Easy Tofu Mayonnaise (cashew & nut free Options) – PlantPure Nation

Nut Version:

🌱Ingredients

  •  7 ounces extra firm tofu
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews, soaked in water to cover for 2-3 hours, then drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon tahini
  • 4 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons water

👩‍🍳Directions

  1. Soaking the cashews in water for a few hours will reduce blending time. If you are not using a high speed blender, I highly recommend soaking the cashews so they blend into a smooth and creamy texture.
  2. Place all the ingredients in a high speed blender and blend  until smooth and shiny.

Nut Free Version:

🌱 Ingredients
1-12.3-ounce package silken firm tofu
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste


👩‍🍳Directions
Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and shiny.

https://www.plantpurenation.com/blogs/recipes/easy-nut-free-tofu-mayonnaise

Salad Supreme Vegan Recipe

A vegan substitute for Salad Supreme can be made by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, paprika, celery seed, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This blend will provide a similar flavor profile without any dairy ingredients.

[Before we begin consider adding 1/2 t lemon powder & removing 1/2 t salt.]

Ingredients
▢1 tablespoon sesame seeds
▢1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
▢1 teaspoon paprika
▢1 teaspoon poppy seed
▢1 teaspoon celery seed
▢1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
▢⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
▢2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (mild cheese substitute, see more below)


Instructions
In a small bowl or jar combine 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon poppy seed, 1 teaspoon celery seed, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast.

Mix or shake until well combined.
It is best to store homemade salad supreme seasoning in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 month.


Equipment


large glass jars with lid perfect for a larger spice blend

-FINISHED-

*********

For Vegan “Salad Supreme” Seasoning (Stinky-Boot Edition)

Goal

Reproduce:

Romano/Parmesan tang → fermented + umami + sharp

Buttermilk sourness → lactic acidity (vegan)

Aged-cheese funk → enzymatic savory, nutty, slightly pungent


⭐ Vegan Funky-Cheesy Powder Mix

Dry Ingredients

3 Tbsp nutritional yeast (base cheesy flavor)

1½ tsp lactic acid powder or 2 tsp citric acid (buttermilk tang)

1 tsp miso powder (fermentation funk)

1 tsp mushroom powder (deep umami)

1 tsp onion powder

¾ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp sweet paprika

½ tsp mustard powder

¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)

½ tsp ground cumin (tiny amount for earthy aged-note)

¼ tsp white pepper (cheese-like bite)

¼ tsp kala namak (optional, for funky edge—use lightly)

1 Tbsp sesame seeds (classic salad-supreme crunch)

1½ tsp poppy seeds

1 tsp dried red pepper flakes (optional heat)

1 tsp dried oregano or basil (optional herbal note)


Optional: Extra “Cheesy Funk Booster”

Mix only if you want maximum Romano-like punch:

1 Tbsp vegan parmesan powder (store-bought or homemade)

OR ½ tsp shiro miso dried in the oven (lowest temp) and crumbled

OR a pinch of vegan blue cheese powder (if you have access)


How to Use It

Toss 1–2 teaspoons per bowl of salad.

Sprinkle on pasta salad, cucumber salad, broccoli slaw, or popcorn.

Mix with olive XL-oil and vinegar for a dressing rub.

Flavor Notes – Why This Works

Nutritional yeast + lactic acid → Parmesan-like tang & saltiness

Miso powder + mushroom powder → fermented funk → Romano-ish depth

Kala namak → sulfur edge mimics “aged cheese footiness”

Paprika + sesame seeds → signature Salad Supreme look & aroma

Citric/lactic acid → buttermilk sour creaminess

Crispy Baked Broccoli

Baking frozen broccoli on a baking sheet:

This method helps remove excess moisture from the frozen florets and creates a delicious, crispy texture.

Instructions

Preheat oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Some recipes suggest 450°F (230°C) for extra crispiness.

Prepare the broccoli. Spread the frozen florets in a single, even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is a critical step to ensure they roast instead of steam. If necessary, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.

Bake first. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the broccoli for 10–15 minutes without any oil or seasonings. This initial bake allows the water to evaporate.

How to Season and Finish Baking:

Remove the pan from the oven, toss or brush w/ tiny amount of optional oil [totally unnecessary] , and add salt, pepper, and other seasonings. *SEE IMPORTANT NOTE BELOW FOR SEASONING IDEAS !

Return to oven. Continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and crispy.

* IMPORTANT NOTE:

For meat-eaters, a savory, smoky, and slightly spicy seasoning on crispy roasted broccoli can make it feel like a flavorful complement to a main dish, rather than a typical side vegetable. If you’re considering spraying or sprinkling jalapeño juice afterward, the base seasoning should focus on savory and smoky notes that will blend well with the brine’s flavor. 

Seasoning blends to try (all dairy-free)


Smoked paprika and garlic blend

  • Best for: A simple, smoky, and savory flavor.
  • Combine:
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika (the key for a “meaty” aroma)
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste

“Everything Bagel” seasoning

  • Best for: A crunchy, savory texture with a pop of flavor.
  • Use: Look for a store-bought version or make your own with a mix of:
    • White and black sesame seeds
    • Dried minced onion
    • Dried minced garlic
    • Poppy seeds
    • Coarse salt

Southwestern spice blend

  • Best for: A bolder, more complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the jalapeño juice.
  • Combine:
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • ½ tsp chili powder
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Remember (scroll up) that after seasoning we return broccoli to oven for 15-20 more minutes.

No-Cook Date Paste Recipe

**Ingredients**

* 2 cups pitted dates (Medjool dates work best)
* ½ cup warm water (adjust for desired consistency)
* ½ tsp salt (optional, enhances sweetness)
* ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

**Instructions**

**1. Soak the dates**

* Place the pitted dates in a bowl.
* Cover with **warm water** and let soak for **30–60 minutes** until soft.
  *(If your dates are very soft, 10–15 minutes may be enough.)*

**2. Blend into a paste**

* Drain the soaking water (reserve a little if needed).
* Place dates in a food processor or high-speed blender.
* Add **½ tsp salt** and **vanilla** if using.
* Blend until smooth.
* **If too thick:** add soaking water **1 tbsp at a time** until you get a spreadable paste.

**3. Store**

* Transfer to an airtight jar.
* **Refrigerate:** up to **3 weeks**.
* **Freeze:** up to **6 months**.



**Tips & Uses**

* **For baking:** substitute 1 cup sugar with ¾ cup date paste in recipes like muffins or cookies.
* **As a spread:** perfect on toast, pancakes, or crackers.
* **Thicker “fruit bar” style:** press into a lined pan and chill to slice into squares.
* **Flavor variations:** add cinnamon, cocoa powder, orange zest, or coconut flakes while blending.

Healthy Cranberry Sauce | 4 Ingredients + Refined-Sugar Free

Ingredients

12 ounces (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries*
1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh-squeezed orange juice* (about 1 large orange)
1/4 cup (60 ml) grade A maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional add-ins: ½ teaspoon orange zest, cinnamon stick, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, chopped pecans, blueberries, etc.

Instructions


Add all ingredients to a medium pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 6-8 minutes. Stir the mixture frequently to ensure nothing burns or sticks to the pan. The filling is “done” once it has thickened and most of the cranberries have popped.
Use a fork or potato masher to pop the remainder of the cranberries, if desired. Let cool completely before serving as desired; leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes


Cranberries: frozen cranberries work well here, but you will need to simmer them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes as they release more liquid in cooking
Orange Juice: There isn’t a huge final difference in flavor if you use fresh or pasteurized OJ, since the mixture is being cooked. Use whatever is easier for you!
Sweetener: maple syrup can be replaced with equal parts date syrup, vegan honey, coconut sugar, or brown sugar

https://frommybowl.com/healthy-cranberry-sauce/print/6806/

Fast & Easy OILFREE Waxy Potato Airfries

Served here w/ homemade In-n-Out Fry Sauce
  1. Start with a clean, organic, waxy, thin skin potato
  2. Microwave until soft (just a few minutes, or use THIS METHOD)
  3. Peel & slice
  4. Cook at 400° in airfryer (airfryers are mini tabletop convection ovens, but a regular oven works fine)
  5. Shake airfry basket (or turn fries in oven) only once or twice

Fry Sauce/Spread (aka In-n-Out Sauce!)

Nutrition Facts

[What follows is the full recipe, but honestly I make it simple:

In handheld wand-blender CUP combine healthy (naturally sweetened, low salt, no oil) :

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Just a few cashews (presoaked)
  • Tomato paste
  • White vinegar

After blending add (for crunch) :

  • Dill pickle relish
  • Onion (fresh chopped)

That’s all! But if you want to see original recipe – read further]

*******

Ingredients
½ cup (raw) cashews [I only use ¼ cup]
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon distilled white vinegar
3 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon reduced-sodium tamari
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
pinch to ½ teaspoon sea salt (+/-)
[Add 2 teaspoons dill pickle relish after blender for crunch!]

Instructions
* Place the cashews into a small bowl, cover with boiling water, set aside for 15 minutes, then discard the water and place the cashews into a high-speed blender.

* Add all the remaining ingredients into the high-speed blender with the soaked cashews.

* Blend on high until smooth and emulsified, scraping down the sides occasionally.

* Serve as a dipping sauce for fries. Also, it makes a spread for sandwiches.


Notes
* Please reference the blog post for Tips for Success, Pantry Items Used, Storage and Freezing, and Kitchen Products Used.

* Sea Salt:  Please adjust the sea salt based upon your family’s sea salt preferences and/or based upon dietary needs.

* Servings:  Makes 1 cup

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 Tablespoon
Serves 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories 33
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g, 3%
Cholesterol 0mg, 0%
Total Carbohydrate 3.3g, 1%
Dietary Fiber 0.2g, 1%
Protein 0.7g, 1%
Iron 2%

Light, Creamy Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Squares | No Refined Sugar, Vegan

MY LOWER FAT VERSION!

INGREDIENTS

Crust Layer:

½ cup Grape-Nuts cereal
½ cup rolled oats
¼ cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans — your choice)
6–7 pitted Medjool dates
1 tsp vanilla extract (or ½ tsp vanilla bean powder)
1–2 tsp water if needed

Pumpkin Spice Layer:

3 1/2  cups  pumpkin puree
12 pitted medjool dates
4 tbsp arrowroot powder
1 ½  tsp ground cinnamon
¾  tsp ground ginger
½  tsp ground nutmeg
¼  tsp ground cloves
2 tsp vanilla extract (1 tsp vanilla bean powder)

Chocolate Layer:

½ cup unsweetened chocolate
½ cup plant milk
6 tbsp date sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Crust:
1. Add Grape-Nuts, oats, and nuts to a food processor; pulse until the texture is coarse but even.
2. Add dates and vanilla; blend until it begins to stick together.
3. If it still seems crumbly, add 1–2 tsp water and pulse again.
4. Press firmly into a parchment-lined pan (8×8 or similar).
5. Chill while preparing the pumpkin layer.

Pumpkin:
1. Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
2. Spread evenly over the prepared crust.
3. Bake at **350°F (175°C)** for about **25–30 minutes**, or until the center is set and the edges look slightly dry. [I baked it for an hour to get pumpkin to set.]
4. Let cool completely before adding the chocolate layer.

Chocolate:
1. Melt chocolate with plant milk over low heat or in a double boiler.
2. Whisk in date sugar until dissolved and smooth.
3. Spread gently over the cooled pumpkin layer.
4. Chill until firm.

TO SERVE

Refrigerate at least 2–3 hours (overnight preferred).
Slice and serve chilled.

If perfect cuts desired, chill in freezer 15 minutes before cutting w/ chef’s knife.

High Levels of Bayer’s Weedkiller Found in Hummus, Chickpeas | Environmental Working Group

Independent laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found glyphosate, the notorious weedkiller linked to cancer, in more than 80 percent of non-organic hummus and chickpeas samples, and detected at far lower levels in several organic versions

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2020/07/high-levels-bayers-weedkiller-found-hummus-chickpeas?utm_source=chatgpt.com