top 3 favorite vegan cookbooks

I don't know why it cracks me up how healthy eating is so popular right now. It is so wonderful and so hip at the same time which is why I laugh. Kale is so "in!" Who knew? For me my diet has been non-dairy and no eggs for almost 4 years now. I can't believe how time has flown by. I started this diet because of an intense rash on my face as well as it swelling once while making eggs for my kiddos and it scared me needless to say. I also have endometriosis and I have noticed I have less reactions and bloating with a non-dairy diet which has been a huge blessing. Maybe too much info for you, but that is how I roll......

I have found many cookbooks that I really like and tend to use often and here are my top 3!

Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen is one of my favorites. They are simple recipes with so much flavor it really feels like you are eating Italian food minus the eggs and dairy. One of my favorite new recipes is the quick basil pesto. You can put it on pasta, pizza or salad and it is delish!

1 cup packed fresh basil

1/4 cup olive oil

1 garlic clove

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper : Mix in food processor and enjoy!

Crazy Sexy Juice is a must for you lovers of fresh juice and smoothies. Kriss Carr knows her stuff and lays it out simply for you and the ingredients you need to make some yummy things. My favorite smoothie lately is the hello hydration:

1 large cucumber

3 cups watemelon

1/4 cup basil: that's it! Juice and enjoy!

Lastly, From Plant to Plate, is a lovely book filled with simple recipes you can do in less than 30 minutes! Love! The southwest black bean burger is my favorite and my family enjoys it rather than the typical bean burger from the grocery store.

Whatever your diet and hunger needs are, it is fun to mix and match good cookbooks with your own creativity! That's what I love to do.

What are you fixing for dinner tonight?

Have a lovely day darlings!

(painting by my lovely daughter)

xo jennifer

inspire

justice jars...making a difference and looking good in your kitchen

Justice Jars. A simple and darling idea my dear friend created to raise money for Charity:Water. Charity:Water is an amazing non-profit company that brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. These cute jars come with a variety of different chalkboard stickers, beautiful color lids and straws for easy drinking. I have used them as gifts, parties and of course they are displayed in my kitchen and look adorable!

Justice Jars are a fantastic glass option to take to get your kombucha, iced coffee, smoothie or green juice. You can find this darling girl on instagram and she will be opening an etsy store next week!

My favorite part of this darling's mission is her recent trip to Kenya with her daughter. She fell in love with the country and is going back already in August! Can I get an Amen? The Africa Justice jars are a unique opportunity to purchase as they will go towards girls education in Kenya. In January this darling was able to meet some of these precious girls in Kenya and she knew she wanted to help and make a difference. You can find her here on Instagram (message her to order) and I will shout her out again when her etsy store opens!

I love making smoothies for my family and myself. I enjoy making up recipes and I just purchased the book Crazy Sexy Juice by Kris Carr. I highly recommend the book! The cover is hot pink....so that goes a far distance in my book :) I would like to share a few of my favorite smoothie recipes... And of course Justice Jars is the perfect match for your green goodness. 

This is my favorite simple go to green smoothie:

•frozen banana •handful of spinach•your choice of milk• I love vanilla hemp or almond milk•Enjoy!! Yes! It's that simple... 

Date shake: 

2 dates• ice•your choice of milk•flax seeds•scoop of peanut butter•banana• Enjoy!

Chocolate shake: 

handful of cashews•2-3 dates•cacao powder or handful of cacao nibs•choice of milk•ice•hemp or flax seeds• Enjoy!

My current favorite recipe from Crazy Sexy Juice called the Granny Smith Apple Pie:

1 frozen banana•1 Granny Smith Apple•handful of kale, leaves only• milk of choice•splash of cinnamon•1 date

I hope you try these and let me know what you think darlings! 

Have a wonderful day! 

xo jennifer

what the kale?

I never thought kale would be my thing, or green juice...especially hot green juice! I tell you, never say never right?

 I have been a vegan for 3 years now. It all started when I was having a terrible rash on my face for a year and could not figure out what was going on with me. Prior to that year, I was cooking eggs for my kiddos and within seconds my face literally swelled up and I could not understand what the kale was going on!

Well, what was going on was STRESS. Within one year I had had a hysterectomy, traveled to Ethiopia twice, brought a precious baby home through adoption and decided to home school my daughter. WHAT? My body could not handle the stress and between getting the yellow fever vaccine that contains egg protein and having hormonal changes, my body was up to know good. I did allergy testing and an elimination diet. The elimination diet was what helped me notice a difference the most and before you know it, no rash and happy kale going on for me. I decided to take dairy out of my diet because of inflammation. It was a challenge at first, because I used to be the DAIRY QUEEN! I have been a vegetarian most of my adult life, so that part was easy cheesy. Ha...oh the cheese!

I plan on sharing my favorite vegan recipes once in awhile on this little blog. For now, this green juice is easy, yummy and a great way to keep the sickness at bay. Juice apples, celery, ginger, honey, lemon and cinnamon. Served hot or cold....but hot is my fav!

Have a lovely day darlings!

xo jennifer