Flourless and Egg-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Just four ingredients and a brief time in the oven, these peanut butter cookies are easy to make and they are eggless and gluten-free too. They are essentially raw, but putting them into the oven adds a nice bit of crunch with little fuss. These just might be my favorite cookies to date. The best part of these cookies is of course the peanut butter, with all of that protein. The peanut butter really plays a stronger role in these cookies than most other varieties I have made and tried. It's almost like eating a spoonful of peanut butter, with some extra flair and that little bit of crispness that baking provides. They are very soft, so you may want to store them in the fridge, but I preferred them at room temperature. They keep well for several days in a well sealed container.

Mung Dal Vada (Fried Indian Lentil Fritters)

Clearly I have a sort of addiction to Indian savories and my introduction to vadas has done nothing to curb that. Popular in South India, vadas are fried savories made with dal and spices that are now popular in many parts of India and beyond. Often disc or doughnut shaped, this popular street food can be eaten for breakfast or as a snack with any variety of chutneys, and are a fine feature of any meal, often served up as an appetizer with some sambar or rasam. I adore them so much that they can easily serve as a main course for me, especially in the summer when my appetite is rather sporadic.

These ones combine the earthy sweet flavors of split mung and toor dal. They are rather easy to prepare too. Though I rarely deep fry foods, preferring baked version of classics, once in a while I do indulge. The vadas fry up quickly and are really not oily at all. Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside, these are a treat that is pretty much impossible to find in Indian restaurants in the city I reside in because, for the most part, it is North Indian creations that are served and the menus of never seem to vary. No matter, as homemade is always better.

Vegetarian Recipes for Hot Summer Months

I've been a vegetarian for 23 years, with no regrets, so everyday is vegetarian for me. This summer is turning out to be a hot one and today I am going to share some of my favorite summer vegetarian recipes for those who enjoy meatless meals on occasion, and also for longtime vegetarians like myself. Bon Appétit.

Chickpea Quinoa Vegetable Burgers

Chickpeas, quinoa and fresh vegetables combined in an all-in-one perfect spiced baked veggie burger served with an English muffin and tomato chutney.

Pinto Bean and Avocado Burritos

Vibrant, zesty and creamy fresh-tasting pinto bean burritos with avocado, cilantro, corn and spices — refreshing on a warm summer day. Perfect patio fare.

Lemony Basil Hummus

This is pretty much a classic version of hummus with the addition of fresh basil that I always grow in my backyard garden and lemon juice to add extra fresh flavor. Think of it as a pesto hummus, with basil lurking in each bite in a subdued way.

Spicy Pesto Guacamole

Guacamole is always a summer favorite, especially when pesto is in the mix, spiced up and served with good quality nacho chips.

Deviled Curried Eggs

Rich, creamy deviled eggs with Indian curry spices - a spicy twist on a classic.

Refried Beans in Home Baked Taco Bowls

Certainly a summer feast, even if that means turning on the oven to make homemade tacos filled with refried beans. Serve with some spicy salsa and some extra old cheddar cheese and some rice on the side.

Toasted Ciabatta Sandwich with Brie, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto

A wonderfully delicious summer sandwich with broiled brie cheese and a sun-dried tomato pesto on toasted garlic ciabatta bread, served with mixed salad greens and a simple and refreshing lemon dressing.

Vegan Potato Salad Dressed with Avocado

Potato salad is always a summer favorite, and this vegan variation is a fine idea for patio dining. No need for mayonnaise when avocado is involved.

Lima Bean Hummus with Quinoa Flatbreads and Salsa

As the temperature heats up, hummus is just perfect, served up with favorite raw vegetables, along with golden brown thin quinoa flatbreads and some spicy avocado salsa.

Mexican-Style Mung Bean Tostadas

Crispy golden baked corn tortillas topped with a salad of zesty refried mung beans, brown rice and salsa. Just right and delicious.

Broccoli, Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito with Cashew Sauce

A vegan friendly burrito that is bursting with flavor and the goodness of grain, legumes and vegetables.

Baked Quinoa Falafel Bites

Crispy golden-brown savory quinoa falafel bites — baked not fried — served with an easy tangy lemon, tahini and yogurt sauce.

Creamy Vegan Coleslaw Dressed with Avocado

Yesterday was officially the first day of summer. This year, it has been feeling like summer for over a month now with plenty of rain and invigorating sunshine. My outdoor garden is happy about that. It also means more salads on the menu, and this one is refreshing and nourishing.

Coleslaw is a summer favorite, as is potato salad. I made this vegan version because I am not overly fond of mayonnaise. I do enjoy cheese, so I don't follow a strict vegan diet, but the majority of my meals are dairy-free. The avocado-based dressing is tart and creamy and makes for a better coleslaw than any I've ever eaten. I maintain that avocados ought to be a daily part of your meal plans, even if that means simply scooping out the flesh and enjoying for breakfast or lunch.

Hash Browned Sweet Potato and Beets

Hash browns are a staple of breakfast tables across North America, and a delicious way to use up potatoes before they start to spoil. But there's no reason to confine oneself to potatoes. With a few leftover beets and a sweet potato that needed using up in the pantry, these vegetables are just as delicious and even more colorful hashed and browned as well. Beets lightly cooked ahead of time — or the night before — and diced are firm, crisp and browned while the sweet potato is soft, creamy and golden.

Paneer Kalimirch (Paneer Cheese with a Coconut Milk, Onion and Cashew Gravy with Black Pepper and Spices)

Although many of my main meals are vegan, I can never resist the allure of succulent paneer cheese for too long. The cheese does not have a whole lot of flavor on its own — although I do enjoy snacking on little bites of it while I prep a dish — but paneer is a wonderful vehicle for taking on the spices and seasonings present in a dish. It has a texture much like firm tofu, but it's real cheese without the soya. There really is no substitute, but if you want to make it vegan, then use cubes of firm tofu instead.

Traditionally, this dish of paneer cheese simmered in a thick flavorful onion and cashew gravy is made with cream or yogurt, but as there was already cheese in the dish, I decided to mix things up and use coconut milk instead to cut down on the richness. The coconut milk still resulted in a creamy gravy and it was just as delicious as dairy alternatives. It's such an easy dish to prepare and pan-frying paneer ahead of adding it to the dish is unnecessary in this instance. Just cube it and add it to the spicy gravy. As for the spice component, it on the lower side of the spectrum in terms of heat, but as always, most Indian dishes are forgiving, so adjust the spicing to suit your preference and add more onion to the paste if that is to your taste.

Coconut Lime Rice with Adzuki Beans and Mango

As much as rice with little adornment is very much enjoyable as a side, I do like to dress it up sometimes. In this case, rice made for a perfectly balanced meal, cooked with some creamy coconut milk and complete with the addition of adzuki beans, fresh citrusy mango and zesty lime. There is bit of heat from the chilies, but it's not a spicy dish — the seasoning and additions are meant to complement the main flavors present. Each bite is to be savored and you won't need anything else to go along with the dish to feel satisfied and content, unless you fancy a side green salad. One-pot meals are often the way to go when there is little time or inclination to cook, and especially suited to hot summer days too when hovering over a hot stove is generally not preferred.

Cocozia Organic Coconut Water

I've been a firm believer in coconut water for sometime now. It is an ideal way to refresh and rehydrate, and that is especially important during the hot summer months. With no added sugar, it is a much better alternative to other beverages that are a source of electrolytes but are too often laden with excess sugar. Coconut water is also an excellent source of potassium and magnesium and a satisfying alternative to water. So, you can imagine how delighted I was when I was offered a generous sample of Cocozia 100% Organic Coconut Water.

Not all brands are alike and this one I found particularly refreshing with a clean taste, and it's organic too. I pour mine into a glass, but the little boxes come with a straw too for convenience. It's a bit pricier than some of the brands up for offer, but the clean taste makes it worth the price. And because it is so hydrating, it's not necessary to drink it the entire day, so have a glass here and there and then water or another beverage at other times. Those looking for something with a bit more flavor might like to try some of the other varieties of coconut water up for offer from Cocozia. Currently chocolate flavored coconut water is also available and coffee, mango and pineapple, also organic, are the newest flavors introduced. Visit the Cocozia website for retailers near you and further information.

Pure unflavored coconut water can also be used for cooking as a substitute for water in many dishes and it's a healthy addition to smoothies too.

I was offered a complimentary sample to try. I was not expected to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Vegan Potato Salad Dressed with Avocado

It's been an unseasonably hot spring this year in London, Ontario. Seems winter went and summer just kicked right in. That means more salads have been appearing on the menu. Potato salad always seems to be a popular choice and is especially suited to potlucks and picnics — especially this one that is made without eggs or a dairy-based dressing.

I've never been especially fond of mayonnaise and lately I have tried to replicate the creaminess that is often present in potato salads and coleslaws with fresh avocado. I have been delighted with the results and plan to try something different with my favorite Caesar salad next time I make it. The dressing here adds a tangy element to the salad that is not to be missed if you enjoy dressing up potatoes. It's super easy to prepare too, and the dressing can be made up while the vegetables are roasting. Roasting the potatoes is a fantastic way to prevent the potatoes from getting mushy and brings out their natural goodness while preserving more of the nutrients. As for roasted asparagus, it takes so little time if the asparagus is fresh. In this instance, the oven was already heated up with the potatoes and so it only made sense to skip steaming or pan-frying the asparagus.

Beetroot Chocolate Brownies with Coconut

I've made beetroot cake in the past, but for some reason the idea of using beets for brownies had never occurred to me until I stumbled across a post by Margot of Coffee & Vanilla. As a result, I was at the grocery store the same day to pick up some beets and made a few adjustments to her recipe to suit my preferences. Usually when I made desserts or treats, they are raw, but leave it to me to bake on one the hottest days of the year so far. Not that I have any regrets, and apparently my husband didn't either — although it makes a large pan of brownies, they were eaten up quickly, for breakfast and for lunch. I did have a few little bites and shared some with my best friend Basil, but hubby got the lion's share.

These certainly are a treat and if you didn't know it, you probably wouldn't guess there were beets in the mix. At the same time, they add a unique sweetness, combined with fine quality dark chocolate, unsweetened coconut and coconut sugar. The first bites had a hint of spiciness, though there is no spice present. These cakey brownies are some of the best I have enjoyed in a while. They are fairly easy to make up, especially if you roast the beets the day before.