Spa Cuisine Recipes

vanilla chia shake

Chia shakes and smoothies are my new obsession. Here’s a simple, delicious, one with only a few ingredients. It’s so refreshing and healthy and perfect for those mornings when you’re in a hurry, or those afternoons when you need a quick snack. Don’t be tempted to add a bunch of other stuff to it. It’s…

bombdiggity chickpea salad sandwich

I’ve taken chickpea salad to the next level. This is perfect for those days when you’re craving a really good sandwich and are perhaps missing the days when you ate tuna salad and chicken salad. Although I find the idea of eating animals revolting now, I completely understand the nostalgia and emotions connected to the…

best lentil loaf

Mmmmm! I used to love meatloaf, and now that I’m eating a plant-based, vegan diet I love this lentil loaf even more. So much flavor, and none of the nasty cholesterol and hormones that you get when you eat animal products. The maple BBQ glaze on top is amazing! Serve this up with a simple…

overnight chia breakfast pudding

This creamy, chocolaty, overnight chia-oat pudding is my latest obsession. It’s so delicious and healthy, yet it’s like having dessert for breakfast! Feel free to add your favorite berries and toppings the next day. I love the combination of chocolate, bananas, and blueberries. for two servings: 1 small, ripe banana, mashed 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa…

Creamy Thai Peanut Soup {vegan}

My daughter, Andie, recently went vegan. I am beyond proud and SO happy. I don’t even know what else to say. I’m surprised and delighted that my low key vegan preachyness (is that a word?) got through to someone. Honestly, most of the time I feel like a caricature of myself while explaining why I…

creamy veggie pot pie soup {vegan}

I was craving pot pie yesterday. That creamy, gravy-like filling in a buttery crust. Yum! But how to recreate it now that I’m vegan? I had to get to work in the kitchen. Time to develop a recipe to satisfy the craving. I also wanted to make something easy enough to pass as a weeknight…

ultimate three bean chipotle chili {vegan}

It’s been snowing in other parts of Minnesota already. What? It best not show it’s face in Red Wing. We haven’t had nearly enough Autumn yet. I still need to go to the apple orchard at least three more times. And then there’s Halloween to think about. Go away snow! Come back on Christmas. We…

vegan bulgogi + easy steamed bao buns

I was inspired to make this dish after enjoying vegan bulgogi at a restaurant on our last vacation. They served theirs in corn tortillas and topped the tacos with chunks of avocado. It was delicious, but I decided to make my own version and use more traditional toppings. I also wanted to develop a recipe…

creamy pumpkin tortellini

Mmmmmm! Cheesy tortellini pasta topped with a creamy, slightly spicy pumpkin sauce and crunchy walnuts! This easy, healthy recipe is a great way to welcome autumn and the upcoming school year. It goes together quickly and is perfect for busy days! Note: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute your favorite pasta for the cheese…

crispy seitan cutlets

Have you ever tried making seitan? (aka “wheat meat.”) It’s this amazing, vegan protein that’s created by combining vital wheat gluten with other savory ingredients. Sometimes it’s boiled, sometimes it’s steamed, and sometimes it’s baked. In this case it’s pan-fried. Vital wheat gluten is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and low in fat and…