Lunch
Lunch-time recipes
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Maple-Tahini Winter Salad
Gooooood morning everyone! It’s finally a nice, bright sunny morning in Vancouver and it gives me hope that one day this grey Winter may end… I have been craving citrus fruits and salads lately – weird! Perhaps it’s my body telling me that Spring is coming…and also that I’ve been on a bit of a ‘winter diet’ lately and could use a bit more fresh food. I’ve been lacking big time in the vitamin D department and the sun just makes me feel so happy and motivated. The weather in Van City has left me with dry skin, a cold that won’t go away and just a bit ‘blah’ feeling. I’ve…
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Mango Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
The other day I went to a potluck with a group of girl friends (see below! <3 ) and we were doing an Indian themed meal. We had two different kinds of curry, rice, salad and plenty of wine. My contribution was the salad and I had to wrack my brain for the perfect salad to accompany curry. In the end, I decided that something sweet and tangy with just a hint of spice would be the answer. There are so many different textures and colours in this salad! Creamy avocado, sweet mango, crunchy bell peppers all on a bed of tender mixed greens. Let’s not forget the flavour-packed pepitas (pumpkin…
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Virtuous Pie – Plant Based Pizza Joint And Creamery
I recently had the pleasure of trying out Vancouver’s only plant-based pizza joint and creamery. I had been hearing so much about “Virtuous Pie“, I knew I had to get there as soon as I possibly could. I love the entire concept of Virtuous Pie. Their mission is to change the way people eat and change the planet, one slice (or scoop!) at a time. Owner and executive chef Jim Vesel’s aim was to create an ethical and sustainable menu without sacrificing great taste. I believe he has accomplished just that. The eight pizzas offered on the menu contain creative and delicious combinations of ingredients and the house-made nut-based cheeses…
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Cumin-Lime Quinoa Salad
I love me a quinoa salad when I’m looking for something fresh and tasty but packed full of protein. Quinoa is an awesome little grain (well, seed technically speaking) and it contains about 8 grams of protein per cup. Mixing it with black beans for extra protein and lots of fresh vegetables makes it even healthier. Bring this to your next summer event like a potluck or barbecue and help everyone to nourish their guts in the yummiest way!! The cumin-lime vinaigrette is a nice smoky accompaniment to this dish with just a little kick to it. I got my chipotle olive oil at Coastal Olive Oils and I just love…
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Pumpkin Seed Pesto Zoodles
I would like to preface this post by saying that while I love zucchini…I currently have so much of it in my fridge that I cannot possibly accept any more “gifts” from family members and friends hoping to pawn off their surplus of garden zucchini on me. Anyone who has ever grown zucchini knows how it is- haha! One of the ways that I like to use zucchini is to spiralize it into noodles a.k.a. “zoodles”! Zoodles are a great gluten-free alternative to pasta but they can also be used as a base for a variety of other dishes. I love to use zoodles in stir-frys, soups or instead of…
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Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich
I’m sad to say that my 3-month challenge at GoodLife Fitness has come to an end. I’m honestly feeling so good about the work that I’ve done in the gym, and feeling pretty confidant about tackling some decent hikes this Summer. Even the Grouse Grind…. This Vancouver weather is insaneeeeeely beautiful, and I’ve been getting plenty of exercise outside. Last week I went on a nice 8km hike in Golden Ears with my friends Kate and Lindsey. Even though I had only had three hours of sleep, getting outside for a hike always feels amazing. I made this curried chickpea sandwiches because I wanted a versatile meal that I could…
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Drop Dead Recipes – Buddha Bowls
I’m sure you’ve all seen “Buddha Bowls” floating around Instagram and Facebook. They are a super trendy food right now, but it’s great because they are so delicious and super healthy. I’ve created this Winter Buddha Bowl full of roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a freakin’ insane miso gravy. Obviously you can substitute whatever veggies you like the most, and if you aren’t into quinoa, white or brown rice would work great, too. Winter Buddha Bowl 200g yam, sliced 1/2″ thick 200g beet, sliced 1/2″ thick 125g carrot, sliced 1/2″ thick 125g broccoli, chopped into florets 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp sesame seeds Preheat oven to…
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Plant-Based BLT Sandwich
The other day, I included a recipe for shiitake bacon in a fettuccine dish I had made. I then realized that shiitake bacon is a highly addictive substance, and have been making it ever since. I know how much everybody seems like bacon- but this is my plant-based version, and it is so addictive! I have no idea how shiitake mushrooms, and a little smoked paprika can taste soooo delightful, but it does- and I’m not going to second guess it! I want to use this shiitake bacon in every possible way, so of course a BLT sandwich had to happen- with a twist. The key to the shiitake bacon…
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Drop Dead Recipes- Veggie Wraps with Lemon Aioli
This month’s Drop Dead Recipe is just what you need in January. Something simple, and nutritious. This veggie wrap is packed with healthy veggies (look at all those colours!) and it has a delicious homemade lemon aioli. No excuses for unhealthy lunches during the work week when you can whip these wraps together in no time! Check out the recipe on the Drop Dead Clothing blog. Be sure to use the hashtags #dropdeadrecipes #DDrecipes #kokoskitchen so I can see what you’ve made on Facebook and Instagram!!
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Veggie & Cheese Panini – Drop Dead Recipes
My latest recipe for Drop Dead Clothing are these insanely awesome veggie & cheese paninis. We’re talkin’ soft herbed foccacia bread stuffed with pesto, cheese, and grilled vegetables and absolutely bursting with flavour! All you vegans out there, good news- these can be vegan, too! I made them with a vegan pesto and daiya mozzarella and I don’t think anyone would ever know the difference. I also have provided some ideas for non-vegan versions, too. These paninis are off the hook- just sayin’. Imagine grilled vegetables combined with flavourful pesto and warm, gooey cheese on pillowy soft focaccia bread. Drooling yet? Best of all, you don’t have to use actual…
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Creamy Hemp Seed Pesto Pasta {Gluten-Free}
It appears that Spring has finally sprung and I’m crossing my fingers that the sun stays out from now until the end of Summer. I’ve got a really exciting road trip planned for this Summer with my boyfriend, and every time the sun comes out, it gets harder and harder to be patient and wait for it! Click the pic below to check out my “Pinspiration” for our trip! In the meantime, I’ll try to focus on Spring, and distract myself with cooking. A few days ago I wanted to pump up the protein factor in pesto, so I tried making one with hemp seeds instead of pine nuts. I was…
