Flora & Vino

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SunButter & Jelly Energy Bites

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SunButter & Jelly Energy Bites made with oats, Medjool dates, No-Sugar-Added SunButter, and your favorite jam. The perfect snack!

SunButter & Jelly Energy Bites split open and served on white plates with SunButter and jelly jars on the side

It’s that time of year where healthy snacks are invaluable, am I right? 

Seriously, what I wouldn’t pay for a healthy homemade snack when I’m running from dog mom-ing to teaching yoga to shooting recipes. 

It’s the weeks where I don’t meal prep snacks where I stare at the open fridge between meals asking myself, “What do I even eat?!”

Usually after this question I end up opening my chocolate drawer and grabbing a block of chocolate and calling it a day. 

And while chocolate is delicious and I eat it daily, I think we can all agree that it’s not super sustaining. 

Hello, sugar crash at 11 AM. 

Then I found these prepackaged peanut butter and jelly bites at the grocery store a few weeks back and I enjoyed them! 

The snack concept is that jelly is in the center and the doughy ball surrounding it is made of peanut butter. 

They were nice plop in my mouth after finishing up weighted dumbbell sets, or while running from Flora’s puppy teeth (ouch!). 

However, I didn’t want to continue to pay for the packaging, so I decided to make my own at home. 

They’re easy to make and store well in the refrigerator for an energizing lift. 

These SunButter & Jelly Energy Bites are made with oats, Medjool dates, No-Sugar-Added SunButter, and your favorite jam.

They’re the perfect bite-sized snack packed with plant-based protein and complex carbs to fuel your goals and dreams.

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Vegan Walnut Coffee Cake

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Vegan Walnut Coffee Cake made with oat and almond flour with Artisana Organics Raw Walnut Butter and a creamy coffee frosting.

Vegan Walnut Coffee Cake sliced and and served on white plates with fork and scattered chopped walnuts with mug of coffee on the side  

When people ask how things are going, I *try* not to default to “Good, but busy”; as my standard response. 

It feels true, but I’d like to get a little more creative. 

Because busy has a connotation of the mundane, the dragging, the blah. 

And truthfully, my “busy-ness” is completely comprised of things of my own doing and choosing. 

I’m spending a lot of time in the kitchen creating fall recipes for YOU, friend! A job that doesn’t always feel like work and definitely never tastes like it.

When I’m not in the kitchen for work (read: you!) , I’m in the kitchen for us (read: me!) meal prepping so the fridge isn’t *only* full of the treats I’m testing.

My days are also peppered with puppy training, articulating “Touch!”, “Let’s Go!”, and “Down!”, with an encouraging lilt and a bag full of homemade dog treats. 

Then I have the hours devoted to sequencing my next Saturday yoga class; noting the shapes, the breath, and the themes. 

I always squeeze in non-negotiable movement into my days, whether it’s yoga, climbing, running, or just a long neighborhood walk. 

All in all, these are problems that past Lauren would have *loved* to have had. 

Yes, my days are exhausting and full, but I’m usually smiling at the end of them. 

So, friend, if you ask me how I’m doing, I’m going to smile and shove a piece of Vegan Walnut Coffee Cake in my face. 

How’s that for a response? 

This Vegan Walnut Coffee Cake made with oat and almond flour with Artisana Organics Raw Walnut Butter and a creamy coffee frosting.

You’re going to want to enjoy a slice later with a mug of something warm. 

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Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Bread

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Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Bread made gluten-free with almond flour and oats. Super moist and chocolate-y with pumpkin puree and dark chocolate!

Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Bread served on white plate with fork topped with peanut butter with chocolate squares and pumpkin on side

Don’t mind me while I ease into stew, casseroles, and baked goods. 

This week we had Flora in the kitchen while I opened the oven and slammed the fridge and rattled pots and pans. 

If there’s one thing you can count on me for, it’s to make a *lot* of noise while I’m baking. 

Luckily, Flora seemed more curious about what everything was than scared by the clatter. 

(Unfortunately, this recipe is not pup safe, but you can bet more homemade dog treats are coming!) 

My first bread of the season turned out to be a wild success, and M and I have enjoyed slices all week long for breakfast and snacking.

It’s not chocolate, it’s not pumpkin, it’s Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Bread. 

And if that wasn’t enough to entice you, I added dark chocolate chunks to really seal the flavor profile into something irresistible. 

I *love* baking with pumpkin because it makes your baked goods moist and rich without a ton of oil.

In fact, this bread is baked with no-added-oils and instead relies on healthy fats from nut butter and almond flour. 

This Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Bread is also made gluten-free with almond flour and oats!

It’s super moist and chocolate-y with pumpkin puree and dark chocolate for a healthy snack, breakfast, or dessert.

I love it sliced straight from the fridge as a mid-morning snack topped with peanut butter.

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Vegan & Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins

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Vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip muffins with superfine almond flour, oat flour, and vegan chocolate chips. Perfect for a sweet snack!

Vegan & Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins served on plates with muffin tin on side with bowl of chocolate chips and scattered chocolate chips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I first made these Vegan & Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins the day before we went to pick up Flora. 

Luckily, I had the foresight to do some hefty meal prep because we brought the new pup home. 

These muffins were a recipe founded on a craving in the midst of packing pee pads and toys and two sizes of crates (we weren’t sure which would fit!). 

I had no idea how the muffins turned out as I threw them in the car for a healthy snack along with our Tupperware lunch and multiple Nalgene water bottles. 

Our Aussie pup was a long 4 hour car ride away, but it was worth every mile. 

About an hour before we scooped her up, I unwrapped a muffin from it’s liner and sunk my teeth in. 

There weren’t a lot of things at this particular moment that could excite me more than the prospect of meeting my new doggie, but these muffins came close. 

They’re fluffy, moist, and dotted with the perfect amount of dark chocolate. 

“Oh my god. These are SO good!” I turned towards M in the driver seat, excitedly waving my muffin missing a big bite. 

(M agreed later in the week that the muffins were indeed, delicious!)

It was a pleasant surprise and pick-me-up right before the biggest surprise of the year:

Meeting our Australian Shepherd girlie named Flora, who melted our heart at first glance, lick, and sometimes even now, affectionate nip. 

I’m so excited to share these Vegan & Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins with you this fall! 

They’re the perfect sweet snack to fuel you for back-to-school adventures, whether that is with or without four legged fur babies. 

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Black Bean Taco Salad

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Black Bean Taco Salad for one made with romaine lettuce, black beans, avocado, and raw veggies with a creamy garlic cashew dressing.

Black Bean Taco Salad served in bowl surrounded by red peppers, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla chips

I’m not sure when it happened, but I am suddenly a fantasy (romantacy???) reader. 

It all started when my bookclub selected ACOTAR for our April read and, like so many of you and the entirety of BookTok, I became obsessed. 

The series quickly became my summer staple, and I devoured all 5 books in the series with a voracity that I haven’t felt since my Harry Potter days. 

Since then, I moved on to the world of Fourth Wing, where I’m about half way done with Iron Flame (Book 2).

After realizing that Book 3 won’t be out for a while, I did my research and have another fantasy series lined up next, per your suggestions from Instagram.

When I asked what to read next, 100% of you said The Serpent & The Wing of Night. 

I didn’t even question it; I downloaded the series on my Kindle immediately. 

So, yeah…I like fantasy. 

Who knew?

M, apparently, who is sitting smugly beside me while reading, saying, “I told you so!” 

He’s always been a self proclaimed fantasy lover, while I’ve always been a self proclaimed fiction and non-fiction lover. 

I always felt like if the story line wasn’t based in reality, it was hard for me to connect with the characters. 

It was hard for me to IMAGINE. 

But lately, all I want to do is pick up my Kindle and dive into a world of my mind’s creation, one that serves as a welcome escape.

Something else I’ve been escaping into lately is this Black Bean Taco Salad.

It’s so easy to meal prep for the week ahead made with romaine lettuce, black beans, avocado, and raw veggies with a creamy garlic cashew dressing.

This means you have more time for reading on the couch with your fantasy friends!

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Vegan Zucchini Bread

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Vegan zucchini bread made in 1-bowl with almond flour, oats, and grated zucchini. It’s the perfect late summer breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Vegan Zucchini Bread sliced on serving tray with zucchini and walnuts on side. One piece smeared with nut butter

Friends, it’s crazy how fast a puppy grows. 

It’s been just two weeks being dog mom to Flora, and already we can see her facial features changing, shifting, becoming.

Last night M looked at me and said mournfully, “Where did our puppy go?!”

It’s true, she is getting bigger and bigger every day, and it’s honestly getting a little difficult (for me) to carry her with one arm! 

We’re loving every second of the chaos of being a new dog parent. 

Luckily, she doesn’t seem to be bothered by my constant running around the kitchen or scared by my constant banging of pots and pans. 

That’s good, because with my job and passion, I make a lot of food and make a lot of noise while doing it! 

So far, the only “human food” we’ve given her is good ol’ peanut butter, which she laps out of her kong with alarming accuracy and speed.

Her current favorite *high value* treat are some peanut butter oat training bites that are GOLD currency in our house. 

Whenever we need to get her to do something and do it fast, a peanut butter treat is the difference between the zoomies and obedience. 

I’m sure Flora would love it if she could get her teeth on some of the smells coming from the kitchen, lately. 

Like this Vegan Zucchini Bread that I’ve been making on repeat to use up summer zucchini! 

This vegan zucchini bread is made in 1-bowl with almond flour, oats, and grated zucchini.

It’s the perfect later summer breakfast, snack, or dessert for my human friends! 

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Caribbean Rice & Beans

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Cozy Caribbean Rice & Beans recipe made in one pot with Eden Foods Caribbean Black Beans! Serve as a side or add protein for a main!

Caribbean Rice & Beans served in bowls with fork and green onions on top

To tell you the truth, I’m very excited for fall. 

While I’ve always loved the heat, fall is my favorite season. 

Honestly, this summer really wore me down with its multiple heat waves and intense humidity.

I’m pretty sure that Flora would be excited for fall, too, if she had seen the season before. 

Based on how many dried up leaves she tries to grab and chew on our potty breaks, she’s going to have a blast. 

I have a sneaky feeling she doesn’t appreciate the heat of the sun either, because she bows and turns her head when it beats down outside.

Either that, or she’s a vampire, which at this point with those puppy teeth, is an equally compelling theory. 

So, I’ve already dreamed up our fall itinerary.

I’m dreaming of leash training in the cool crisp fall air, taking Flora to pick out a bright orange gourd, and making cozy 1-pot meals with her underfoot. 

Starting with this Caribbean Rice & Beans dish that we made here recently pre-puppy. 

It’s the perfect flavorful and cozy 1-pot meal to make this season to support back-to-school and the end of summer! 

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Berry Baked Oat Squares

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Berry Baked Oat Squares with rolled oats, almond flour, No Sugar Added SunButter, and berries. Bake and slice into squares for meal prep!

Berry Baked Oat Squares sliced on parchment paper with knife and fork

I know that some of you out there are kindred spirits who also enjoy immersing yourself in some good trash reality TV. 

And I say “trash” with affection, because I can’t stop watching the Love Island USA 2024 season. 

Like, my jaw literally could not drop any lower and it does so every evening and I watch the new tea unfold as I literally drink tea (kombucha) on the couch. 

The first season I watched of Love Island was back in 2020, which I excused because I was going through a divorce and a global pandemic while living alone. 

Now, my life’s mission is to rope M into being as addicted as I am.

I know I am victorious when he starts glancing down at his phone less and less, and starts asking seemingly innocent questions more and more. 

Aaaaand another one bites the dust. 

Something else I’m currently addicted to are these Berry Baked Oat Squares. 

They’re made with rolled oats, almond flour, No Sugar Added SunButter, and berries.

Bake and slice them into squares for an easy meal prep situation. 

By keeping your oatmeal prepped, you ensure that your tea is hot, too. 

And they’re the perfect back-to-school snack so you can get back into a routine this fall! 

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8 Favorite Fig Recipes

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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!

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10 Tomato Recipes for Summer

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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!

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XO Lauren