By Elena Johnson My husband told me that he heard of a dish called “Enchiladasagna” and suggested I make it for dinner. He loves Latin American cuisine, so I understood why the idea of lasagna made with Latin ingredients and flavors appealed to him. Here’s my vegan version with...

By Elena Johnson I recently threw a party for a friend who loves quesadillas. Since this was a brunch, I wanted to make something light and fresh instead of the traditional greasy quesadilla overflowing with melted cheese. My tomato basil quesadilla lets the flavors of fresh,...

By Elena Johnson Panzanella is an Italian bread salad. Crusty bread mixed with delicious fresh summer vegetables and herbs makes a hearty summer dish perfect for dinner outdoors – or al fresco, as they say in Italy. I like to toast the bread first to keep it from getting soggy...

By Elena Johnson When I need a healthy, homemade snack I like to mix up a big batch of vegan party mix. I prefer this to store bought mixes because I can control the calorie and fat content and can avoid unhealthy ingredients like animal products and artificial preservatives....

By Elena Johnson Curried Pumpkin Risotto Some people think that risotto is a difficult dish that can only be made in a professional kitchen. In fact, if you’re able to stay near the stove during the cooking process, it’s a very simple dish that can be whipped up rather quickly....

By Elena Johnson Packed with heart-healthy hazelnuts and potassium-rich bananas, this moist banana bread makes a great breakfast but is sweet enough to also serve for dessert. My egg and dairy-free recipe uses soy milk “soured” with vinegar to give a rich flavor and to lighten...

By Elena Johnson A simple summer favorite like potato salad can easily be made healthier by using an egg-free mayonnaise. Try Follow Your Heart’s Vegenaise or Earth Balance’s Mindful Mayo for a rich, creamy flavor without the artery-clogging cholesterol.  Leaving the skin on the...

By Elena Johnson Watermelon has always been a summertime favorite and studies confirm that the Beta-Carotene and Lycopene found in watermelon make it as nutrient-rich as it is delicious. To gain the full potential of its health benefits, make sure you allow your watermelon to...

By Elena Johnson My vegan nachos are a quick and easy recipe great for serving a crowd. They can be tailored to individual tastes by adding more vegetables – like jalapeños, chopped onion, or corn – or by adding vegan cheese (such as Daiya Pepperjack Style Shreds). These...

By Elena Johnson The infamous summer heat and humidity of the Mid-Atlantic region has finally taken hold. This time of year, I avoid turning on the oven and stove – even firing up the grill would be a sweltering task. Instead, I like to prepare cool salads, sandwiches, and...