this year, so they are shown below with their photo next to the recipe name. It’s now 25 recipes + 6 bonus recipes to share during the big game. For those with special needs or tastes, many recipes are:

  • Made with whole, real foods
  • Vegan
  • Lower-carb
  • No-sugar-added

Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks

Asian Cole Slaw

Baked Falafel

Bean & Corn Dip

Broiled Green Bean Fries  Broiled Green Beans (like fries!)

Brussels Sprouts Chips

Chex Mix Pumpkin Seeds

Eggplant “Fries”

Guacamole Deviled Eggs Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Layered Mediterranean Dip Layered Mediterranean Dip

Mexican Zucchini Fritters

Pizza Hummus

Rosemary Sesame Pecans

Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds

Savory Roasted Chickpeas

Vegetarian Baked Beans (lower sugar)

Entrees

Cajun Meatloaf

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa

Fishy Nuggets

Mexican Taco Meatloaf

Personal Portabello Pizzas

Pizza Omelet

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

White Chicken Chili (dairy-free)

Desserts

Banana Ice Cream | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, easy, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian, low carb, no sugar added, 2 ingredients 2 Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

Black Bean Brownies

Buckeyes

Chickpea Blondies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos - healthy dessert that is gluten free, low in added sugar, and can be made dairy free and vegan. Guess Who's Cooking  Peanut Butter & Chocolate Apple Nachos

Poppy Chow (chocolate peanut butter popcorn) | GuessWhosCooking.com | Less calories, carbohydates, and sugar, gluten free, egg free, can be made vegan and dairy free Poppy Chow









Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Appetizers, Recipes, Sides, Snacks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guacamole Deviled Eggs - dairy free, low carb, gluten free, vegetarian, healthy! Recipe from Guess Who's Cooking

 

Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Print recipe
Serves 6
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 12 minutes
Total time 22 minutes
Meal type Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
These avocado deviled eggs replace the traditional mayonnaise with healthier avocado. This provides a fun, tasty, and colorful twist!

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 large avocado
  • 1 tablespoon red onion (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2-3 teaspoons lime juice

Optional

  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • paprika for garnish

Note

Tired of standard deviled eggs? Put a healthy twist on them by stuffing with guacamole!

Directions

Step 1
Hard boil the eggs. One method is to put the eggs in pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover for 12 minutes. Drain and let sit in ice water to cool.
Step 2
Peel the eggs, cut in half lengthwise, and remove the yolks. Save 2 yolks and discard the rest.
Step 3
Mash the avocado and add the 2 yolks, red onion, lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder. Mix well but leave the avocado slightly chunky.
Step 4
Fill the egg whites with the avocado mixture. Sprinkle with paprika.

Guacamole Deviled Eggs - dairy free, low carb, gluten free, vegetarian, healthy! Recipe from Guess Who's Cooking









25 Healthy & Fun Game Day Recipes

Appetizers, Dessert, Entree, Recipes, Sides, Snacks, , , , , , , , , ,

25 Healthy and Fun Game Day Recipes | Guess Who's Cooking | Recipes are mostly minimally processed, plant-based, and low in added sugar and refined flours. Perfect for the Super Bowl!

Looking for a healthier recipe to share during the big game? Here are 25 recipes that are healthy, fun and delicious. For those with special needs or tastes, many recipes are:

  • Made with whole, real foods
  • Vegan
  • Lower-carb
  • No-sugar-added

Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks

Asian Cole Slaw

Baked Falafel

Bean & Corn Dip

Brussels Sprouts Chips

Chex Mix Pumpkin Seeds

Eggplant “Fries”

Mexican Zucchini Fritters

Pizza Hummus

Rosemary Sesame Pecans

Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds

Savory Roasted Chickpeas

Vegetarian Baked Beans (lower sugar)

 

Entrees

Cajun Meatloaf

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa

Fishy Nuggets

Mexican Taco Meatloaf

Personal Portabello Pizzas

Pizza Omelet

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

White Chicken Chili (dairy-free)

 

Desserts

Black Bean Brownies

Buckeyes

Chickpea Blondies