Updated Vegan Chorizo Mac & Cheese

A few years ago I posted a vegan Mac & Cheese recipe.  I have made it so much simpler and tastier.   The name brand products are only a suggestion because they are delicious.  Change up the veggies for variety.  Add red peppers or cilantro or anything you find appealing.

Chorizo Mac & Cheese

4 1/2 cups dry large macaroni
2 T. vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 pkg. soy chorizo
2 - 10oz cans Rotel tomatoes with green chiles (mild)
1 pint soy cream
8oz Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds
8oz Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds

Boil macaroni according to package directions, drain and put back in the pot or a large bowl.  While the macaroni is cooking, saute onion and green pepper in vegetable oil.  When the onions and peppers have softened, add the chorizo.  Stir and cook this mixture until heated through.  Add this mixture and the rest of the ingredients to the macaroni.  Spray a 4-quart glass dish with cooking spray.  Pour mixture into the dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Serves 8

Vegan Bowling Options at Discovery

Discovery in Ventura, CA has some great vegan food options to enjoy while throwing some colorful bowling balls.

I had the Guacamole and Chips, Spicy Edamame and Tempura Battered (Vegan) Vegetables. 

Here is a link to the full menu:  http://www.discoveryventura.com/menus/  There are other vegan options and some vegetarian items that can be veganized.












Discovery is located at 1888 E. Thompson, Ventura, CA.  http://www.discoveryventura.com/

We really had a fun night.  Waiters bring your food and beverages down to the bowling lane for you and are very attentive.

Healthy and Fabulous Spring Rolls

Making your own spring rolls is easier than you think!  Very few ingredients are needed.  It would also be fun to make this recipe with the smaller rice papers. 

 

 

 
 
Here are the basic ingredients you will need.  I found them at my local grocery store.  If your store doesn't carry them, Asian markets and specialty stores will definitely have something you can use.

 

Pick your favorite vegetables.  Avocado is one of my favorites and I usually include it in this recipe.  However, the ones I brought home from the market turned out to be rotten inside.  So disappointing.  I also prefer including fresh cilantro instead of basil but it's nice to change it up now and then.

 
Immerse the rice paper in a bowl of hot water for 30 seconds.  No longer!  It will continue to change texture after it is removed from water.  You don't want it to get so mushy it rips.  Pull the paper from the water and place on a plate.  I tried working with these on a plastic cutting board but it stuck to the plastic and I was afraid it would rip.

 

Place the veggies and rice noodles in the top middle section of the round paper. 

 

 

Now fold the sides inward.

 

Fold the top of the rice paper over the filling.  Push the filling into the paper as you fold and wrap.  You want to make it as tight as possible.

 

Cut your finished spring rolls in half.  Cutting at an angle makes them even prettier.

You can make a home-made peanut sauce but this store-bought version is so delicious and happens to be vegan.  It is a little spicy.  Be creative!  It doesn't have to be peanut sauce.  Try some other flavors!

 

Spring Rolls

Package of Rice sticks (the smallest possible)

Various raw vegetables

8 inch rice papers

Peanut sauce

 

Prepare the rice sticks by following the directions on the package and set them aside.  Usually, they are just immersed in hot water and let sit for 10 minutes.  Thinly slice vegetables and set aside.

 

Fill a large bowl with hot water (not boiling hot).   Slide a rice paper into the water and let sit 30 seconds.  Pull it out immediately with your hands and place on a plate.  Extra water will be absorbed so don't worry.  Place some rice noodles (sticks) and veggies in the top-middle of the rice paper.  Fold the sides of the paper over the filling.  Now fold the top of the paper over the filling.  Slowly and tightly roll the wrapper down the plate until fully closed.  Set aside and continue making as many rolls as you desire. 

 

The rolls can be stored in the refrigerator.  When ready to serve, cut each roll in half at an angle and place cut side up on a serving dish.  Serve with room temperature peanut sauce.