Loaded Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash

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Delicious Double-Baked Stuffed Spaghetti Squash: Your Ultimate Vegan Meal Prep Solution

Discover this easy stuffed spaghetti squash recipe, generously loaded with protein-packed chickpeas, flavorful marinara, and a medley of vibrant Mediterranean-inspired vegetables. It’s the perfect plant-based dish for efficient meal prep, making your weeknight lunches and dinners effortlessly healthy and utterly delicious.

Double Baked Stuffed Spaghetti Squash served on wooden board with wooden fork and vegan parmesan and fresh herbs by Flora & Vino

Home ownership is a beautiful journey filled with comfort, fulfillment, and a deep sense of belonging. However, it also comes with its fair share of ongoing maintenance and unexpected adventures. I often find myself reminiscing about the days when a simple call could bring a friendly repair person to fix any apartment issue for free. Those were truly the days of carefree living!

Just last week, for instance, our microwave filter decided it was time for a replacement. If you’re currently thinking, “Wait a minute… microwaves have filters?”, trust me, you are absolutely not alone. That was my exact reaction! To be completely honest, I’ve never been the biggest enthusiast of microwave cooking. It often struggles to reheat food to its original deliciousness, leaving you with a slightly less satisfying meal. But despite my reservations, I had grown accustomed to its convenience, especially for a quick warm bite after a long, tiring day.

This little microwave hiccup became an unexpected catalyst for a culinary shift. It inspired me to create a meal that not only reheats beautifully but also tastes incredibly fresh and satisfying every time, preferably in the oven. And that’s precisely how these glorious Double Baked Stuffed Spaghetti Squash entered my life!

This recipe offers the perfect plant-based solution for anyone seeking hearty, wholesome food that can be prepared in advance. Imagine coming home to a delicious, nourishing meal that takes only 15 minutes to finish in the oven, ready to steal your heart with every single bite. It’s truly a game-changer for busy schedules!

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Apple Pie Spiced Vegan Pancakes

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Super Fluffy Vegan Apple Pie Pancakes with Buckwheat Flour and Homemade Compote: Your Ultimate Cozy Breakfast

Indulge in these incredibly fluffy Vegan Apple Pie Pancakes, crafted with wholesome buckwheat flour and topped with a luscious, homemade apple pie compote. They are the perfect, comforting treat for a relaxed weekend breakfast, especially when crowned with a dollop of creamy SunButter!

Super fluffy Vegan Apple Pie Pancakes served on a plate, generously topped with warm apple compote and drizzled with maple syrup

This season has been a profound journey of healing and self-discovery for me. It’s a commitment that extends beyond just physical rehabilitation, encompassing time, energy, and a deep focus on well-being.

Currently, I’m dedicated to physical therapy twice a week, diligently working to address and heal chronic back pain that has become a persistent challenge. Each session in my skilled physical therapist’s office is an opportunity to release tension, enhance mobility, and build foundational strength. And of course, being the diligent student that I am, I religiously perform all the prescribed home exercises!

It was a truly humbling revelation after my initial evaluation: despite maintaining a highly active lifestyle, certain areas of my body were surprisingly, *critically* weak. This imbalance and weakness, as I’ve learned, are significant contributors to the daily discomfort I experience.

Another major culprit? Most likely, the awkward and often incorrect postures I adopt while capturing all the delectable food I love sharing with you. Yes, it seems my passion for food photography might be ground zero for the back issues that began surfacing a few years ago. For too long, I dismissed the pain, convincing myself, “It’s just from holding the camera in a weird way; it’ll get better on its own.”

Spoiler alert: it didn’t improve. In fact, it grew more pervasive, eventually making everyday activities painful and incredibly challenging. A huge part of my healing process has involved cultivating a heightened self-awareness of specific body patterns and movements that trigger the pain. As a yoga teacher, I deeply understand the importance of balance and harmony within the body, which makes it somewhat ironic that I struggled to identify this dissonance within myself.

So, consider this your friendly Public Service Announcement: if you’re experiencing any persistent discomfort or health concerns, please make the time, invest the energy, and seek the resources to get it thoroughly checked out. Our bodies are truly remarkable vessels, carrying us through this incredible journey of life. Let’s commit to nurturing and caring for them with the respect they deserve.

Embracing a plant-based lifestyle is one significant way I choose to care for myself and the planet. This commitment to wholesome eating aligns perfectly with the idea of healing from the inside out. And I truly believe no one could argue that these delightful Vegan Apple Pie Pancakes, which I’m so excited to share with you today, don’t embody that very spirit of nourishing comfort.

These incredibly fluffy Vegan Apple Pie Pancakes are a celebration of autumn flavors, made effortlessly with gluten-free buckwheat flour and infused with the sweet warmth of homemade apple pie compote. They are absolutely perfect for a leisurely fall weekend breakfast, especially when generously topped with creamy SunButter!

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Cozy Spiced Sweet Potato Medley

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Warm Spiced Sweet Potato Salad with Pistachios: An Easy One-Pan Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipe This warm spiced sweet potato salad features tender roasted root vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and a vibrant warming spice blend, all crowned with crunchy pistachios. It’s an incredibly versatile one-pan meal, perfect served warm or chilled, offering a wholesome and flavorful plant-based … Read more

White Bean, Ricotta and Artichoke Bruschetta

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White Bean Ricotta & Artichoke Toast: Easy Vegan Brunch, Breakfast & Lunch Recipe

Discover the ultimate savory toast featuring a creamy white bean and cashew ricotta spread, adorned with delicate baby artichokes and fresh dill. A perfect, healthy, and satisfying option for brunch, breakfast, or a light lunch!

Creamy White Bean Ricotta & Artichoke Toast, a healthy vegan breakfast or brunch idea

As the days grow longer and the sun warms our surroundings, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay confined indoors. That distinct spring energy is palpable, almost like the world is on the cusp of an exhilarating, extended vacation. The last vestiges of pollen are fading, and with them, my internal resistance to indoor productivity. Even years beyond my school days, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air – a collective anticipation of summer’s arrival, promising carefree moments and delicious, fresh meals.

Just today, I found myself in my studio, camera in hand, my gaze drifting to the brilliant blue skies outside. A fleeting thought crossed my mind: would F&V (Flora & Vino) really mind if I took the day off? The answer, of course, is a resounding yes! Because I have an absolutely incredible recipe waiting to be shared, and it simply can’t wait another moment. It’s high time we celebrated a classic “Toast Tuesday” with a fresh, vibrant twist, and this White Bean Ricotta & Baby Artichoke Toast is the perfect candidate.

This isn’t just any savory toast; it’s destined to become your new favorite. It’s wonderfully versatile – effortlessly casual for a quick weekday breakfast or lunch, yet elegantly presented enough to grace your table for a special occasion like Mother’s Day brunch. This plant-based delight offers a beautiful blend of textures and flavors, proving that healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly satisfying.

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Creamy Blueberry Stovetop Oats

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Vibrant Blueberry Stovetop Oatmeal: A Nourishing & Brilliantly Blue Breakfast in 15 Minutes Discover how to make this dazzlingly blue Blueberry Stovetop Oatmeal in just 15 minutes. Perfect for any season, customize it with your favorite nuts, dried fruit, and seeds for a wholesome and delicious start to your day. Life often presents us with … Read more

Spiced Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Apple Pie Overnight Oats: Your Essential Fall Meal Prep Breakfast Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with these delightful Apple Pie Overnight Oats, perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal prep breakfast. Featuring tender sautéed apples and a creamy swirl of walnut butter, these oats can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making them versatile … Read more

Peanut Butter and Basil Bliss Balls

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Peanut Butter Basil Bliss Balls: A Unique 4-Ingredient No-Bake Energy Treat

Discover the surprising harmony of peanut butter and fresh basil in these effortless, 4-ingredient raw energy balls. Perfect for a make-ahead snack or a quick treat when basil is vibrant and in season!

Peanut Butter & Basil Bliss Balls by Flora & Vino

Prepare to have your taste buds delightfully surprised, because peanut butter has found an exciting new partner in flavor!

Friends, I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce you to my latest culinary obsession. Have you ever considered the intriguing combination of creamy peanut butter and fresh, aromatic basil? If your initial reaction is a furrowed brow or a look of pure disbelief, I urge you to pause and give this a chance. I completely understand; my face probably made a similar expression the first time I heard of it too.

But trust me, after experiencing these extraordinary Peanut Butter & Basil Bliss Balls, you’ll find yourself reaching for another one, completely immersed in a unique flavor experience that’s truly bliss-inducing. It’s a taste sensation that genuinely works, challenging conventional flavor pairings in the most delicious way possible.

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Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Cashew Queso

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Easy & Creamy Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Cashew Queso: Your Ultimate Dairy-Free Dip!

Experience the rich, creamy, and undeniably “cheesy” goodness of our vegan queso, crafted with roasted cauliflower and cashews. This delightful dip is perfect for scooping with tortilla chips, drizzling over tacos, or elevating any of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Get ready to transform your plant-based meals!

Roasted Cauliflower Cashew Queso served in bowl with spoon with tortillas chips with cashews and nutritional yeast and salsa

Hello, friends! Let’s have a little midweek check-in, shall we? How are you truly doing? How’s your week shaping up?

Honestly, I’ve been running on fumes lately, so tired that I mistakenly wished everyone a “Happy Tuesday” on Instagram this morning instead of Wednesday. It happens! Life gets busy, and sometimes all you need is a little comfort food to reset. And what’s better for a soul-soothing check-in than a bowl of warm, gooey, “cheesy” goodness?

If you’ve been part of our community here for a while, you’ll know that my kitchen is no stranger to the wonderful world of vegan cheeses. Creating delicious dairy-free alternatives has become a passion, always striving for that perfect balance of flavor and texture that satisfies even the most ardent cheese lovers.

I’ve explored many avenues in my quest for the ultimate plant-based cheese. There’s my renowned Easy Raw Cashew Cheese, which is incredibly versatile and a staple in many vegan homes. Then there’s the vibrant Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese, a colorful and healthy option that brings a unique twist to your nachos. And let’s not forget the ever-popular “Cheezy” Tahini Sauce, a simple yet profound creation that proves you don’t always need nuts for richness. These are all fantastic starting points if you’re venturing into the exciting realm of dairy-free cheese substitutes!

My journey also led me to a truly delightful Creamy Cauliflower Dip a while back. It was such a hit that it clearly left a lasting impression, proving the incredible potential of humble vegetables to create luxurious textures. Building on these successes and insights, I’ve brought together the best of both worlds – the lusciousness of cashew-based sauces and the subtle creaminess of roasted vegetables.

This **Roasted Cauliflower Cashew Queso** is the culmination of those efforts, taking the rich, nutty foundation of cashews and infusing it with the earthy, sweet notes of roasted cauliflower. The result is a velvety, intensely savory, and incredibly “cheesy” plant-based dip that will fool even the most discerning palates. It’s a versatile masterpiece that’s not just a substitute, but a delicious creation in its own right, perfect for any occasion.

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My Signature Kale Salad

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Wholesome Go-To Kale Salad: A Quick & Delicious Vegan Meal with Creamy Oil-Free Tahini Dressing Experience the ultimate in fresh, healthy eating with this versatile kale salad, featuring a rich, oil-free tahini dressing. Combining perfectly massaged kale, hearty cooked quinoa, and an abundance of vibrant, fresh vegetables, it’s designed to nourish and delight. Last weekend, … Read more

Snackable Cashew Chickpea Cookies

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Deliciously Healthy Cashew Butter Chickpea Snack Cookies: Your New Go-To Vegan & Gluten-Free Treat!

Discover the magic of these incredibly easy, 5-ingredient snack cookies made with chickpeas and creamy cashew butter, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce. They’re the perfect grab-and-go option for a quick, healthy snack or a delightful guilt-free dessert, ideal for busy lifestyles and effortless meal prep!

Stacked Cashew Butter Chickpea Snack Cookies on a cookie sheet, showcasing their soft texture and golden brown edges.

Happy [Day of the Week], friends! In our increasingly busy lives, finding time for ourselves often feels like a luxury. This sentiment is especially true when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet amidst hectic schedules. We all strive to eat well, but the reality of daily cooking and the seemingly endless pile of dishes can quickly become overwhelming.

If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself battling a persistent case of “dish washing fatigue.” Preparing every single meal at home, from breakfast to dinner, inevitably leads to an impressive collection of pots, pans, and utensils that demand your attention. While the kitchen can be a sanctuary, a place of culinary creation and comfort, it’s also true that we sometimes crave time for other passions, or simply a moment of peace away from the constant cycle of cooking and cleaning.

This week, a realization struck me during a chat with friends: instead of preparing small, individual meals on the fly, why not dedicate a bit of time to *actual* meal prepping? The idea isn’t just about saving time later, but about simplifying your routine and ensuring you always have nutritious options readily available. We may have the flexibility to cook and bake constantly, but do we truly want to spend *all* our precious free moments in the kitchen? I believe in finding balance, creating delicious food efficiently so we can enjoy other aspects of life.

Fortunately, the incredibly simple recipe I’m sharing today is a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their kitchen routine. These Cashew Butter Chickpea Snack Cookies are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, requiring only one blender (or food processor) and a single cookie sheet. That’s right – significantly less cleanup, which means more time for you! With just a handful of pantry-friendly staples, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats.

So, grab a can of chickpeas, a generous scoop of creamy cashew butter, and let’s dive into making these irresistible and wholesome snack cookies that will revolutionize your approach to healthy eating.

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