My Husbands Gluten Free Pasta Salad

My husband has many amazing qualities but until now I would not have listed cooking among the reasons I married him. I always knew he was capable of making meals but his interest was never strong enough and he was always content being the ‘sous’ chef in the household. Recently we completed a Spring Detox program which we try to make an annual endeavor and this time we both felt particularly energized and unburdened by letting go of caffeine, sugar, and for my husband flesh foods and dairy. (Yes folks, the vegan girl married an omnivore! I never imagined he would ever be a vegan much less be COOKING vegan for ME!) One night last week I came home to this delicious pasta salad that he had concocted and we are happy to share it here with you!

Ingredients

1 box Jovial Brand Farfalle Pasta (bow ties)

5cloves garlic minced

1 cup broccoli florets diced and lightly steamed

¼ cup diced radishes

5 sundried tomatoes diced

1/2 of Vidalia onion diced

¼ cup artichoke hearts diced

½ cup cucumber diced

¼ cup calamata olives diced

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2-4TBL olive oil

2-4TBL marinating juice from jar of artichoke hearts

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: grated Violife Vegan Parmesan

In a large soup pot boil the brown rice pasta until soft. Drain and rinse with cold water and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix until well combined and add more oil, salt or pepper to taste. Refrigerate or serve immediately.

*Optional: serve with homemade hummus or diced avocado

** I find the Jovial brand brown rice pasta to be the best for cold salad options. Other brands tend to stiffen up when served cold.

Vegan, Gluten Free Mac & "Cheese"

What's better than comfort food in the Winter? When you're looking for a hearty and tasty easy one pot wonder, this yum yum will do the trick!  Despite the fact that this dish clearly takes center stage at any meal, it's the 'right thing to do' to add veggies and a protein, so I served up a side of roasted brussell sprouts and marinated pan fried tempeh. Nom, nom nom!

Ingredients

1/2 lb gluten free pasta (i used shells but it works fine with any shape pasta)

6 Tbl melted Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Spread

6 Tbl Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

2 Tbl Mustard Powder

Salt / Pepper to taste

1/3cup Nutritional Yeast

1 1/2 cups Daiya Cheddar Cheese Shreds

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup gluten free breadcrumbs

First get your water boiling for your pasta. Add a pinch of salt and a Tbl of olive oil and while you're waiting make your "cheese" sauce. (keep an eye on your water and toss in the pasta once it boils).

Preheat your oven to 350. On the stove top, over low heat, melt the butter in a saucepan and add flour and mustard powder. Whisk quickly and add almond milk continue to whisk until mixture begins to thicken. Add yeast and cheese and continue to whisk over low heat until the mixture is smooth, (do not boil as you will boil out the nutrients in the yeast!) add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, cover and set aside until your pasta is cooked.

Drain your pasta and add it to the cheese sauce and stir to fully coat. Pour the mixture into a casserole, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake for approx 30 min or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve!