The burrito challenge … game on!

Posted on February 20, 2012 | Leave a comment

Featured Recipes:
Sweet potato-black bean burritos
Rice and black bean burritos
About a month ago I volunteered to make burritos for yesterday’s picnic in our neighborhood park.  The plan was to gather our family and friends to take a walk to the top of Scenic Drive at 9 am and then come back to the park for an early lunch around 11 am.  I had no idea exactly how many people would attend, what type of burrito to make, or how I would possibly keep the burritos warm while we walked.  But as many of you know, One Inspired Chef is always up for a cooking challenge! Continue reading →

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Three vegan desserts… hold me back!

Posted on February 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

Featured Recipes:
Brownies, Lemon Bars, and Mexican Wedding Cookies

I was recently given a most delightful task. I was asked to prepare pre-concert snacks for attendees of the Tres Larrys y Alison concert in El Paso, TX. My sous chef happens to be one of the Larrys and when he asked me to cater the event, I was more than delighted. I came armed with a recent purchase, “The Joy of Vegan Baking”. This is a cookbook that I would highly recommend to the vegans out there that are always left wanting for something a little sweet. My sous chef is definitely delighted as he often finds himself in that category. Continue reading →

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Taco “meat” that makes you go WOW …

Posted on January 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

Featured Recipe: Slow-cooked Seitan Carnitas
My sous-chef and I just returned from a two-week pilgrimage to the Land of Israel.  Israel is the Land of falafel, humus, and fresh veggies galore.  In Israel we visited an organic farm in the desert which uses winter hot houses to grow amazing tomatoes and peppers (yes, we got to sample with no end).  As a vegan, I love to eat Israeli food, but I have now had enough for quite a while. Continue reading →

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The Incredible Joys of a Magic Pot

Posted on December 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

Featured Recipe: Slow-Cooked Tortilla Soup

About six weeks ago I made one of the best purchases of my cooking career: I bought a 4 quart slow cooker.  I bought it because I was planning to participate in a Chili Cookoff and I needed a way to keep my vegan chili hot.  For about $35 I purchased a Hamilton Beach slow cooker from Target.  There were quite a few slow cookers on the shelf, but I was attracted to this one because in has a lid that locks in to place.  This allows you to transport food in your car with no concerns about spillage. Continue reading →

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What to bring when the menu is barbeque.

Posted on November 7, 2011 | 1 Comment

Selected Recipe: Vegan Brisket

Yep! It's vegan :)

This blog entry goes out to all my fellow cyclists who enjoyed my vegan brisket at lunchtime this past Saturday. Margaret led us on a very windy valley ride from Crazy Cat (at Redd) to the animal shelter and back. This Ride for the Rescue raised funds and awareness for the tireless efforts of the Animal Rescue League of El Paso. I thought it only appropriate that there be non-animal based option for lunch. I offered to bring my vegan brisket and Margaret gladly accepted. Continue reading →

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Sweet potatoes in the harvest box, what’s this chef to do?

Posted on November 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

Selected Recipes:
Spicy Black Bean Soup
Sweet Potato and Leek Gratin
As stated in a previous post, I am not the hugest fan of sweet potatoes. In fact, I have just started eating them this year. However, last week I received six locally grown, organic sweet potatoes in my harvest box. I let these potatoes sit on my counter for about five days, and then finally decided to search for some new recipes that would put them to good use. Continue reading →

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One Insipred Chef to form a fan club :)

Posted on October 19, 2011 | 2 Comments

Little Bear would like to form a fan club for One Inspired Chef. She left this ADORABLE note on my bed a few days ago. She’s only 8 and doesn’t have an email address yet, but she’s got the right spirit and dedication to be the fan club president. All those in favor of electing Little Bear president of the OIC Fan Club, please comment below.

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Pasta with a delicious sauce is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Posted on October 18, 2011 | 1 Comment

Selected Recipe:
Fettuccine Delight topped with Zucchini, Mint, Red Peppers, and Almonds

It was the fifth night of Sukkot, guests were coming at 7 pm. I had picked a chickpea stew for the evening, but looking at the recipe I just wasn’t sure how my guests would like it. I love chickpeas, but not everybody does. The other recipe in the iPad “hopper” was a fettuccine dish and it seemed to be calling to me. Continue reading →

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Sukkot – the Jewish fall harvest holiday is a time for great dining

Posted on October 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

Selected Recipes:
Lemongrass Soup with Fall Vegetables
“Chicken”-Fried Seitan

I simply love the current Jewish holiday – Sukkot.  Sukkot celebrates the fall harvest, the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt, and the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Sukkot begins on the night of the fall harvest moon. The harvest moon glows bright yellow/orange here in El Paso as it rises over our mountains – beauty and serenity to be sure. During the eight days of Sukkot, Jews are commanded to eat and “dwell” outside in their sukkahs. Continue reading →

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A little Cajun food, perhaps …

Posted on October 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

Selected Recipes: Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Vegan Sausage Patties
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I was feeling like a down-home rice and beans dish when contemplating last week’s dinner selections. The simple combination of creamy rice and chewy beans really excites my palate sometimes. Then I got to thinking a little more, wouldn’t it be great if the dish was also spicy. Mmm… sounds like I was craving Cajun food.
Continue reading →

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