Vegan Mom Yas

Sometimes I wake up craving a hot bowl of gooey oatmeal. I enjoy the simplicity of it and how filling it is. There are many sugary packaged oats out there with many flavours added, but your best bet is to get some plain gluten free rolled oats and then flavour them up yourself :) Yield: 1 serving You will need: -1/2 cup uncooked oats -1 cup water (I used date water this time) -1 tablespoon cocoa -A dash of cinnamon -Toppings of choice (I used bluberries, strawberries,  Rawnola,  mulberries,  and pumpkin seeds) Directions: 1. Cook oats according to package (I use a ratio of 1/2 cup of oats to 1 cup of water). I allow them to cook until they are soft and chewy, yet they still have some moisture and haven't soaked up all the water still 2. Add in your cocoa and cinnamon  (this can be done before you cook the oats or right after) 3. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Looking at the leftover pumpkin puree and had to make a mini raw pumpkin pie 😊. Not the greatest photo but I experimented with some combinations and it is actually so ridiculously yummy!! (So I had to share!) Yield: 1 serving You will need: Crust: -1/2 cup cooked quinoa -5 soaked dates -2 tablespoons soaked raisins -A dash of cinnamon Filling: -1 cup pumpkin purée -1 tablespoon melted coconut oil -1/2 cup Cashews (soaking in water for at least 6 hrs) -2 tablespoons Maple syrup -1/4 ripe avocado -1 teaspoon grated ginger -A dash of cinnamon and pumpkin spice -A dash of vanilla Directions: 1. Remove dates and raisins from water. Process all the ingredients together and press into pan (lined with plastic wrap) 2. Blend the filling ingredients and pour over the crust and place in freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour before eating *Put a little water on your fingertips to help with pressing the gooey crust

" Yin and yang can be thought of as complementary (rather than opposing) forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts"- Georges Oshawa  A matcha green tea and mango fusion bowl... such opposing colors, yet they taste so wonderfully together! Yield: 1 serving  You will need: Green: -3 frozen bananas  -2-3 tablespoons water (I used date water) -1 tablespoon Matcha Green tea powder -1 cup spinach Yellow: -1-1 1/2 cups frozen mango chunks -1/2 frozen Banana -2-3 tablespoons water Directions: 1. Blend each batch separately and scoop into your favorite bowl 2. Top with your favorite toppings or eat as is! (I used rawnola, strawberry and blueberry)

I had some leftover Chocolatey sauce that I use on my flourless brownies. I decided to use it as a swirl for a batch of nicecream. I tried to mimic the icecream my mom used to buy with a chocolate swirl throughout it. This was so much better and healthier too! Yield: 1 serving You will need: -5-6 frozen bananas -1 heaping tablespoons raw carob powder Toppings: -3 tablespoons chocolate sauce (made from date caramel, peanut butter and cocoa) -Raw Chocolate Fudge Bites Directions: Blend all the ingredients together and top with your favorite toppings!

Every time I go to Planet Organic here in Calgary, I look forward to picking up some of their eggless tofu salad. It's not always there, so when it is I'm like hallelujah! I made it a mission to make my own version of it. I used less ingredients and instead of mayonnaise, I used a yogurt. I hope you enjoy! Yield: 2-4 servings You will need: -1 block of extra firm tofu -1/2 cup almond yogurt (or vegan mayo) -1/4 cup chopped red onion -2 stalks celery (chopped) -A dash of black pepper -1/2 teaspoon turmeric -A splash of apple cider vinegar (optional) Directions: 1. Drain the tofu and mash it to resemble an egg salad consistency 2. Mix in all the other ingredients and place in the fridge for flavors to settle in. Enjoy on bread, in lettuce wraps or as is!

I make sushi at least once a week in my household. When I make some for me, I'll sometimes make it with rice as the base (for a vegan version) or I'll make it with cauliflower rice (for a fully raw version). It's so interesting how you can manipulate different fruits and vegetables to mimic other foods that you may be used to!  Yield: 4 rolls You will need: -1/2 yellow bell pepper (or any pepper) (sliced thin) -1 cucumber (sliced long and thin) -1 carrot (grated) -3-4 strawberries (sliced thin) -1/2 avocado (sliced thin) -1-2 cups cauliflower rice -4-5 nori sheets -Sushi rolling mat Directions: 1. Have all your ingredients on your counter and ready to assemble the roll 2. Place cauliflower rice first onto your nori sheet, filling the bottom half (shiny side up) 3. Add rows of the other vegetables/fruit to cover the cauliflower rice (do NOT over-stuff) 4. Dab the tips of your fingers with water and smear on the edges of the nori sheet to

Do you ever feel lazy in the mornings and want a quick breakfast that you can have on the go? Honestly, this one right here is going to be your favorite, especially if you like the flavors of fall. Use leftover pumpkin purée for overnight oats and you will not be disappointed! Yield: 1 jar You will need: -1/2 Cup Oats -1 Cup Cashew Milk (or any milk of choice) -1 mashed Banana -1/2 Cup of Pumpkin Purée  -1 teaspoon Chia Seeds -1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon/Nutmeg Directions: 1. Place all ingredients in jar, close the lid and shake, shake, shake! 2. Place in fridge overnight  3. Enjoy cold or warm!

I have a love for papaya like no other. Honestly it's one of my most favorite tropical fruits and I find it to be so versatile.  I created this fruit salad with a nice glaze for a dressing that has completely no fat. So if you eat the whole bowl... you can't beat yourself up about it :) Yield: 1 large bowl You will need: Salad: -1 chopped papaya -2 cups chopped grapes Dressing: -1 cup coconut water -1/2 cup papaya -1/2 tablespoon chia seed -1/2 tablespoon flax seed -1 banana Directions: 1. Mix all the salad ingredients and set aside 2. Blend the salad dressing ingredients and pour over the salad 3. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to soak into the fruits. Enjoy! *Substitute or add any other fruits to this salad

With all my frozen pumpkin puree, it got me thinking about what I could use it for... smoothies, oatmeal, cookies... why not a cake? Such a great snack to put together for that nighttime movie when you are craving something sweet. I hope you enjoy it as much I do! Yield: 1 small cake You will need: -1 tablespoon coconut flour -1 tablespoon oat flour -1/2 teaspoon baking powder -1/2 tablespoon carob - A dash of cinnamon -2 heaping tablespoons pumpkin purée -1 small mashed banana Icing: -1 small mashed banana -1/2 tablespoon tahini Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350F.  2. Mix all the ingredients and place in ramekin 3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it looks done. While baking, make the icing by mixing the banana and tahini together 4. Spread icing over top and enjoy! *Use sweet potato purée or even apple sauce if you do not have pumpkin

Ever looking for a light and filling dinner? Especially with summer just around the corner, this quinoa salad is very satisfying and has all the freshness summer calls for. I love looking at my salads and seeing the colors of the rainbow.... In this case, I find myself seeing the colors of Lebanon with the vibrant red, white and cedar green :) Yield: Enough for dinner and lunch! You will need: -3-5 Cups cooked quinoa -1 yellow Bell Pepper (chopped) -1 Cup cherry Tomatoes (chopped) -1-2 sprigs Green Onion (chopped) -About 10 fresh mint leaves (or 1 Tablespoon of dried mint leaves) -Lemon juice from 1 Lemon and Rind from 1 Lemon -1/4 Cup dried Cranberries -1/4 Cup chopped Walnuts  Directions: When the quinoa has cooled down, mix all the ingredients together and store in refrigerator to help favors set *Adjust any amounts or swap ingredients to suit your fancy

The Sahasrara Chakra is found at the crown of your head with the primary function of enlightenment and a spiritual connection. It focuses on the physical property of metabolism and the emotional connection of spiritual love and affection. This is one of the most intriguing chakras to me because of the bridging connection it has to the body and the divine. Love your body and fuel it with natures gifts, which will in turn help make your chakras glow :) Love, Vegan Mom Yas Yield: 1 large bowl of nicecream You will need: -5-6 frozen bananas -2-3 tablespoons coconut sugar -A dash of cinnamon -3-4 stalks of celery -Toppings of choice Directions: 1. Blend frozen bananas with coconut sugar and cinnamon 2. Top with your favorite toppings (I used banana, date caramel, and rawnola) 3. Scoop up with celery sticks (I love the sweet and salty combination with the celery... And the added CRUNCH) *Leave bananas out for a few minutes to help with blending

So I looked in my fridge and saw that I bought way too many cucumbers. Immediately I thought of my spiralizer. It's so much fun making noodles with vegetables, especially when my little Zayn helps me. This dinner took me minutes to make and the whole family got to enjoy it too. I hope you enjoy! Yield: Enough for a family of 4! You will need: Salad: -5 English cucumbers (spiralized) -1 avocado (chopped into cubes) -1 tablespoon ground flax seeds -2 tablespoons shredded coconut -1/2 tablespoon Zaatar (Lebanese spice) Dressing: -Juice of 1 lemon -2-3 tablespoons tahini -A little water to make it a salad dressing consistency Directions: 1. Mix all the ingredients together for the salad dressing in a small bowl. I like to make it ahead of time and place it in the fridge because the tahini will allow the dressing to thicken up even more.  2. In a separate salad bowl, mix all the ingredients for the salad. When ready to serve, add the dressing and enj

These should be called OMG cookies because they are that delicious! Combining berries and dark chocolate is so great and if you can do that in cookies, then why not?! I made these once and took some to work the next day and wished I had more... So I warn you... Pack extras in your lunch bag! Yield: Plenty of cookies! You will need: -2 cups of Oats -1/2 cup Berries -1/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips -A dash of Vanilla -2 tablespoons Tahini -2-3 mashed Bananas Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350F 2. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl 3. Spoon the cookies on parchment lined cookie sheets and place in oven for 20 minutes (or until they have a golden color on the bottom edge showing they're done) 4. Cool and devour. Store in fridge 

Another bread creation came up when I thought of making something a little sweeter like brownies. Also, I love how versatile oats can be and by using them in this chocolate bread loaf, I was able to omit any flour. I was completely satisfied and did not feel so bad slathering on some peanut butter :) Yield: 1 small pan You will need: -1/2 Cup of Oats -1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon  -1/2 Banana -3/4 Cup Nut Butter (I used Peanut Butter) -1/2 Cup of soaked and pitted Dates -1/4 Cup Cashew Milk (or milk of choice) -1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda -1 1/2-2 tablespoons cocoa Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 F 2. Blend oats to make oat flour 3. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend 4. Pour into parchment lined pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Turn off the oven and keep it in for another 10 minutes to become denser like bread *Add in any dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts for an extra kick *Smear peanut butter or chia jam on it like a piece of toast *

Are you a peanut butter lover like me? Or do you sneak into the pantry to eat a scoop of peanut butter? Well I think I have something that you should try... I wish I could share this through this post but I can't... So you'll just have to get up, find your blender and three simple ingredients and try it for yourself! I warn you! It may become addicting! Yield: 1 large bowl You will need: -5-6 frozen bananas  -2 tablespoons of chocolate peanut butter powder (or regular peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of cocoa) -2-3 tablespoons of date caramel sauce -toppings of choice Directions: 1. Blend all the ingredients together 2. Sprinkle some rawnola on the bottom of the bowl (or granola) 3. Pour your smoothie on top and place any toppings you desire! (I put strawberries, cocoa nibs, mulberries, raw fudge, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds) *Remove bananas from freezer for a few minutes to help with blending

When we were in Maui, we hit up a raw foods restaurant in Lahaina. We weren't sure what to expect but they had quite the variety. Hass ordered the chefs creation of the day, which was this Rainbow Salad with Soba noodles and a tahini dressing. I remember reading the ingredients and the flavor still lingers on my tongue. I was on a mission to make it when we got back to Calgary and OMG is all I can say. This will be a staple on our home menu! Yield: 1 large bowl You will need: Salad: -1 1/2 cup shelled Edamame Beans -2 1/2 cups shredded Carrots -4 sprigs chopped Green Onion -3 cups Coleslaw/Purple Cabbage -2 chopped mini cucumbers  -1 package (340g) of cooked and cooled Soba Noodles or a gluten free Spaghetti Noodle Dressing: -3 tablespoons Soy Sauce or Tamari -2 cloves of Garlic -2 tablespoons Coconut Sugar  -4 tablespoons Tahini -1 teaspoon Sriracha -1 t easpoon Balsamic Vinegar (optional) Directions: 1. Mix all the salad ingredients togethe

So every time we head to Cactus Club for dinner, I'm always scoping out their salads. The one salad that I'm sure you could all agree with me as a top contender would be their Bandara Salad. So I have to admit that this healthier salad variation was inspired by Cactus Club. I wanted to put a twist on the noodles and the dressing and I wanted to add edamame as the protein addition instead of the meat or any eggs. We actually had this huge bowl of goodness for dinner and Hass gave it a two thumbs up! Woohoo! Yield: 1 HUGE salad You will need:  Salad: -5 cups of Mixed Greens -1 head of Romaine Lettuce (chopped) -1/2 Red Bell Pepper (chopped) -1/2 Yellow Bell Pepper (chopped) -2 sprigs of Green Onion (chopped) -1 Carrot (grated) -8 Medjool Dates (pitted and diced up) -1 large Cucumber (spiralized to imitate the noodles) -1 small pint of Cherry Tomatoes (diced) -1 cup Corn -1 cup Edamame Beans Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a large bow

After trying so many gluten free and dairy free breads from the store shelves, I have realized that they are not for me. I find them quite dense and sometimes taste like cardboard. I was on a mission to create a bread loaf that I could enjoy at any time of the day. Also... I snuck in some zucchini, which is great for the kiddos :) Yield: Small pan or 6 muffins You will need: - 2 1/2 Cups of Oats -1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon  -1 1/2 Bananas -1 small grated Zucchini (worked out to be about 1 Cup) -1/3 Cup Cashew Milk (or any milk of choice) -1/3 Cup Coconut Sugar -1 teaspoon Baking Soda -1 1/2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (or any choice of vinegar) -1/3 Cup raisins -1/3 Cup vegan Chocolate Chips Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 F 2. Blend the oats to make a flour 3. Add all the other ingredients except for the raisins and blend  4. Pour into parchment lined pan or muffin cups 5. Add raisins and chips and swirl in with a fork 6. Bake for about 30

One of my favorite breakfasts that leaves you feeling amazingly satisfied is Cauliflower Oats. It involves no grains or oats and can be easily customized to suit your fancy. And did I mention that its super easy to make! Eat a whole bowl, 2 or even 4! Guilt-free! :) Yield: 1 cup/1 serving What you need: -1 Cup Cauliflower Rice -1/2 Cup Nut milk/Coconut milk -4 Tablespoons Date Caramel -Cinnamon -2 Tablespoons shredded Coconut -Toppings of choice Directions: 1. Pour everything into a pot on medium heat and bring to a boil 2. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes (until it reaches the consistency you like) 3. Serve in a bowl and top with your favorite things *I topped mine with chocolate peanut butter (made from peanut flour), figs, and coconut *Use any sweetener you like (I used Date Caramel)

" Orange energy is balance, strength, and sustenance. It is the building block of physical growth and development. Orange represents the developmental stage when we learn to walk and we explore our world." - Simona Sebastian  Yield: 1 large delicious bowl You will need:  -2 Cups frozen Mango -1 frozen Banana -2 Kale leaves with stems -1 handful Spinach -1 1/2  Cups Carrot Juice  -Toppings of your choice  Directions:  Blend all the ingredients and top with your favorite toppings. *Add a little more liquid if you would like to drink it as a smoothie *Remove the greens to enhance te orange color

So... I bought some dates that looked like Medjool dates and turned out that they weren't. They looked delicious but were not as juicy as the Medjool dates. So instead of tossing them out or hiding them in the back of my pantry, I made some Date Caramel sauce that is so versatile! Nothing goes to waste in my home! :) Yield: About 1-2 Cups of caramely goodness You will need: -2 Cups of pitted dates -1/2 Cup of date water* Directions: 1. Pit and soak the dates overnight in enough water to cover the dates 2. Place dates in blender with 1/2 Cup of the date water 3. Store in fridge or freezer and serve over whatever you like! *Adjust the amount of water if you would like the caramel to be thinner or thicker *Add any flavor you desire (Eg. Mint extract, cinnamon,  vanilla,  coconut sugar...) *Use any leftover date water as a drink or to soak nuts for a nut milk *Freeze in freezer bags or ice cube trays for quick defrosting options *Use coconut water instead of water if

Mini Fruit and Veggie Haul to last about a week. Thank goodness! My fridge is filled with a rainbow now! 😄 🍌🍎🍏🍊🍋🍄🍅🍇🍍🍓🍒🍑🍐🍉🍈 Excited to make and share some new recipes with you all!

After coming back from an amazing Maui vacation, reality hit me and I have an empty fridge! Also, I think i'm going through a little bit of an Acai Bowl withdrawl. What do you make with nothing in your fridge? Thank goodness for my freezer and pantry. I was able to whip up a bowl of this deliciousness for my son and I :) (I would've topped it with some fruit if I had some in my fridge!) Yield: 1 beautiful bowl What you need: -2 Cups frozen berries -3.5 frozen bananas -2T-1/4C nut milk or coconut water Toppings: ANYTHING YOU LIKE! I used: -Rawnola (will post a recipe for this soon) -Dried mulberries -Raw Pumpkin seeds -Hemp seeds -Date caramel (will post recipe for this too) -Raisins -Raw Cashews -Coconut sugar Directions: 1. Prepare your toppings 2. Blend berries and 2 bananas with a few tablespoons of nut milk or coconut water to get it going (but not too much) 3. Pour a couple tablespoons of the Rawnola on the bottom of your bowl amd scoop berry blend

I just needed to share this deliciousness! While traveling here in Maui, I had the pleasure of tasting one of the Acai bowls at Aloha Wow Wow Lemonade in Kihei. I've made it a mission to try all of their bowls before I leave... that's how addicting they are! I can't wait to get back home to invent some smoothie bowls with Acai and Nicecream and share them with you! Thank you for the inspiration Wow Wow Lemonade and the beautiful hand crafted mason jar. Until then... I'll share this bowl of deliciousness :)

This drink is one of the first drinks that helped me on my vegan path. It just shocked me how something so simple could be so filling, nutritious, and amazing! Yield: About 32oz of delicious creaminess! You will need: -6 Medjool Dates -2 Cups of Coconut Water (or 1 large can) -2 Cups of Ice Directions: Blend in a high speed blender for at least 1 minute until well blended *Add more dates of you would like it sweeter and thicker *Add water instead of ice if you like more of a liquid consistency *Add any little additions like fresh mint or cinnamon for an extra kick in flavor *I soak the dates in the coconut water over night for a smooth consistency, but this is not required

Welcome to my blog! Can't believe it took me this long to finally create one! I've been asked by many to make a blog and to share my recipes. I think I didn't think of pursuing it because I thought I would get over my "hump" of being curious and making vegan creations. I think I have proven myself wrong... Bit by bit, I was finding myself in the kitchen wanting to create more and more and recreate sugary treats into something less guilty. So here I am, creating my blog (May 7th, 2016 at 8pm lol), for the love of animals, humanity, and delicious plant based food. I play many roles... I'm a mother to two amazingly healthy beautiful boys. The best thing that could have ever happened to me is motherhood. It definitely makes you view life a little different, putting the priorities of your kids before you and forgetting to shop for yourself because all I want to do is find things for my boys and be around them and see them happy all the time. I'm a wife