A smiling woman holding a ceramic bowl of homemade Vegetarian Apricot Applesauce garnished with cinnamon and dried apricots in a rustic kitchen setting.

Apricot Applesauce

There is something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of fruit simmering on the stove, especially when it fills the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon. I started making this Vegetarian Apricot Applesauce years ago when I wanted a sugar-free snack that…

A close-up of a woman's hands holding a ceramic plate filled with freshly baked Vegetarian Apple and Cinnamon Muffins in a cozy kitchen setting.

Apple and Cinnamon Muffins

There is nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm spices filling the kitchen to start your day right. If you are looking for a budget-friendly treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee, these Vegetarian Apple and Cinnamon Muffins are a total…

A close-up photograph of hands holding a ceramic plate piled high with crispy, golden-brown Deep-Fried Shredded Plantain Clusters garnished with fresh lime twists and mint leaves.

Deep-Fried Shredded Plantain Clusters KHASA KACHA KELA BHAJI

There is something incredibly satisfying about serving a unique appetizer that instantly becomes the topic of conversation at a party. If you are looking to switch up your usual snack rotation, you have to try these Deep-Fried Shredded Plantain Clusters. Also known…

Golden brown Khasa Baigan Bhaji eggplant fritters served on a rustic plate with fresh herb garnish and dipping sauce.

Eggplant Fritters KHASA BAIGAN BHAJI

You are going to fall in love with these crispy Eggplant Fritters, traditionally known as Khasa Baigan Bhaji. Think of them as savory little eggplant sandwiches stuffed with melting cheese and coated in a golden, spiced crust. I love serving these “vegetable…

“Sausage” and Grits with Country Biscuits

“Sausage” and Grits with Country Biscuits

Soy in the form of sausage may seem like an odd ingredient, but you’ll find that many manufacturers make delicious varieties that are remarkably reminiscent of traditional sausage. Serves 4 Ingredients • 3 cups water or milk • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1⁄2 cup grits,…

Pineapple Breakfast Smoothie

Pineapple Breakfast Smoothie

For a thinner smoothie, you can easily replace the powdered skim milk with the liquid version. No pineapple? Try frozen berries. For different flavors, experiment with different fruit. Serves 1 Ingredients • 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt • 1⁄2 cup powdered skim milk •…

Banana-Oat Bran Waffles

Banana-Oat Bran Waffles

Never toss borderline too-ripe bananas; instead just put them in the freezer so you can pop them out, defrost them, and use them to create something delicious like these nutty breakfast waffles. Serves 4 Ingredients • 2 large eggs • 1 cup buttermilk • 2 very ripe…

Fried Green Tomato Bruschetta

Fried Green Tomato Bruschetta

Green tomatoes are merely under ripe fruit. The familiar fried version became popular in the South where tomatoes grow in such abundance they need to pick them early or risk the plants falling with the weight of the harvest. Serves 4 Ingredients • 4 medium green…

Cream cheese and watercress sandwiches

Cream cheese and watercress sandwiches

• slender sourdough French bread • cream cheese • watercress • cherry tomatoes • salt to taste 1. Cut thin slices from a long, slender loaf of sourdough French bread and spread them generously with cream cheese. 2. Wash and trim a bunch of watercress, shake or pat it…

Egg and pickled mushroom sandwiches

Egg and pickled mushroom sandwiches

• slender sourdough French bread • butter • hard-boiled eggs • long strips of pimiento pepper • marinated mushrooms • salt and pepper (optional) to taste 1. Cut thin slices from a long, slender loaf of sourdough French bread, and butter them generously. Peel some…