Copy Cat Kneader's Autumn Bisque Soup

Thick, rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced = Decadent - that's what this soup is...

This soup reminds me of pumpkin pie. Pie you can drink! Actually, it's not nearly as sweet as pumpkin pie, but I do think it is richer. A good friend of mine loves this soup from Kneader's Cafe in Utah. Because it is so rich, she orders in in a small 1/2-cup size and enjoys a salad with it. That's all you need, trust me! She, knowing I love to cook, has commented a few times about this delicious soup. I told her I wanted to taste it because I thought I could duplicate the recipe if I did. On our next visit, she brought me some. So I made my own version of this soup, tasting and comparing it with Kneader's soup as I went.

I am very pleased with the outcome. I used plain canned pumpkin instead of butternut squash, because it is super convenient. Either kind of squash works, just make sure it is a smooth puree. The sweetness level is identical. The spices are right on. The texture is also a match. You can use half organic milk and half heavy cream if you want to lighten the soup up a touch. If you want to lower the carbs, use 1/2 c. cream and 1/2 c. water instead.

I have not tried it yet, but I think rich coconut milk would work great in this recipe, for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil instead of butter could be used as well, but butter tastes better!

This is an autumn and winter soup, good enough to serve company. The fact that it is so easy to make is a bonus. I hope you like it!




Copy Cat Kneader's Autumn Bisque Soup Recipe:

1 T. Flour (or gluten-free flour)
2 T. butter
3 T. coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar) (use Golden Lakanto or brown 'Just Like Sugar' for a sugar-free version)
3/4 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 c. butternut squash puree (or plain canned pumpkin)
1 1/2 c. purified water
1/16 t. onion powder
1/2 t. organic chicken base
1/2 t. sea salt
1 c. cream

Method:

In a medium sized soup pot melt the butter over medium heat until it sizzles. Add the flour and make a roux, letting the butter brown for flavor.

Add the coconut palm sugar and let it caramelize a little for rich caramel flavor notes. Do not burn.

Add the pumpkin pie spice and let it sizzle a few seconds to bloom the spice blend's flavor.

Add some of the water (carefully) and stir in until all the palm sugar is dissolved.

Add the butternut squash or pumpkin puree and the rest of the water, stirring to blend.

Add the onion powder and chicken base and then turn down the heat to a gentle simmer.

Add the cream and let it simmer about 5 minutes, Do not let it boil.

Check for consistency before serving. Add more water if it is too thick. It should not be thin and running off the spoon, but it shouldn't be falling off the spoon in blobs either.

Serve hot in 1/3rd to 1/2 cup portions.

Garnish with butter toasted pecans that have been dusted with a mixture of cinnamon and coconut palm fruit sugar (replacing regular white sugar)


This is a very rich, decadent soup!

Notes: 

For the pecans I would chop them, saute then in just a bit of butter or coconut oil, then dust with cinnamon sugar. You can mix 'Just Like Sugar' (natural sugar substitute) with cinnamon for a sugar-free version. You may use organic coconut palm sugar for a healthier sugar (not sugar-free).

For the croutons I would use gluten-free bread cubes tossed with a bit of melted coconut oil and then toasted until crisp in the oven. While they are still hot, sprinklecroutons with your desired cinnamon sugar mixture and let cool.

This is what Kneader's Autumn Bisque Soup looks like. They top it with cinnamon pecans and a cinnamon sugar crouton.

The pecans seem like they are lightly sauteed in butter then sprinkled with a tiny bit of cinnamon sugar.

Kneader's soup in the plastic cup compared to my version on the plate. They look very similar.

My finished copy cat version.

Cinnamon toast would be nice on the side, or make your own sugar-free cinnamon sugar GF croutons. 

Enjoy!

Leila.

Refreshing Lime Quinoa Salad - Gluten Free & Healthy

This healthy, vibrant salad is very fresh tasting and delicious. It's an easy keeper in the fridge and is a nice staple to have around for quick meals.

The lime makes the salad bright tasting and the maple syrup tempers the acidity perfectly.

You may serve this with gluten-free corn chips, served over top romaine lettuce or baby spinach, as a lettuce wrap filling, or eat it as-is. It's all good.

You can omit any salt in the recipe so that the salad stores well in your refrigerator a few days without getting watery. Add a touch of salt, to taste, to the portion that is served.

I hope you enjoy this nutritious, easy to make salad as much as we do!




Refreshing Lime Quinoa Salad Recipe:

Salad:


1 c. quinoa
2 c. water
1 can black beans, rinsed well
2 large tomatoes, diced small
4 small scallions, including the green tops, minced (or 2 large)
1/2 c. chopped cilantro leaves

Dressing:

zest of 2 large limes (about 1 heaping T.)
1/4 c. fresh lime juice (about 2 large limes)
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil (or rice bran oil)
2 T. real maple syrup
1/2 to 1 t. BioSalt or sea salt
1 to 2 t. salt-free seasoning of choice, optional


Method:

Place the quinoa in a large fine mesh strainer. Rinse the quinoa and soak at least 15 minutes in a bowl of water, and rinse again.

Simmer the quinoa and the 2 cups water in a pot, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let stand on the burner for another 10 minutes.

Strain off any excess water, then let cool as you prepare the rest of the salad.

Combine the dressing ingredients together in a serving bowl, to taste.

Add the cooked quinoa to the salad dressing and toss well.

Add the drained black beans, tomato, scallions, and fresh cilantro and toss well.

Serve warm or chill and serve cold.


NOTE: 

If you plan on storing in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, only add salt at serving time, as you eat it. This prevents the tomatoes from releasing as much juice, eliminating liquid at the bottom of the bowl. If liquid does accumulate, no worries, just stir and serve.

Enjoy,

Leila.

Flower Child Carrot Raisin Salad - Healthy & Fresh! Plus a Chef Secret Revealed...

Flower Child Carrot Raisin Salad  

This is not your ordinary carrot raisin salad.

Try this fresh tasting, healthy, high fiber, easy to make salad for lunch or as a side for dinner.

I am a flower child, it's true. My mom made this for me a lot while I was growing up. I loved it. I still do, I just do not add the rice polish (an health food ingredient from the 70's).

There are versions of this salad served at buffets, which have soggy raisins, wilted carrots, sweetened coconut shreds and canned pineapple tidbits added - YUK. This is not that salad.

This salad is fresh, with crunchy seeds and chewy raisins, a little sweet, with just the right amount of tang to make things interesting.

The dressing is healthy too. It has a nice protein content from the yogurt and sunnies (sun flower seeds). Please make sure your sunnies are fresh. Rancid seeds will ruin your salad.

I am going to reveal a excellent chef's secret to you now...

Add a PINCH of ground cinnamon - just a pinch! If wisely done, you don't taste the cinnamon, but my-O-my what it does to lift the flavor! This is an "extra-super chef's secret" (to quote my mother, Nancy Glazier), to use an "under the radar" pinch of cinnamon in many sweet recipes.

Now you know.



Flower Child Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe:

1 quart (packed) peeled and grated organic carrots
1 c. plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
1/3 c. Best Foods or Hellman's Mayonnaise (or your favorite brand)
3 T. raw honey, or more to taste
1 to 2 T. raw apple cider vinegar, to taste
1/2 t. sea salt
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 1/4 t. rice polish, optional
1/2 c. organic raw shelled sunflower seeds
1/2 c. (packed) organic raisins


Method:

Wash, trim, and peel the carrots. Grate in a Cusinart food processor, or by hand.

In a serving bowl, mix the dressing ingredients together to taste. It should be tangy and sweet.

Mix in the rice polish powder, if using

Add the grated carrots to the dressing, and add the sunflower seeds and raisins.

Mix well to coat and serve immediately.


Notes: 

If you plan on serving the salad later, add the raisins at serving time, that way they are chewy instead of mushy.

Enjoy,

Leila

Crazy Good Vegetarian Taco Meat (Nut-Free, Gluten-Free)

Crazy Good Vegetarian Taco Meat

Meaty, savory, chewy & perfectly salty - that's what this taco meat is! This is a new favorite recipe of ours!

A couple of my daughters took a road trip to go visit my parents. Lucky them, they got to eat grandma's food! My mom created this terrific vegetarian meat substitute on the 25th of this month. Mom will flavor this meat various ways. This recipe is for a taco meat flavor, and it is SO GOOD.

My daughter Lexi has been a vegetarian for a few years. Lexi has recently introduced a little meat to her diet, but is still generally vegetarian. As long as she remains healthy, we support her in her choice. Grandma and Lexi created this recipe together, so it is now officially named "LexiBurger".

This meat is high protein from the tofu and egg, and high fiber due to the perfectly chewy brown rice. You do not need to tell your family that they are eating tofu, because you cant tell it's in there! Freezing extra-firm tofu is a trick our family has used for years. When you thaw it and press the excess water out, it has an awesome meaty texture when you crumble it. Just buy some extra-firm tofu and throw it in your freezer just for this purpose.

The egg helps to bind everything together perfectly, just so you know.

Are you wondering what the "Umami" is mentioned below??? It's another flavor profile that they know about in Japan. It gives amazing full-bodied, rich, complex flavors to savory foods. MSG enhances umami, for example. Umami flavors are found in slow-roasted stews, and sauces made with fond which have been reduced to concentrate the flavors, mushrooms, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, etc. It's a mysterious flavor that you can't quite put your finger on, but you really notice when it's there because the food tastes so amazing, you just want to stuff your face! Look "umami" up online for a more detailed description.

Put this delicious taco "meat" in tacos, burritos, with or without re-fried beans and cheese, on top of nachos, or on top of a taco salad. Lexi brought some of this meat to my house and we made nachos for a tasty filling treat. YUM. I have pictures of our nachos in this post.

 Look at this meat, it tastes even better than it looks!

Crazy good vegetarian taco meat nachos.

Vegetarian Lexi Burger:

1 package organic extra-firm tofu
1 1/4 to 1 1/3 c. chewy cooked organic short grain brown rice
1/4 to 1/3 c. soaked chopped dried onion
2 T. rice oil
1 T soy sauce (Tamari for gluten-free)
1 to 2 T. hot taco sauce, to taste
2 t. sunbutter (sunflower seed butter), up to 3 t., for richness
1 small beaten organic egg
2 t. organic paprika (or ground chili)
2 t. onion powder
1/2 t. garlic salt
1/2 t. mushroom powder (to add full-bodied complex "Umami" flavor)
1/4 to 1/2 t. cumin powder
Chipotle powder, to taste
1/2 c. or more deodorized coconut oil, for browning the mixture.
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Seasonall seasoned salt, to taste
Garlic salt, to taste
1/2 c. more cooked rice, if needed


Method:

Do ahead of time:

1.  Slice and freeze the box of tofu for at least 24 hours. THAW. Press firm to remove excess water and crumble finely.

2.  Cook the short grain brown rice only until it's nice and chewy, then chill at least overnight for best results (over-cooking makes the rice mushy).


The day of making the Vegetarian Taco Meat:

Mix the crumbled tofu with the 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 c. cooked brown rice and soaked dried onion flakes in a medium mixing bowl.

Add the rice oil, soy sauce, hot sauce, and sunbutter, and toss well to combine.

Add the beaten egg and toss well to coat completely.

Toss with the paprika, onion powder, garlic salt, mushroom powder, cumin, and chipotle.

Heat 1/2 c. coconut oil in a large skillet, when starting to sizzle, dump in the tofu mixture and stir-fry it like you would fried rice. You want to brown it a little, but do not over-brown or it can get a little dry. Add more oil if needed.

Season to taste with pepper, Seasonall, garlic salt, etc.

If the vegetarian meat mixture turns out too rich and oily, just work in another 1/2 cup or so of cooked rice.

For the nachos, we melted cheddar and jack cheese over gluten-free tortilla chips. Topped the nachos with the warm "meat mixture, drizzled on salsa and topped with a dollop of sour cream. I was too lazy to go get a can of olives, but we would of loved some along with fresh guacamole!

Enjoy, 

Leila & Nancy.

DIY High Protein Coffee Creamer - Sugar-Free, Low-Carb & Healthier than Coffee Mate!

 High-Protein, Low-Carb Coffee Creamer Powder.

Replace unhealthy sugar-filled creamer with this great tasting protein packed creamer!

This is a really cool formula and I have not seen anything out there like it anywhere. I have been thinking about making a healthy creamer for a long time. Creamer manufacturers make a liquid slurry and then spray dry it into a powder form - Not something we can do at home. Quite a conundrum....

Plus, I wanted a creamer powder that would enhance my diet, not take away from it! Commercial creamers are as bad for you (or worse?) than margarine. This creamer is a delicious and healthy way to include more protein in your diet. You also avoid all the empty carbohydrates and unhealthy fats too. It is wonderful added to herbal chai, herbal coffee substitutes, fruit smoothies, boba drinks, hot cocoas, protein drinks, herbal milk teas, herbal Thai tea etc...

It takes only a few minutes to make this super easy creamer powder. Now you have a better alternative to the corn syrup and chemical laden commercial creamer powders. PARTY.


Here is the ingredient label to Coffee Mate creamer powder:

Note: They say 1 tsp (2 grams) is a serving. Who ever uses only 1 tsp.?

According to their label: 1 gram is carbohydrates (sugar) + .5 g is saturated fat + .5 g is other stuff. 

That means Coffee Mate is 50% corn syrup solids (sugar), and 25% fat. The sodium caseinate is at least 15 % of the formula, probably a little bit more, because the rest of the ingredients are listed as being less than 2% (which would fall under 10% of the total).

This is a cool way to read an ingredient label, huh?

Coffee Mate ingredient label.

Personally, I can do without all the corn syrup solids (the main ingredient), unhealthy hydrogenated fats, and aluminosilicate (aluminum), and artificial flavors. What about you?

Did you notice that the protein content per serving was a big fat ZERO?

I'm good with the sodium caseinate (milk derived protein) and natural annatto coloring (annatto is a brick red colored spice and colorant used in Mexican cooking). I find the lecithin powder colors this enough to make it look like Coffee Mate's creamer powder. If you are against all dairy, this creamer is not for you. I personally find these proteins agreeable to me and they have a much nicer texture than gritty vegetable proteins.

Our creamer dissolves nicely in liquids, and gives a milky look to them. This is low in lactose, due to the type of milk proteins used. Note that this is not a dairy-free creamer. Making a non-dairy creamer powder will be a project for later...

I noticed that if your beverage sits a while (as in, it's starting to get cold), the protein in this creamer settles to the bottom of the glass a bit. I just give it a stir, and it's fine.

The coconut oil I use here does not add a coconut oil flavor and adding it makes the creamer dissolve easily in liquids (hot or cold). My formula is lower in fat than Coffee Mate's, although I don't mind fat from coconut oil, since it is so good for you. The lecithin helps to emulsify the coconut oil into the water-based beverage. Lecithin is also really good for you and it helps your body digest fats in your diet, among other things.

The sweeteners I use here do not negatively impact your blood sugar levels. The IMO powder (related to inulin) is a mildly sweet tasting fiber. You could omit the IMO and just add a bit more erythritol, however, erythritol is a cooling sugar and is slow to dissolve, IMO is warming and dissolves easily, so they balance each other out. F.Y.I.

I also added Collagen (Collagen hydrolysate) powder. Why? Because it is a very clean and bio-available protein, with many health benefits! It dissolves quickly and seems to disappear into what ever you add it to. Collagen is like gelatin, except that it does not set up like gelatin (think Jell-O). At Kitchen Cheetahs, we like to add it to protein drinks, hot chocolate, soups, stews and gravies, gluten free baked goods, and of course desserts!

Here is a link to a very interesting article about gelatin (collagen) and why it is so important to our health. It's called "Gelatin, Stress, and Longevity", by Dr. Ray Peat. He discusses how collagen impacts our hormones, sleep patterns, thyroid, stomach issues, heart arrhythmia, body inflammation, aging, and lots of other cool stuff. I hope you take the time to read it. The take away? Eat collagen.

I also have special organic flavor powders that enhance the cream flavor of my creamer beautifully. Unfortunately, the public does not have access to these flavor powders, since they are made available to us because we are professional food formulators. I would recommend you add some vanilla flavor powder instead.

I really enjoy this creamer with my home made herbal chai tea, and home made boba drinks and smoothies. It is a wonderful substitute that leaves your beverages tasting rich and creamy.

I will be tweaking this recipe further...because I can't leave well enough alone. But this first recipe is definitely worth posting now. This formula is so much better than just mixing powdered milk with powdered sugar and calling that creamer - YUK. Hold out and get the needed ingredients to make this instead, you will be happy you did.

What may I do when I decide to tweak this recipe?

I will add another T. or more of melted deodorized coconut oil.
I will add at least another 2 T. of healthful collagen powder. (a T. of collagen a day is a good dose)
I may add another T. of lecithin powder.
I may lower the whey pro isolate to 1 1/4 cup and add another 1/4 cup calcium caseinate
Then I may need to up the sweeteners a bit, say, IMO to 40 grams and erythritol to 64 grams?

Anyway, here is the yummy recipe I am using now...


High Protein Coffee Creamer Recipe:

1 1/2 c. ( 120 g) plain 100% whey protein isolate
1 c. (80 g) calcium caseinate
6 T. (48 g) finely powdered erythritol
4 T. (32 g) IMO powder
3 T. (24 g) lecithin granules
2 T. (12 g) collagen powder
1 T. (8 g) Hi-Maize resistant starch, optional
Vanila flavor powder, to taste, optional
2 T. (26 g) melted deodorized coconut oil


Method:

Grind the erythritol with the Hi-Maize until finely powdered. The Hi-Maize is an added fiber that also acts as a processing aid for grinding the erythritol without it getting overly sticky. I use a small coffee mill to do this.

Weigh out all of the ingredients, except the coconut oil into a medium sized bowl. whisk to blend.

Process the powder in batches in a small food processor until all is a fine powder.

With the powder still in the food processor, drizzle the coconut oil over top of the powder. Place the lid on the food processor and pulse to blend very thoroughly. The powder will start to cling together nicely.

Transfer the creamer to an air-tight container and store in your pantry.

To use: spoon the desired amount into a hot beverage and stir to dissolve. I use 1 T. for a mug of herbal chai, or 2 T. for a big smoothie. Add to taste freely - It's healthy!

Assemble your ingredients.

Whisk the powdered erythritol with the other dry ingredients.

Here is the creamer after the coconut oil has been well blended in,

Ready to put in my pantry.

Enjoy,

Leila.

Classic Potato Salad - Flavorful and Sugar-Free

Classic Potato Salad

This classic potato salad is easy to make and very flavorful. The hot potatoes first soak up a seasoned brine so that they absorb nice flavor, and then after they have cooled down a while, the other ingredients are added.

This is one of our families favorite potato salads. It keeps very well for a few days in the refrigerator and it is a classic for summer outings and B-B-Q's.



Classic Potato Salad Recipe:

4 pounds boiling potatoes (like Yukon Golds, long whites, round Maine, red new potatoes)
1/2 c. raw apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup xylitol (or sugar)
1 T. BioSalt or sea salt
1 t. dry mustard powder, optional
1 c. minced white onion
2 c. diced celery
6 hard boiled eggs, chopped
2 c. Best foods or Hellman's mayonnaise
1 t. fresh ground black pepper
1 c. diced dill pickles or sweet hot pickles, optional
Additional BioSalt or sea salt, to taste


Method:

Scrub the potatoes and place in a large pot of cold water.

Bring the potatoes up to a gentle simmer and simmer 15 to 25 minutes, just until firm-tender.

Drain and let cool slightly.

Make the vinegar brine by mixing the vinegar, sweetener, salt, and mustard powder in a small sauce pan. Gently heat to dissolve the sugar. Taste your brine and adjust to your liking. Set aside.

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes, if desired (the peels are usually bitter), cut into 1" pieces and place in a medium-large bowl. Add the onions to the bowl.

Pour the vinegar brine over the hot potatoes and onions, and gently toss to coat the potatoes.

Let the potato mixture cool to room temperature. Or chill for a while.

Add the celery, eggs, mayonnaise and pickles (if using) and stir gently.

Serve immediately at room temperature or chill until serving time.









Enjoy, 

Leila.

Sun Warrior "Warrior Blend" Creamy-Chocolate-Dreamy Protein Shake Recipe + A Chocolate Protein Base Recipe Too!

Hi - Do you want a smoother, creamier, tastier Sun Warrior Chocolate Protein Shake recipe? Do you want to know how to make any Stevia off-flavors disappear?

Sun Warrior "Warrior Blend" Creamy-Chocolate-Dreamy Protein Shake

We have the recipes and the answers for you here!

Our new Warrior Blend Base is a breakthrough recipe strait from the Kitchen Cheetahs Test Kitchens. 

All in one sweep, this recipe greatly improves the texture of plant protein shakes, as well as canceling out any stevia taste issues (chilling the BASE overnight alone helps mitigate objectionable stevia taste ☺️).

Our Chocolate Protein BASE only takes a minute to make, then you have a ready supply of the "BASE" for making tasty & creamy chocolate protein shakes at the drop of a hat! NICE.

By the way - Any flavor of "Warrior Blend" protein powder works well for making this thick and creamy protein BASE, but if you want the chocolate version shown here, then you need to use the chocolate flavored "Warrior Blend" protein powder.

Sun Warrior "Classic" can also be used to make this "BASE". However, rice protein does not soften much, so it won't make as smooth a protein shake as the "Warrior Blend" made from pea protein.

Remember, with this BASE, you can make several smooth & creamy Chocolate Warrior Blend protein shakes. This is very convenient for those busy days.

Sun Warrior "Warrior Blend" Chocolate Protein BASE:

Put in a VitaMix or other high powered blender:

3 c. cold milk of choice (like almond, coconut, cashew...) *


Start blender on med-low and add:

1 c. Sun Warrior Chocolate flavored "Warrior Blend" protein powder

add the protein powder 1/4 cup at a time.

Add:

1/4 t. lecithin

Put the blender lid on tight and switch to the highest speed and blend until the mixture heats up to the desired temperature (from 118 to 155 degrees F). *

For the smoothest texture, use the tamper that comes with the VitaMix blender and heat to 150 to 155 degrees F.

Pour and scrape the finished BASE into a 1-quart mason jar and refrigerate overnight before using in the Creamy Chocolate Protein Shake recipe below.



Tips: 

* Our favorite combination of milks to use for the BASE are 2 cups almond milk plus 1 c. full fat coconut milk.

** 118 degrees F is for "raw"smoothies - heat up to 155 degrees F for the smoothest texture.

The BASE will be cooked at a low temperature and will be steaming at 150-160 degrees F. Some people find this "cooked" pea protein easier to digest. 

Use an instant read thermometer for more accurate results.

NOTES:

1 cup of this prepared BASE contains 1/4 cup of the Warrior Blend protein powder.

Lecithin is a healthy addition and makes it creamier and smoother. Lecithin is especially good for emulsifying the coconut milk.

____________________________________________

Sun Warrior Creamy Chocolate Protein Shake Recipe:

Put in a VitaMix or other high powered blender:

1 c. prepared Chocolate Warrior Blend BASE, well chilled
1 1/2 c. cold almond milk (or other vegan milk of choice)
2 T. coconut milk powder or 1 to 2 T. of your favorite nut butter
2 T. Dutch cocoa powder
2 T. vegetable glycerine
1/4 to 1/2 c. mashed baked sweet potato, yam or banana
1/2 t. real vanilla extract
1/2 t. almond extract
1 pinch cinnamon

Blend everything together on high speed until nice and creamy. 

Garnish with sugar-free chocolate crumbles for added texture and chocolaty flavor and Serve at once.

If you would like a colder, thicker shake, reduce the almond milk called for to only 1 cup and add 4 to 6 ice cubes or cubes of almond milk. Process in the VitaMix to a texture of fine ice crystals.


NOTES: 

The vegetable glycerine is super low on the glycemic scale. Glycerine also enhances athletic performance by preventing dehydration. Cool huh?

The baked mashed yam, sweet potato, or banana both thickens and sweetens the drink and also cancels out the taste of the stevia, which is part of the Sun Warrior protein powder formula.

A fresh batch of our Sun Warrior "Warrior Blend" Creamy-Chocolate-Dreamy Protein Shake.

Enjoy,

Leila & Nancy

The Kitchen Cheetahs!

Yummy Vegan Milk Recipe using our Creamy Plant Protein Base

Try our smooth textured, mild tasting, and easily digested Vegan Milk.

Here is a recipe for a fortified vegan milk that uses our Creamy Plant Protein Base formula.

We like this recipe because it makes a creamy milk that is higher in protein, as well as fiber.

Having a jar of already prepared Creamy Plant Protein Base in your refrigerator makes whipping together a batch of delicious vegan milk much easier. This creamy base replaces the whey protein powder called for in our Rich Lactose-Free Milk recipe posted earlier.

You can always just mix in your favorite plant protein powder blend (as is) if you are in a hurry - but your finished milk won't be so smooth and creamy, and the flavor of the protein will be stronger. You will make a nicer milk when using the prepared creamy protein base.

This is a very versatile recipe. You can sweeten the milk a little, or not, depending on what you intend to use it for. We use healthy sugar-free sweeteners in our milks, as we don't want the extra calories from sugar.

We especially like a combo of almond milk and coconut milk or coconut cream mixed in with our Creamy Plant Protein Base. Try combining your favorite seed milk with coconut milk, we think you will like it. You can easily make a quick coconut milk by pureeing dried unsweetened coconut with a little warm water in a VitaMix, and then squeezing it through a fine cloth.

Mom's Rich Vegan Milk Recipe:

1 quart lactose free milk *
2 to 3 T. Creamy Plant Protein Base, or more to taste
1/8 to 1/4 t. BioSalt, to taste
2 to 4 T. coconut milk powder (for a creamier taste), optional
1/4 t. stevia glycerite, to taste
A few drops of real vanilla extract
A few drops almond extract, optional


Method:

Place the 1 quart lactose-free milk of choice into a blender container.
Add the prepared Creamy Plant Protein Base. Blend to combine well.
Add the flavoring. (Vanilla and/or almond extract is especially good with coconut milk.)
Add the salt to taste, until the mixture does not taste "flat or watery".
Add stevia glycerite, to taste.
Chill.


* You may choose from a variety of unflavored and unsweetened lactose free milks:
Almond milk (in milk section of grocery stores)
Coconut milk (in milk section of grocery stores)
Organic Soy milk (in milk section of grocery stores)
Rice milk (in milk section of grocery stores)
Cashew milk (homemade)
Hemp seed milk (homemade)
Sesame seed milk (homemade)
Sunflower seed milk (homemade)
etc...


See our Copy-Cat Almond Breeze Recipe for an example of how to make your own nut milk.

Notes: 

You can make this milk rich and sweet enough to be similar to Half & Half.

You may add 1/4 t. non-GMO liquid lecithin to this vegan milk, particularly when using coconut milk - It helps emulsify the fat, and adds wonderful nutrition for the nerves. Lecithin also makes the milk taste even creamier and richer.

Almond extract is the best thing we have found for complimenting the flavor of coconut, in fact going so far as to partially neutralize the coconut taste for people who do not like the taste of coconut milk.

This milk is wonderful used in many ways:

Added to hot cocoa mix
Poured over hot cereal like oatmeal
Used as a base for smoothies
Used as an ice cream base
Chilled for drinking a tall cold glass along with a side of cookies


Enjoy,

Leila & Nancy.

Creamy Base for Smoothies, Protein Drinks & Milks (several vegetarian & vegan options)

Make this rich and creamy protein smoothie base ahead of time for quick healthy morning smoothies or dairy-free milk. 

Creamy Plant Protein Base

We have several ingredient options listed here, to fit just about any dietary need out there. We like keeping a mason jar full of this creamy protein base in our refrigerator. 

Add a bit of this base to your favorite smoothie recipe to up the protein and fiber content. We also use this Creamy Base recipe in our Yummy Vegan Milk Recipe post.

We highly recommend that the plant proteins be prepared ahead of time as a "Base". This results in a smoothie or milk with a smoother texture, milder flavor, and easier digestibility. Some people have an easier time digesting this gently heated plant protein base verses the raw form of the plant protein.

You can always mix in your favorite plant protein powder blend (as is) if you are in a hurry - but your finished smoothie or beverage won't be so smooth and creamy, and the flavor of the protein will be stronger.

Use this PLANT PROTEIN BASE formula to make our protein and fiber enriched VEGAN MILK.


Mom's "Creamy Plant Protein Base" Formula:

Put 3 cups of very hot distilled or purified water in a high powered blender (VitaMix) with a snug fitting lid.

Add 6 to 8 T. of your favorite vanilla flavored plant protein powder blend *

Put the lid on securely and then cover the top with a folded dish towel (in case some hot liquid should escape - be on your toes). Keep your hand on the towel-covered lid while processing.

Start the blender on the lowest speed and slowly increase to the highest speed, blending for at least 30 seconds - until the contents are steaming hot (120 to 160 degrees).

Set aside and allow to cool.

This is your "Creamy Plant Protein Base". It will thicken as it cools. Add desired amount of this protein base to your vegan "milk" - to taste.

My mom likes to keep a quart of this "Plant Protein Base" in her refrigerator, so that it's ready to add to "milk" or smoothies.

All of my mom's "Mylk" versions are rich and creamy, so it's easy to add a little cold water if a less rich mylk is desired.


* Vegan Protein Fortification Options:

1. Pea protein powder base (Sun Warrior "Warrior Blend").

This "Plant Protein Base" works best when using pea protein. Pea protein seems to make a smoother, creamier "base".

2. Pea plus rice protein powder (Sun Warrior "Classic")

3. Vanilla non-GMO organic soy protein blend of choice

4. Non-GMO organic Plain Soy Milk Powder.

5. "Silken Tofu" puree.

6. Rice protein powder: Using rice protein as your base is definitely not our first choice! The results with our first experiments with it were this: It did not soften with the hot water and blending on high speed, no matter how long we blended it. The rice protein stayed gritty, chalky, and gacky, unlike the pea protein that softened up nicely. We tried again with another brand of rice protein from Top Health. It was fresher and is a protein of high quality and fine texture. The taste was quite nutty and mild, and after shearing a couple of rounds on high speed in the VitaMix , the texture was acceptably smooth - and should be OK once mixed with other truly creamy milks.

6. Your other favorite vanilla flavored vegan protein "base".



Our "Plant Protein Base" conclusions: Be sure your plant based proteins are of good quality and fresh!


OVO - Vegetarian protein fortified "mylk" options:

1. Egg white powder

2. Pasteurized pure liquid egg whites

Egg white if used in moderation, is invisible in your beverages.

Do not heat any "Mylk" containing egg!


Lacto-Vegetarian Options:

1. Whey protein isolate (contains lower lactose than whey protein concentrate or regular milk).

2. Whey protein concentrate.

3. Powdered milk (cow or goat, if liked).

4. Reduced fat ricotta cheese - pureed smooth.


Enjoy,

Leila & Nancy.

Flax Pumpkin Pie Nuggets for Health Nuts - High-Fiber, Sugar-Free, Grain-Free (with Vegan option)

This is a strange little cookie. That being said, my daughter and I eat them all the time. 

Flax Pumpkin Pie nuggets for Health Nuts

My recipe uses flax meal instead of flour, which gives these more of a pumpkin pie-like texture inside. You do taste the flax, although it is tempered by the use of the spices and almond extract. These cookies are not overly sweet either, but the chocolate chips totally save the day.

These little nuggets are best eaten warm. Then the chocolate is all oozy and delicious. This is why we warm them up for a few seconds before eating them. There is no sugar to preserve these cookies, so they must be stored in the fridge.

Why do we eat these nuggets? They are super healthy (and we are health nuts in this house). These are basically all fiber. I will eat a few of these for breakfast or a snack and they fill me up if I drink a healthy dose of water with them. These are fabulous for helping your blood sugar levels stay even, again, thank all the fiber for that. I add the protein because, well, I wanted protein in them too!

These cookies have helped me when I have set my mind to slim down a bit. They are ready for any snack attacks if I have them at the ready in my fridge. It doesn't take much time at all to bake up a new batch when we are out either.

If you hate eating flax, you may see these cookies as an improvement for flax, or you may not.

I say, live on the edge and make yourself a half-batch, and see how it goes. Warning: They grow on you (not like a fungus though).


Flax Pumpkin Pie Nuggets

1 29-0z can plain pumpkin puree
1 large egg (can omit for vegan)
1 t. real vanilla extract
1/2 t. almond extract
3/4 t. stevia glycerite
1/2 c. erythritol
1 t. sea salt or BioSalt
3 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. ground cloves
1 t. psyllium husk powder
1 c. plain whey protein isolate (or vegan protein powder)
2 1/2 c. freshly ground flax meal
1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (sugar-free or regular)


Method:

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with silicone liners and set aside.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine by hand, the canned pumpkin with the other wet ingredients.

Add the eythritol, salt, spices, and psyllium husk powder and mix together very well.

Add the flax meal and combine until uniform.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Portion dough using about a 1 tablespoon sized ice cream scoop. Place close together onto the cookie sheets (the dough does not spread).

Bake for 12 minutes. the outsides will be set but the insides will remain very soft.

Remove from oven and let cool completely on the cookie sheets.

When cooled, transfer to air-tight containers and store in the refrigerator.

To serve: Place a few nuggets into a plate and microwave them 20 to 30 seconds.

I'm adding some pictures of our dog Moki because he is cuter than these cookies.

Enjoy,

Leila.

About Vegetable Glycerine in Sugar-Free Cooking

Here is some useful information about food grade vegetable glycerine.

We use food grade vegetable glycerine a lot here at Kitchen Cheetahs. It works wonderfully as part of sugar-free sweetening systems. We use it as the base of our home made Stevia Glycerite (a NOW brand copy-cat recipe). We use it in sugar-free syrups. in icings, salad dressings, in baked goods, among other things. We have used this basic ingredient for years and love it!

See it used here in our Super Low Carb Fiji Sweet Hot Sauce.

We highly recommend having it in your pantry, because it is in several Kitchen Cheetah recipes.

Review some of it's good features below...


FOOD GRADE VEGETABLE GLYCERINE:

* is made from coconut or palm oil (heating under pressure with water)
* is GRAS
* is approved by Health Canada
* does not affect blood sugar – perfect for diabetics
* does not cause tooth decay
* helps prevent dehydration
* enhances athletic performance
* helps prevent constipation
* used as a humectant for skin conditions, specially dry skin.
* medically used to prevent brain swelling (intravenous)
* medicaliy used to reduce pressure within the eye (intravenous)
* is an excellent food preservative
* is an excellent emulsifier
* is used in eye-drops for dry eyes (pharmaceutical grade)


VEGETABLE GLYCERINE  is classified as a "sugar alcohol"....  as is ERYTHRITOL and XYLITOL.


Stay tuned,

Leila & Nancy

The Kitchen Cheetahs