Fuji Apple Streusel

With a large Fuji apple orchard next door, we have an abundance of Fuji's available each fall. Their natural 'water core' defines them as one of the best! Great flavor, great texture, and perfect sweetness when picked ripe off the tree. Here's a recipe that I've developed for a sweet and delicious vegan and gluten-free apple streusel.

Filling:

6 - 8 Fuji apples, peeled and sliced
1/3 - 1/2 cup sugar (or sweetener of choice)
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. cinnamon

Topping:

1 cup brown sugar
4 Tbsp. flour (gluten-free if necessary)
6 Tbsp. oil
2 tsp. ground cloves
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Peel and dice apples. Mix with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Place in a baking dish.

In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, gluten-free flour, oil, cloves, cinnamon, and walnuts. Then sprinkle over apple mixture and gently press into place.

Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees F.

Perfect Pinto Beans

2 1/2 cups pinto beans, cleaned
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil
5 cups water


Place ingredients in pressure cooker.  Bring to full steam and then turn down to medium-low.  Cook under pressure for 50 minutes.  Remove from heat and cool until the pressure is released.  Remove lid.  Adjust seasonings if necessary.  Enjoy!

My Favorite Emerald Green Dressing

*This is my all-time favorite dressing for salads and raw veggies!  The recipe is really 'too modern' for my 8th grade home ec class, but the pea salad on lettuce leaves that we learned to make in that class does remind me of emeralds!


1 cup water
1 cup cashews (rinsed)**
2 Tbsp. chives
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. Italian dressing
1/2 Tbsp. parsley (dried) or doubled fresh
3/4 cup pineapple juice concentrate
1 lemon, juiced
stevia, fructose, or maple syrup to taste


Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasonings to taste.


*I usually substitute cilantro (fresh coriander) for the parsley and add the entire bunch! I love cilantro and it makes such a beautiful green color and fresh flavor!


**Brazil nuts work fine as a substitute for cashews in this recipe.

Old-Fashioned Hoecakes

Old-Fashioned Hoecakes

1/2 cup cornmeal
1 1/4 cups soy milk
2 tsp. date sugar (or alternative sweetener)
1/2 tsp. salt

Heat 1 cup soy milk in a double boiler or microwave. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, salt, date sugar, and 1/2 cup cold soy milk.  Stir until smooth, then add to the boiling milk and cook for 10 minutes or until thick.  Drop by spoonful onto a prepared baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 12 - 15 minutes (until golden brown).  

Hoe cakes got their name because at one time they were made over an open fire and baked on the blade of a hoe.

Sesame Fingers

Sesame Fingers

1 1/2 cups sesame seeds, raw
1 1/2 cups coconut
2/3 cups raisins
1/2 cup almonds or pecans, chopped
1/2 cup honey (or alternative liquid sweetener)
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. orange rind
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients together.  Pat mixture into a 9" x 13" baking pan.  Press down firmly.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes.  Line the edges with foil to prevent over browning.  Cool and cut into squares (1" x 2" rectangles).

Flourless Sesame Oat Waffles

Flourless Sesame Oat Waffles

1 cup sesame seeds, raw
1 1/2 cups oats, rolled, gluten free
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup coconut, unsweetened, fine
1 tsp. salt
3 1/2 cups water
2 Tbsp. olive oil

Place the sesame seeds in the blender with a small amount of the water and blend until smooth.  Add the remaining ingredients and enough water to make a good batter.  Bake in a hot waffle iron until completely baked (5 - 6 minutes).  

Serve with fruit and maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat!