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Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake (No-Added-Oil!)

Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake made with almond flour, cacao, and bursting with cherries. Add Chocolate SunButter as frosting for a decadent dessert.

In Germany, it’s common to serve tea and cake as an afternoon snack to guests *before* serving dinner!

M’s mom makes a mean Black Forest Cake for said tea times that was…out of this world good.

It had delicious layers of fluffy chocolate cake, juicy cherries, and sweet buttercream frosting.

I don’t know about where you live, friend, but, at in my household in the U.S, I grew up eating broccoli and brussels sprouts before getting any dessert.

So I politely served myself a small slice, thinking to myself, I’ll just have a bite or two and save room for dinner.

Well, that plan totally failed.

Because this cake was amazing and it’s not every day you’re in Germany with your boyfriend’s mom’s baking.

So, naturally, I enjoyed every morsel on the plate, delicately collecting the crumbs with the back of my fork.

If we’re being honest I probably would have licked the plate, had M’s extended family not been around, but, I held back.

Ever since then I’ve been wanting to make a vegan and gluten-free chocolate cake at home.

This Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake is an ode to the Black Forest Cake I had in Germany.

It’s rich, moist, chocolatey, and bursting with cherries with a Chocolate SunButter frosting.

This is a cake that will have you eating dessert, first, too!

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5 Warm Salads to Make

By Flora & Vino 1 Comment

5 Warm Salads to make when the weather is cold and you’re craving something cozy but fresh. Pair these with protein or grains for a side or main meal!

It feels like M and I have been away more than we’ve been home for the month of October.

I’m currently writing to you from Lexington, Kentucky, where we are visiting M’s family!

We’ve already seen a horse race and completed a tour at a local distillery.

From Kentucky we’re driving on to Indiana to see my family for our annual family reunion.

So, this trip in total will be a lot of driving, a lot of family, and, so far, a lot of fun!

I’m honestly not a road tripper, and being in the car usually makes me a bit nauseous and a lot antsy, restless, and moody.

Something about being trapped in a tiny space hurdling down highways makes me feel all kinds of existential and pensive.

However, it has its perks, like being able to pack whatever I want: i.e. a bag dedicated only to shoes and two coolers packed with meal prepped food.

It’s surprisingly warm in Kentucky, so I’m currently loving my classic chilled overnight oats and wraps.

However, it’s the time of year where I start craving warm cozy things all day long.

I’ve always been a firm believer in the warm salad, because when it gets cold raw salads just sound less appealing.

Today I’m sharing my favorite 5 Warm Salads to Make this season!

Try pairing them with grains or plant-based protein for a heartier meal or enjoy them solo for a light lunch or dinner!

They’re also perfect as a side dish to add some color to your upcoming holiday spread.

Let’s make warm salads a social norm, shall we?

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Beet Carpaccio with Avocado Yogurt Cream

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

Plant-based beet carpaccio with avocado yogurt cream, olives, toasted pine nuts, and vegan parmesan cheese. Perfect for a beautiful appetizer or side dish!

When I was visiting Germany with M over the winter holidays, his dad made a beautiful Beet Carpaccio.

So good, in fact, that we both requested second plates.

It was a refreshing reprieve from traditional German-style food, and I was immediately obsessed with the combination of flavor and textures.

It’s fresh, light, and intriguing, with an earthy beet base, lots of savory toppings, and an easy oil and vinegar dressing.

I knew I had to recreate it and share my version with you!

This Beet Carpaccio with Avocado Yogurt Cream is perfect to prepare as a beautiful appetizer or side dish to share!

Personally, I like to make a plate all to myself piled high with toppings and avocado yogurt cream.

You might find yourself doing this too.

Let’s see.

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16 Sustainable Swaps

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

A collection of my favorite sustainable swaps to inspire small intentional changes that are better for you and the planet. Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day feels a little like Valentine’s Day– like, shouldn’t *every* day be Earth Day?

Still, I wanted to share something for the occasion.

I’m the first to admit that I’ve made many decisions out of convenience and habit rather than a conscious commitment to the betterment of the planet.

Having M around has made me even more conscious of my choices.

He’s always the first to grab a silicone bag instead of plastic, eat the sad-looking vegetables in the fridge, or open a window instead of turning on the AC.

Earth Day can feel a bit overwhelming to me; anyone else?

It’s annual check in where I’m reminded of the size of my personal carbon footprint.

But instead of shaming ourselves for everything we *aren’t* doing, let’s focus on the little changes we *are* doing and the positive impact they promote.

In this post I’m sharing the small sustainable swaps that I’m currently loving.

Check them out and see if they might fit into your lifestyle and bring you joy, too.

Happy Earth Day!

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Root Vegetable Mash

By Flora & Vino 2 Comments

Mix up your mashed potatoes with this oil-free root vegetable mash with root veggies, tahini, and a garlic herb seasoning. Perfect for a holiday side!

Soooo have you played Among Us yet?

I first played this murder mystery game + aliens a few weeks back with friends from high school.

I traced my finger around the space map, frantically tap tap tapping on doors and tasks without any idea how to kill or sabotage.

Well, I’m not much better now, either.

Last night I played virtually with a big group- friends, family, and friends of friends.

I made my first kill as the imposter quickly and easily…and then proceeded to self report the death without realizing I self reported.

So I got caught pretty fast as I stumbled to fabricate a story on the spot.

Doh.

I probably should have said that my alibi was smashing root veggies for this post, eh?

In other news, Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, and I have a delicious and beautiful holiday plant-based sides for you.

This unique Root Vegetable Mash is entirely oil-free and packed with my favorite colorful root vegetables.

You’re going to love the mix of root veggies smashed and seasoned with an easy garlic herb tahini twist.

It’s absolutely smashing!

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75+ Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Pantry-Friendly Recipes

By Flora & Vino 1 Comment

75+ vegan and gluten-free recipes made with plant-based ingredients from your pantry and freezer. Check below for substitution exchanges for fresh foods.

Hi guys, how are you doing?

How are you *really* doing?

Like I know most of us are, I’m literally taking it day by day, slowly navigating this new normal that we didn’t choose.

I’m trying to see blips of beauty amongst all of the hard stuff going on in the world right now.

For example, it’s been amazing to watch my online and local communities tackle the isolation with words of encouragement, free online services, and a little humor.

I’ve got to say that in some ways I feel more connected than ever despite social distancing.

Anyway, I asked on Instagram what kind of content you’d like to see as we get cozy and stay home.

Many of you requested pantry and freezer- friendly recipes and I’m right there with you.

I’m planning on keeping my pantry and freezer well-stocked during this time to minimize shopping trips and maximize my menu!

You’ll find a large selection of 75+ Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Pantry-Friendly Recipes that are easily made with pantry-staples and frozen foods.

I’m working to add to this collection with brand NEW content in the coming weeks.

If you’re looking for for a concise list of my favorite essentials, check out My Top Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Pantry Staples to get started.

More time at home allows us more opportunities to get creative in the kitchen and flex our minimalism muscles.

Let’s take on those dusty cans and frozen peas together, OK?

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My Top Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Pantry Staples

By Flora & Vino 5 Comments

Here are my go-to plant-based staples I always have in my pantry, fridge, and freezer with my favorite brand recommendations! Happy grocery shopping!

Hi, friends!

This is a post I’ve been meaning to share for a while now, so what better time than the present, when we’re all taking stock of our pantry and freezer storage?

Below, you can find my top plant-based & gluten-free pantry staples.

I sorted them into some makeshift categories to make them a little easier and more approachable.

You won’t find fresh fruits and vegetables in this listing, because I find what I buy depends on seasonality and availability as well as what recipes I’m creating!

However, this is a concise list of all of the items I try to always keep in stock that serve as the building blocks to great vegan and gluten-free plant-based meals.

I’ve also listed below many of my favorite brands to give you some guidelines, but feel free to explore what’s out there and pick your own favorites!

If you have any questions about the products, the brands, where to find them, or how to use them, please let me know!

If this post is helpful to you, please share it with a friend or anyone who is looking for inspiration for vegan and gluten-free options.

Stay healthy and well!

XOXO, Lauren

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Bob’s Red Mill Granola: At Walmart!

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

Next time you’re cereal shopping, grab three flavors of Bob’s Red Mill Pan-Baked Granola now available in stores or online at Walmart!

Serious question.

Are you a one store one stop shop kind of a shopper or a multiple stores for all of your favorites kind of a shopper?

For me, I’m definitely the latter.

For example, this past weekend I went to three different grocery stores to stock up on produce, non-perishables, and my favorite bath and body products.

So you bet I’ll be hitting up my local Walmart to stock up on three flavors of Bob’s Red Mill Granola!

You might not have a Whole Foods or a Mom’s Organic Market or a Sprouts (all of the stores you can usually find me loitering on the granola aisle), but I bet you have a Walmart near you.

Check out the cereal aisle at Walmart to find Bob’s Red Mill Maple Sea Salt, Lemon Blueberry, and Coconut Spice granola that is vegan, gluten-free free, and refined sugar free!

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Vegan & Gluten-Free Yogurt Granola Cups

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

Easy vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free baked granola cups served with plant-based yogurt and fresh berries! Perfect for an easy meal-prep breakfast.

Who were you when you were young?

Growing up, I was always the cute one, the nice one, the girl next door.

I was the girl that you could count on showing up to your house with homemade cookies and three different movie options to match your mood.

Coincidentally, it wasn’t until my mid-20’s that I realized that much of my grown-up woman identity was precariously built on this idea of being that sweet little girl.

It’s funny– I didn’t like it then–I always wanted to be a little more unpredictable with sharper edges.

When you read this post it’ll probably be my birthday–and guys; I’m not 17 anymore.

But you know what is still super cute, little, and sweet?

These Vegan Yogurt Granola Cups.

You only need 6-ingredients to make the granola cups and 2-ingredients to fill them!

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Lemon Poppyseed Muffins with Coconut Butter Glaze

By Flora & Vino 11 Comments

Easy 1-bowl lemon poppy seed muffins with a 2-ingredient coconut butter glaze. Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and naturally sweet.

It’s March!

Let’s make all things bright, citrus, and sweet.

That means lovin’ on lemons.

Lemon.

One of the regulars that carries over from grocery list to grocery list in my sprawling cursive, a staple in my kitchen.

I love them bowled on the granite counter, bright smiley face yellow, as if ready to be captured in a still life painting.

I love muddling a wedge into water when water is the last thing you want to drink.

I love to big squeeze 1/2 of one all over my vegetables with runny tahini for the quickest (and best) DIY dressing.

I also really love them in these Lemon Poppyseed Muffins with Coconut Butter Glaze.

These 1-bowl muffins are perfect to ring in spring with refreshing citrus and creamy coconut butter.

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