Posts by Crystal Pirri

Perfect Vegan Pancakes

What I love about these pancakes is what I DON’T get from them- that blood sugar spike and then crash, and then feeling like I’m starving 2 hours later. I stopped eating pancakes years ago because I hated this feeling, and now that I’m oil-free vegan, I can finally get behind a good flapjack again.…

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Vegan Goulash

I had a craving for my mom’s goulash, but I didn’t want the hamburger, oil and salt. This recipe uses pinto beans for a delicious substitute. You can also use black beans, lentils, or experiment with textured vegetable protein for different results. Let me know what you think in the comments below! Inspired by my…

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Instant Pot Beets

I’m on a mission to cook every vegetable in my kitchen in the Instant Pot. Well, every starchy, root veggie at least- I don’t see a reason for putting cucumber in it 😂 When I cooked beets in the Instant Pot for the first time, I was transformed. It was so easy! So quick! And…

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Vegan Ice Cream

This is one of our favorite after-dinner treats. We have added all kinds of fruit to the mix- and even eaten it without any other fruit but the banana base. Excellent with a bit of vanilla, or substitute with a bit of maple syrup or maple syrup flavoring for a completely different kick. This mixes…

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Gluten-Free Applesauce Scones

Similar to my Pumpkin Scones, these applesauce scones are hearty and satisfying. These are so versatile- I’ve served them as sides for dinner or lunch, as a brunch option, as dessert (my kids love them with a little jam on top), or as a side dish brought to a potluck. I often have these on…

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Spicy Chickpea Stew – Vegan, Esselstyn, Oil-Free

My husband and I love spicy dinners, but my kids are not as enthusiastic. On days when I have leftovers for them, I will make this for Mark and I, so we get something delicious without offending their delicate palates. We love this vegan, oil-free dinner- it’s hearty, satisfying, and delicious- everything we want on…

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Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

A friend of mine casually mentioned the other day that she makes sweet potatoes every morning in her Instant Pot, and I admit I scoffed to myself. “Every morning?” I thought, “Psh, I make mine once a week and they’re always available in the fridge.” But… since I just got this Instant Pot… I thought,…

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Instant Pot Tomato Veggie Soup – Plant Strong, Esselstyn

Santa brought me an Instant Pot for Christmas, and I’ve been happily trying all my favorite recipes in it. It’s so satisfying to get a deep, rich, “all day cook” taste out of this little machine after just a few minutes of cooking. I love how the flavors of all my herbs and spices permeate…

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