Jamaican-Style Jerk Chili with Chickpeas and Quinoa

As far as I am concerned, a cook can never have enough ideas for a hearty chili, especially during the frigid winter months. It's a nice change from soup and just as warming, especially when you add some heat and aromatic spices … in this case, Jamaican jerk-style heat and spices. This is a perfectly balanced bowl of goodness that includes not only legumes, but also protein-rich nutty quinoa along with mushrooms, red pepper and zesty tomato. In addition, it is topped with chunks of fresh creamy avocado to cool the palate.

Stove-Top Baked Beans with Apple and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These are not your average baked beans. In fact, I suppose that these are technically not "baked beans" at all as they are made entirely on the stove-top — with the nice effect of taking less time — but they have the same rich and comforting flavor as those more traditionally simmered in the oven. In fact, they have an even richer flavor with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, apple and dried cranberries. For a special twist, I used pinto beans and included herbs and a dash of liquid smoke too.

Raw Peanut and Coconut Butter Fudge

This raw fudge is healthy enough to enjoy for a quick bite or two for breakfast on the run or as a snack whenever the need for a boost of energy hits.

Raw protein treats seem to be an obsession of mine. Often composed of a combination of nuts and dried fruits and some natural sweetener, they are perfect for this savory girl and usually vegan too. And treats don't have to be decadent while tasting like they are at the same time. Take this fudge for example … creamy and rich with only a small amount of maple syrup added for sweetness. And with only four ingredients, the clean-up will take longer than the preparation.

A good dose of nutty protein is to be had in just a few small nibbles, and with coconut butter included too you'll want to have these on hand when an energy boost is needed. Peanut butter is a favorite of mine, but use whatever nut butter you may have on hand, such as cashew or almond butter. After set in the freezer, these keep well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a good few days if they last that long. Despite the temptation to eat more than necessary, really only a small square is required to satisfy any cravings.

Curried Black-Eyed Peas with Mushrooms and Coconut Milk

This is an easy weekday black-eyed pea dish that is mildly spiced. The creamy coconut milk goes so well with earthy black-eyed peas and tones down the heat of the spices. There is really no bean quite like black-eyed peas, and this recipe was the result of a sudden craving for them. The ingredient list might seem a bit long, but really this comes together in hardly any time at all. Mushrooms are always a favorite in my kitchen, so this dish highlights the goodness of succulent mushrooms combined with the beans, spices, tomatoes and coconut milk. Be sure to add this recipe to your bucket list. You won't regret it.

Vegetarian Sweet Potato Wraps with Crispy Chickpeas

Wraps are always a favorite in my kitchen, and this time around I wrapped up some slightly spicy roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas served along with a tangy tahini lemon sauce. They don't take very long to make at all. Once the chickpeas are boiled, everything gets tossed together with aromatic spices and then popped into the oven. The sauce is easily whipped up while the vegetables and chickpeas are roasting.