Not-So-Guilty Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

I fondly remember making holiday treats with my mom. An addictive and fantastically easy favorite, usually made for Christmas, were classic peanut butter balls. No doubt many of us remember those chocolate-coated treats with rice crispy cereal included for added crunch and texture. I never could resist peanut butter, and it often features in my no-bake treats and energy bites.

Hearty Mushroom and Barley Soup

Just like the animals in the field (or the squirrels in the backyard, as the case might be), we humans feel the need to "stock up" on nutrients as fall turns into winter. For me and many other vegetarians, this often takes the form of thick, hearty and nourishing soups. And for me, these kinds of soups are a great excuse to load in the succulent mushrooms.

This mushroom and barley soup loaded with vegetables and seasoned with dried herbs and spices is just the thing to warm and nourish the body as the cold weather sets in. I call it a soup, but it can be prepared almost as a thick stew or in a thinner broth as you please — it simply depends on how much stock or water you use. Either way, it's delicious, pleasing and comforting.

Mushroom "Bacon"

In no way was I trying to mimic the actual flavor of bacon here. After all, I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years now, and I never was tempted to eat meat ever again once my decision had been made. At this point, I don't even remember what meat tastes like. In fact, the smell even makes me a bit queasy. Packaged soya products meant to "replicate" the appearance and flavors present in meat, such as wieners, ground "meat" or burgers never did interest me either.

But mushrooms on the other hand … I'm always curious when I come across a new idea for mushrooms, so smoky, crisped up and salty mushrooms did appeal to me. Dried meaty mushrooms surely couldn't disappoint. Depending on the type of mushroom used, the texture and baking time for these "bacon" strips will vary slightly. Another variable to keep in mind is the width of the mushrooms slices — the thinner, the crispier. Portobellos will yield a "fattier" version, and button mushrooms work well too. But I recommend king oysters if you can get them because they are long with a firm texture that stands up well under the heat. I wanted strips of mushroom bacon too, just because.

Lemon Chia Seed Cornmeal Bread

This might be my next quick bread obsession. Not too sweet, the bold lemony flavor of this cornmeal loaf studded with chia seeds stands up on its own, and lovingly complements a nice cup of hot tea. Or consider serving alongside a spicy curry for a refreshing taste experience. I found it went particularly well with a version of tarka dal I made recently. The meal was a memorable one, and a fine example of the elegance of simplicity.

Quick and Easy Thai Coconut Soup with Mushrooms and Mixed Vegetables

Thai curries and soups are one of my favorite ways to enjoy vegetables and mushrooms — I love the light and fragrant spicy gingeriness of broths seasoned with Thai flavors. I also appreciate the simplicity of Thai vegetable curries and soups — if you have a jar of Thai curry paste on hand in your refrigerator, they're the easiest thing to put together.

After some chopping, this creamy mushroom and mixed vegetable soup simmered in a coconut milk broth is a snap to make and showcases the best of Thai flavors — with a little assist from Indian curry powder. If you're serving a small gathering, this soup will be gone in no time.

Coriander and Chickpea Flour Fritters (Kothimbir Vada)

Vada — or vadi — refer to a variety of fried savories or snacks that are very popular in southern India. They are commonly made with dals and spices, sometimes potatoes, and are typically served up with chutneys or soupy vegetable sambars. Enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack or appetizer, or along with a meal, vadas are always welcomed.

Vegan "Bone" Broth

There are times when we don't have much of an appetite, but these are often time when it's the most important for us to get our essential nutrients even though only a minimal amount of solid food may or can be eaten. Bone broths — made by simmering beef bones for hours — are an increasingly trendy solution for healing the gut and providing nutrients to the weak stomach — but what about the vegetarian?

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili with Azuki Beans, Barley and Mushrooms

Vegetarian chili is a comforting, warming and nourishing one-pot meal for which I never tire of exploring new ideas — nor do my husband and I hardly ever tire of eating, especially during the cold months. Despite the relative simplicity of chili, at times the infinite number of variations on the theme can be forgotten.

Black Bean Cocoa Fudge

Before you grimace over the thought of beans featuring in a fudge, I urge you to put your hesitations aside and consider this naturally sweet, protein-packed fudge. Honestly, you would never know there were legumes in the mix if the cook hadn't spilled the beans.

I served one to a friend who was over for dinner but didn't tell him what was in the fudge until he had eaten a few nibbles. His first reaction was the fudge tasted like a natural food store. This was actually a compliment as said friend likes his legumes and healthy raw treats that are sweetened naturally without an abundance of processed sugars. The additional benefit, at least for me, is that they come at a fraction of the cost compared to those offered up from natural food stores. No flour is needed either, as the ground up beans serve that purpose.

Rich and creamy, only the beans have to be cooked, but otherwise you have an essentially raw treat with no baking required. Sweetened only with dates, they surely do satisfy an after dinner chocolate craving. A few teaspoons of maple syrup could also be added if desired for a bit more depth, but that's entirely up to you and I didn't include any as it was only an after thought. It surely isn't necessary, and I was craving this fudge soon after the pan was consumed.

Vegetarian Lasagna with Chunky Tomato Sauce and Cashew Bechamel

I've always found that a good vegetarian lasagna always pleases a table seated with a mix of vegetarians and carnivores. Why not take it a step further and make the whole thing dairy-free? Those who have tried offerings from my kitchen need no convincing that vegan creations are every bit as delicious as their vegetarian counterparts, and certainly even those who still consume meat will find nothing amiss.

This might be a new favorite way to serve up lasagna. I admit there was a time when I couldn't imagine eating this popular dish without cheese. As it turns out, one does not have to resort to soy cheese, but instead can produce a protein rich and very satisfying meal using cashews as a substitute for the cheese. Loaded up with all kinds of vegetables, lovingly smothered in a rich tomato sauce, complete with the cashew Bechamel and topped with a vegan almond Parmesan cheese, guests might be going for seconds despite a full tummy.

Savory Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins

Sweetened only with a little honey, these gently spiced pumpkin and cornmeal muffins are definitely on the savory side. They are delightfully moist, with a modest pleasing crunch from the cornmeal. Because they aren't very sweet, they are ideal to go along with meals in place of rolls or bread. I enjoyed them with spicy curries and soups. They are satisfying in their own right though, so considering having one as part of your breakfast or for a morning or afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Did I mention that these are vegan, easy to make, and a good way to warm up the kitchen? And the aroma while they are baking is heavenly.

Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach Curry with Green Peas

This creamy and hearty sweet potato and chickpea curry is likely to make appearances often on my menu during the upcoming months. It is really ridiculously easy to prepare, and so nourishing and pure. Simplicity is oftentimes the best sort of bliss.

What is distinctive about this curry is not only the creaminess, but the satisfying blend of hot and aromatic spices that accompany the sweet earthiness of the vegetables. Plump and buttery chickpeas add texture and balance, and present is also a nutty and citrus-y undertone that teases the palate. The whole experience is completed by the soothing qualities of silky coconut milk. Especially suited to the season as it is comforting and warming, I'd enjoy it anytime of year.