Flora & Vino

Recipe Round Ups

10 Vegan Cheesecake Recipes

By Leave a Comment

10 Vegan Cheesecake Recipes made gluten free and refined sugar free with whole food ingredients. Perfect for any occasion cake is required!

Hello, friends!

We just got back from a beautiful weekend away in Shenandoah, Virginia for my annual birthday weekend trip. 

I’m the kind of person who really leans into my birthday and likes to feel celebrated, you know? 

M and I have escaped for a blissful weekend away for vineyards + hiking for the past two years, so that made this our third visit. 

However, it was the first time bringing along our 10-month old Aussie, Flora, for the ride. 

As it turns out, the literal car ride itself was the hardest part for Flora. 

She has a *lot* of anxiety in the car, and looked pretty expired by the time we reached our Air B&B in Free Union, Virginia. 

Once we were there, though, she surprised us with how well she behaved at the vineyards and at our new home for the weekend.

It was a lovely few days of morning coffee on the patio, late morning hiking, and afternoon vineyard visits followed by a cozy evening at the house.

We loved exploring Sugar Hollow Reservoir and sipping wine at Glass House Vineyard, Moss Vineyard, Stinson Vineyard, and Knight’s Gambit Vineyard!

My personal favorite was Glass House, because the vineyard contains a glass conservatory area filled with tropical plants.

I mean, could anything BE more Flora & Vino?! 

We (read: I) bought way too many bottles of wine but justified it by eating leftovers all weekend (beautiful area + wineries but not so many vegan options!).

Anyway, all said and done, it was a great way to turn 37. 

So, where does this leave us? 

Well, I got home to a still broken oven unit, so while I wanted to give you a new cake recipe to celebrate your girl, I’m currently unable to bake. 

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t!

Here are 10 Vegan Cheesecake Recipes made gluten free and refined sugar free with whole food ingredients.

They’re perfect for any occasion cake is required; especially this recipe creator’s birthday. 

…

Read More

10 Vegan Lemon Recipes

By 1 Comment

10 Vegan Lemon Recipes that will get you excited for spring. However, this citrus collection is great whenever you need some brightness!

I know, I know, the first *official* day of spring is still a few weeks out. 

And I also know that the sunny 60-degree afternoons we gladly accepted from the weather gods this past week are most likely not here to stay. 

However, it does feel like spring is imminent in Maryland, USA. 

I’m starting to plan for gardening projects, camping trips, and my annual spring cleaning. 

After a long, heavy, hard, winter, it feels like we’re overdue for some sunshine. 

Mostly, I’m just looking forward to some lightness and brightness. 

This time of year, I always get excited about recipes with lemon!

While lemon is a staple in my kitchen year round, it takes center stage in spring time. 

I love making it the focus of desserts, salads, main meals, and snacks. 

It’s easy to pair with both sweet and savory recipes to add a pop of zest, color, and bright flavoring. 

Today, I’m sharing 10 Vegan Lemon Recipes that you need to try this spring! 

The collection includes all of my favorite lemon recipes that, while appropriate for any time of year, are particularly delicious in spring time. 

I also hold the belief that if we all make them, spring might grace us with her presence a little sooner. 

Let’s love on lemons!

…

Read More

15 Best Bliss Balls

By Leave a Comment

15 Best Bliss Balls made with simple plant-based ingredients so you aways have a bite-sized snack on hand. Mix and match for meal prep!

POV: What exactly is a “bliss ball” anyway, and why do I have so many on my website?!

I can’t take credit for the term “bliss ball”, but I think it was a popular way to describe bite sized snacks around the time I started to share recipes on the Internet.

Think energy balls, energy bites, protein balls, etc., etc. 

There was also the era of the “fat ball” around 2018…IYKYK.

Over the years, I amassed quite a collection of my favorite bite-sized balls. 

Seasonal varieties, lazy no blender balls (my favorite), and balls with hidden veg. 

We’ve got grain-free balls, oat-y balls, and even nut-free balls. 

Basically, there’s a bite for everyone and for everyone’s pantry. 

So I thought it would be nice to share this collection of all of my spherical favorites in one place. 

Especially now, in January, when healthy snacking is something I’m consciously working on. 

Because a homemade ball eaten mindfully is most certainly more satisfying than mindlessly grabbing granola. 

These 15 Best Bliss Balls are made with simple plant-based ingredients so you aways have a bite-sized snack on hand. 

Let’s have a ball! 

…

Read More

9 Cozy Vegan Drinks

By 2 Comments

9 Cozy Vegan Drinks made with plant-based and refined-sugar-free ingredients. Perfect to have in your mug when the weather gets chilly!

Every year I tend to romanticize the cold weather, thinking,  *this* will be the year that I enjoy being outdoors in the winter.

And then every year I am reminded that no matter how many base layers, fuzzy socks, and parkas I dawn, winter is still not my thing. 

And cold is relative, right? 

While I think the 20-something degree mornings we’re currently experiencing in Maryland are FUH-REEZING, some of you in climates further north might think that sounds downright tropical. 

You’ve got more stamina (and better circulation) than me, friends. 

So, yes, this was the week that I decided that it was far too cold to go outside for much more than grabbing the mail and Flora’s potty time. 

But it is good weather for some cozy homemade drinks. 

Over the years, I’ve created quite a collection of warm beverages that I like sipping on in colder weather. 

I decided today, as I type this at my desk with fuzzy slippers, a hoodie, and a blanket on, that it was a good day to put all of those recipes in one place. 

These 9 Cozy Vegan Drinks are made with plant-based and refined-sugar-free ingredients.

They’re perfect to have in your mug when the weather gets chilly, or relatively chilly!

The collection includes lattes, hot chocolates, and mulled wines. 

Bookmark this recipe roundup and come back to it whenever you need a new hug in a mug. 

…

Read More

8 Vegan Holiday Pies

By Leave a Comment

8 Vegan Holiday Pies that are made with plant-based and gluten-free ingredients. Perfect to make for any winter holiday celebration!

vegan chocolate pie on plate with forkful

Are you a pie person or a cake person? 

When I was growing up, I didn’t understand why I had to have cake and not pie for my birthday. 

I was certain that a candle stuck into a fruity pie with a buttery crust would be far better than it’s cake-y rival. 

I’ve never actually done the pie for my birthday thing, so I’m very glad that it’s pie season again! 

Sure, we can eat pie all year round, but there’s something about Fall that really makes me want to extract my pie pan from the cabinets. 

That’s why I’m sharing these 8 Vegan Holiday Pies with you today. 

They’re perfect to make for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or whatever wintry holidays you celebrate. 

I included pie bars and full pies so you can pick your level of commitment to the pie-making process.

I find pie “bars” a little more accessible and less intimidating, so they’re a fantastic low-effort option.

However, I promise you that all of these recipes are made with simple ingredients and not *too* many steps.

Bookmark this post and come back to it whenever you need a why to make pie. 

…

Read More

8 Favorite Fig Recipes

By Leave a Comment

8 of my favorite fig recipes to celebrate the transition from late summer to early fall! Incudes both savory and sweet fig recipes!

It’s been a wild (almost) two weeks since becoming dog mom to Flora, our Australian Shepherd puppy. 

Yes, it’s true that time flies when you’re having fun, but it also flies when you’re busy AF. 

Flora has us in a new routine of getting to bed early and getting up even earlier, which I like more than I thought I would. 

Between puppy training (read: watching Flora repeatedly get the zoomies), brainstorming fall recipes, and big yoga moves, it’s been a busy August so far.

Let my update you on my yoga. 

Last weekend I attended a Restorative Yoga Workshop so that I can begin incorporating restorative yoga into my teaching. 

I also recently started teaching yoga on a weekly basis (every Saturday!). 

If you’ve been around here a while, you know that having my very own class has been a goal of mine since graduating from YTT.

So I’m super excited at the opportunity to teach more frequently. 

Some other milestones to celebrate this past week are: 

  1. Flora had her first taste of peanut butter and is obsessed,
  2. M and I took Flora to her first coffee drive-through,
  3. and I found fresh digs at the super market.

Ah, figs. Which brings us to today’s collection of recipes that I have for you. 

I love them so much, even if they have a weird origin. 

Something about a wasp dying inside the the fig to pollinate them? Google it. 

Either way, they’re delicious, and I’m excited to eat them for the next few months. 

This recipe round up includes 8 of my favorite fig recipes to celebrate the transition from late summer to early fall!

…

Read More

10 Tomato Recipes for Summer

By Leave a Comment

10 of my favorite tomato recipes that will get you excited for juicy summer tomatoes! Incudes both savory and sweet tomato recipes!

We’re on week two of having a newest family member, Flora, join the family and F&V community. 

Flora is our 9 week old Australian Shepherd and if I do say so myself, she’s pretty perfect. 

I mean, have you seen her on my Instagram?! 

As I’m writing this she’s passed out beside me in her crate, completely wiped after her first rounds of vaccines today at the vet. 

And while I would love more cuddles and less razor sharp puppy teeth, it’s been a pleasure being her new dog mom. 

Right now, we’re working on the basics, like *sit*, *stay*, *down*, etc. 

We’re also working on potty training, crate training, socialization, and learning how to be alone. 

Looking at the socialization check list, I have to ask myself how well-socialized yours truly is. 

*snort*

One thing I am well-versed on is the beauty and deliciousness of a summer tomato. 

My personal favorite is a colorful heirloom tomato or a sweet juicy cherry tomato, but all tomatoes have their place in the fruit world.

Yes, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite ways to use tomatoes in recipes! 

This recipe round up includes incudes both savory and sweet tomato recipes!

Bookmark this roundup and check back whenever you have tons of tomatoes to enjoy. 

1. Hummus Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Celebrate summer with this easy and light peach salad. Juicy peaches, crunchy pecans, hearty quinoa, and fresh spinach with maple tahini dressing.

2. Flatbread Tortilla Pizza

Easy flatbread pizza made with gluten-free tortilla, sweet corn purée, late summer produce, and herbs. Perfect for a lightened up pizza night in!

3. Cherry Tomato Salsa

Fresh homemade salsa made with sweet cherry tomatoes! Enjoy as a dip with your favorite crackers or as an addition to tacos, burritos, and bowls.

4. Summer Squash & Chickpea Meal

Summer Squash & Chickpea Meal packed with summer produce in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy summer nights and weekly meal prep.

5. Sweet & Spicy Tomato Jam

Easy unique jam made with cherry tomatoes and simple ingredients that achieve the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Perfect as the topping for any meal! 

6. Vegan Chickpea Ratatouille 

Easy 1-pan vegan chickpea ratatouille baked with your favorite late-summer veggies. Perfect for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners.

7. Oven Roasted Summer Veg

Easy summer roasted vegetables baked with simple seasonings baked in a parchment roasting bag. Serve as a summer side to your main dish.

8. Corn, Tomato, & Avocado Salad

Easy raw summer salad with corn, tomato, avocado, cucumber, and zucchini noodles. Oil-free and simply dressed. Perfect as a light nutritious summer side!

9. Savory Zucchini Oats

Savory oats with zucchini spirals, spinach, avocado, and cherry tomato seasoned with nutritional yeast. Perfect for a savory breakfast or lunch!

10. Watermelon Kale Quinoa Salad

Fresh light summer salad popping with juicy watermelon, heirloom tomato, cucumber, quinoa, mint, and roasted sunflower seeds. Perfect for summer lunch!

More Vegan Recipe Round Ups

I Want To Hear From You

If you make anything from this 10 Vegan Peach Recipes, let me know!

Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show me your creations.

For more Recipe Round Ups, check out my Vegan & Gluten-Free Appetizer Round Up and Vegan Meal Prep Recipe Round Up!

Check out my Pinterest page to pin more recipes like this one to make later!

Love this post and want more? Go to my homepage and subscribe to get updates delivered right to your inbox!

XO Lauren

10 Vegan Peach Recipes

By Leave a Comment

10 of my favorite vegan peach recipes that will get you excited for summer stone fruit! Incudes both savory and sweet peach recipes!

This week we brought home Flora, our Australian Shepherd puppy. 

I’m writing this post in advance, so I’m currently not able to gush about cute and sassy and cuddly she is. 

(But I will, soon!) 

Anyway, we planned to spend the week getting to know her and establishing a routine!

I decided it might be best for all of us if I took the week off shooting new content so she can slowly get used to her mom’s passion for food.

AKA making a huge mess in the kitchen. 

So, while I don’t have a pup-date, I came happy to rave to you about peaches. 

Is there *anything* better than biting into a ripe summer peach? 

I think not. 

Well, maybe using them in some of the recipes I’m rounding up for you today.

Yes, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite ways to use peaches in recipes! 

This recipe round up includes incudes both savory and sweet peach recipes!

Bookmark this roundup and check back whenever you have a bunch of peaches to use creatively. 

…

Read More

Fruit Spread Recipe Round Up

By Leave a Comment

A collection of my favorite fruit spread recipes from naturally sweetened berry jams to smooth fruit butters. Spread them on everything!

If you’re like me, you probably only think of making homemade fruit spreads when you have an excess of something. 

You made all of the pies and tarts and crumbles you can handle so you resort to making jam or jelly to use up fruit. 

But what if we made jams, jellies, and fruit butters the reason (for the season!) 

I remember the first time that I made homemade jam I was astonished at how easy it was to yield delicious results! 

Over the years, I’ve compile some favorites that I make with seasonal fruits. 

As we head barrel towards late summer and early fall, it feels like a good time to share this Fruit Spread Recipe Round Up with you today!

This collection of my favorite fruit spread recipes has everything from naturally sweetened berry jams to smooth fruit butters.

That means you can find something homemade and spreadable here for any time of year.

And these jams are low maintenance and easy to make without pectins, artificial sweeteners, and canning required. 

Spread them on everything!

…

Read More

10 Cool Summer Meals

By 1 Comment

10 Cool Summer Meals that are chill to make and cool to consume. Ditch the oven and make these light and hearty recipes!

Back during 2020 I initiated a walking every day ritual to get out of the house, get some movement in, and breath some fresh air. 

It was an easy, tangible goal that I could achieve even in the height of the uncertainty of COVID.

Walk away from the house and walk back.

My daily walk benefitted me *so* much, I’ve kept it up for the past four years. 

Until this summer. 

For shame, I really have fallen off of my daily walk ever since we got back from Wyoming in June.

I want to blame the intense heat wave we’ve experienced here in Maryland.

And while that totally contributes (I’m about to sound like a cliché here), it’s the *humidity* that really sends me running back into my air conditioned foyer. 

M and I joke about this area being a swamp, because the air is thick, wet, and makes your nose and lungs work to suck it in for respiration. 

So while I don’t want to say I’m ready for fall, I’m definitely ready for easier breathing, cooler temps, and walks that I enjoy. 

Speaking of the heat and humidity, it’s the worst time of year to turn on your oven!

I made that mistake last week and the AC had to work double hard to cool down the kitchen. 

If you, too, are looking for some chill meals to make this summer that don’t require an oven or much cooking at all, I got you.

Check out these 10 Cool Summer Meals that are light, fresh, and cool, but hearty enough to pass for the main meal. 

Bookmark this recipe round up for a heat wave!

…

Read More