family meals Archives | Stephanie Dreyer

family meals Archives | Stephanie Dreyer

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(This post is sponsored. I received compensation to write this post but all opinions and ideas are mine alone.)

 

Do you love pizza night? This Spinach & Artichoke Skillet Pizza is going to help you take it to the NEXT level! It all starts with a skillet. If you’ve never made a skillet pizza, you’re in for a treat. It’s not only easy but the clean up is way easier than using a traditional pizza stone or pan. I found I didn’t even need my rolling pin. I could just stretch the dough to the shape I needed.

The perfect skillet pizza starts with the perfect skillet. My go to is the 10″ Skillet from Karibe. Karibe’s skillet has been my favorite pan for several recipes including this vegan frittata and also this lasagna. This skillet is the perfect size for a family pizza and is ideal for creating a “deep dish” style of pizza. It cooks the crust beautifully even – across the bottom and also around the edges. I also love how easily it comes up from the pan to slice and serve (unlike a traditional pizza pan in my experience).

Karibe’s skillet is the real secret ingredient to this recipe, but I’ve also got another tip that makes for perfect fluffy dough: Allow it to rise in a bowl (covered with a cloth) for at least an hour. Instead of rolling out your dough, stretch and toss it from hand to hand, rotating the dough in a circular motion, until you reach your desired width.

While the skillet heats in the oven, prepare the spinach and artichoke filling, which stands on its own as a crowd pleasing dip. (You’re welcome!) Take care when laying your pizza dough into your skillet as it will be really hot. I used a rubber spatula to help me push up the edges once it was inside the skillet.

Once you’ve made a skillet pizza, you may never go back!

skillet pizza


Spinach & Artichoke Skillet Pizza

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes 

Serves 4 to 6

 

Ingredients:

1 lb homemade or store-bought pizza dough

1 Tbsp olive oil 

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

4 cups baby spinach (about 6-oz)

1 14-oz can artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped

1 14-oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

juice of ½ lemon

¼ cup nutritional yeast

1 ½ tsp garlic powder

1 ½ tsp onion powder

1 tsp sea salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 cup grated vegan Parmesan cheese

 

Directions:

  1. In a cold oven, place a 10-inch cast iron skillet and preheat the oven to 500°F. Leave in the oven 5-10 minutes after the oven has preheated.
  2. Meanwhile, in another large pan, add the oil. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and artichoke hearts. Saute until just wilted. 
  3. In a food processor, add the spinach mixture, beans, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic and onion powders, salt and pepper. Process until smooth.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out and / or stretch the pizza dough into a 10-inch circle.
  5. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and brush with olive oil. Lay the pizza dough into the hot skillet carefully, pushing it up the sides slightly. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the dough sets slightly. 
  6. Remove from the oven and top with the spinach and artichoke dip, spreading to cover evenly (except raised sides). Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. 
  7. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes.

skillet pizza

 

 

 


March 17, 2021
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(This post is sponsored. I received compensation to write this post but all opinions and ideas are mine alone.)

 

What’s for dinner? How about this Vegan Italian Mac and Cheese that you can prep on the weekend and place in the oven just 10 minutes before serving? If your family loves a hearty pasta dish but is looking for something new to add to the mix, this recipe is for you.
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There are a few steps to this Italian Mac and Cheese, but I promise it’s worth it! It starts by roasting a head of garlic, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms in a balsamic vinaigrette. While that’s doing its thing in the oven, boil and cook your pasta. While the pasta cooks, crumble some vegan Italian sausage into a skillet.

Italian Mac and Cheese 2

The creamy garlic “cheese” sauce is a quick blend of the roasted garlic, cashews and just a few other ingredients. Once the vegetables, pasta and sausage are done, transfer it all into a baking pan and pour the sauce over it. Give it a nice stir and pop it in the oven for just 10 minutes to heat through. With only 10 minutes in the oven, you can see why this is an easy weeknight meal pleaser if you assemble it all on the weekend. Bon appetit!


Vegan Italian Mac & Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 55 minutes 

Serves 4

 

Ingredients:

6 ounces cremini mushrooms

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 head (12 cloves) + 6 cloves garlic, divided

2 Tbsp olive oil

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

½ pound cavatappi 

14 ounces vegan Italian sausage

1 cup vegetable broth 

½ cup raw, unsalted cashews (Soak overnight if not using a high-speed blender.)

1 Tbsp nutritional yeast

sea salt, to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

 

Directions:

  1. Set the Digital Toshiba Convection oven to “Roast” at 400ºF. 
  2. Clean and cut the mushrooms in quarters.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, thyme and pepper. Stir in the mushrooms and tomatoes, mixing well so that everything is coated. Transfer to a baking dish with the marinade. 
  4. Place the peeled cloves of 1 garlic head in a piece of foil and wrap it into a ball. Place it in a baking dish along with the vegetables. Roast for 45 minutes, stirring the vegetables every 15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions.
  6. While the pasta and vegetables cook, in a medium skillet cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. (You may need to chop the sausage depending on the firmness of the product.)
  7. When the garlic is done roasting, prepare the sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the roasted garlic, vegetable broth, cashews, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  8. When the pasta is done cooking, add the pasta and sausage to the pan with the mushrooms and tomatoes. Stir well to combine and pour the sauce on top. Mix well. 
  9. Set the Digital Toshiba Convection oven to “Bake” and cook for 10 minutes.
  10. Remove from the oven and top with the fresh basil.

Italian Mac and Cheese 3

 

 

 


March 17, 2021
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(This post is sponsored. I received compensation to write this post but all opinions and ideas are mine alone.)

 

I can’t get enough of one-pan meals with my 10″ Skillet from Karibe. Just one pan to cook AND clean! This week, I experimented with a Pesto & Potato Vegan Frittata. With Spring upon us, I’m all about the pesto and it’s the perfect drizzle on this vegan frittata. I also coated the potatoes and roasted them with a bit of the pesto to seal in even more lemony herb flavor.

From the oven to table, this vegan frittata makes a beautiful centerpiece for a Sunday brunch, and could even be shared as part of a Spring celebration. Of course, you can also serve it easily during the week for a refreshing twist on breakfast for dinner. Batch cook the pesto on the weekend to speed up your weeknight dinner prep. Enjoy!


Pesto & Potato Vegan Frittata

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes 

Serves 4 to 6

 

Ingredients:

4 cups tightly packed fresh arugula

¼ cup walnuts 

6 large cloves garlic, divided

juice of 1 1/2 lemons divided

½ cup nutritional yeast, divided

½ tsp sea salt, divided (plus more to taste)

¼ cup + 1 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 cup baby Dutch yellow potatoes (about 4-6), sliced in half

1 head lacinato kale, ribs removed and thinly sliced

1 14-oz package firm tofu

½ cup vegetable broth

¼ tsp turmeric

½ tsp garlic powder

zest of 1 lemon

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Add the arugula, walnuts, 4 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, ¼ cup nutritional yeast and ¼ teaspoon of salt to a food processor. Mix on high until a loose paste forms.
  3. Stream ¼ cup of olive oil into the processor a little at a time while the machine is running. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed, adding more salt, nutritional yeast or lemon juice.
  4. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat mat, toss the potatoes with 2 Tbsp of the pesto. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer and bake for 10 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, in a cast iron skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining 2 cloves of garlic. Saute for 3 minutes and add the kale and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly wilted. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  6. In a food processor, combine the tofu, vegetable broth, the remaining ¼ cup of nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, juice of half a lemon, zest and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Puree until smooth. 
  7. Reduce the oven to 350°F. Layer the potatoes in a single layer on top of the kale. Pour the frittata batter over the vegetables. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the pesto on top and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until cooked through and golden at the edges.
  8. Remove the skillet from the oven and cut into wedges. Serve with the remaining pesto. 

Vegan Frittata 3

 

 

 


January 19, 2021
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(This post is sponsored. I received compensation to write this post but all opinions and ideas are mine alone.)

 

I don’t believe you need a lot of fancy gadgets to be a good cook, but I do believe you need two key tools: a good knife and a good pan. When it comes to the former, I rely on five pieces of cookware for my daily cooking and weekly meal prep: a Dutch oven, large skillet, small skillet, saucepan and last, but certainly not least a cast iron skillet.

If you haven’t invested in a cast iron skillet yet, let me introduce you to Karibe and their 10″ Skillet. This is your new BFF. From stovetop to oven and straight to the table to serve, this skillet does it all – and it does so effortlessly and beautifully. There is nothing that I love more than a one-pan meal so this Lentil Bolognese Skillet Lasagna is my new go-to for effortless weeknight cooking. All three of my kids and my husband LOVED this meal so you know it’s a winner!

Skillet Lasagna

Plant-powered with layers of flavor, this Skillet Lasagna starts with a hearty bolognese sauce that gets its protein from lentils. The broth comes together in just about 10 minutes before nestling in the lasagna noodles. I used no boil, gluten-free noodles from Jovial Foods and no one could tell they were gluten-free. (Another win for me!)

I folded in three vegan cheeses, because…it’s lasagna! I’m a bit biased about brands when it comes to vegan cheese so take note of my choices (and no, they’re not paying me, they’re just the best in my opinion!). This Lentil Bolognese Skillet Lasagna is easy enough to whip up during the weeknight but sophisticated enough to serve for a special family dinner. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family did.


Lentil Bolognese Skillet Lasagna

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes 

Serves 4 to 6

 

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable broth

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ onion, minced

1 14-ounce can lentils, drained and rinsed

2 Tbsp Italian herb seasoning

2 cups marinara

1 ½ cups vegetable stock

1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

½ cup red wine

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

8 oz regular or gluten-free lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces

½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

⅓ cup vegan ricotta (such as Kite Hill)

4 oz vegan mozzarella grated or sliced (such as Miyoko’s Creamery)

2 Tbsp grated vegan Parmesan (such as Violife Foods)

 

Directions:

  1. Heat the oil or vegetable broth in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until translucent.
  2. Stir in the lentils, Italian herb seasoning, marinara, vegetable stock, tomatoes and red wine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. 
  3. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and nestle the lasagna noodles into the bolognese sauce. Cook for another 10 minutes. 
  4. Fold in the basil and vegan ricotta. Top with the vegan mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Broil for 3 minutes until golden brown.

Skillet Lasagna

 

 

 


April 3, 2019
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Homemade vegan ramen is a labor of love so I’m super excited about this Easy Vegan Miso Ramen that is ready in 5 minutes. Five minutes!!! Thanks to Trader Joe’s, you can put together this soup with just 5 ingredients. And if you have instant hot water like I do, all you need is 5 minutes to make this meal. Oh and it’s delicious…so so so good! It’s also very healthy and low calorie. Miso soup for everyone!

It all starts with the Vegan Instant Miso Ramen from Trader Joe’s. Yep, that’s right – instant soup! I use pre-cooked and pre-shelled edamame so it will take a little longer if you buy frozen. To make this recipe, you’ll chop your vegetables while the water boils or the soup steeps. Then, it all gets stirred together and this Easy Vegan Miso Ramen is served!

This is supposed to make 1 serving (which I eat all by myself every time), but realistically, this could easily serve 2 (or more if you’re serving it as a first course and not a meal). 

Vegan-Miso-Rame

Easy Vegan Miso Ramen

Ingredients

  • 1 container Trader Joe's Miso Ramen
  • 1 stalk baby bok choy chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced on the diagonal
  • 4 shiitake mushrooms sliced
  • 1/3 cup edamame beans shelled and cooked
  • Dash Trader Joe's Umami seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add boiling hot water to the contents of the Ramen cup along with the seasonings. (I toss the oil packet).

  2. While the soup steeps, prep the vegetables.

  3. After 5 minutes, stir in the vegetables, edamame and Umami seasoning, if using.

  4. Add more boiling water if desired. (I like to add a little more because the broth is so delicious.)

Vegan-Miso-Ramen


March 27, 2019
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I’m fairly new to the world of pressure cooking. I’ve become a fast fan of my Breville Fast Slow Pro! As a working mama with three meals to get on the table every day, this handy dandy appliance takes prep and cook times down to under 15  minutes. It’s my secret weapon on busy evenings or on nights when I’m working late. This Tofu Salsa Verde can be on the table in minutes!

I love the tangy goodness of tomatillos so salsa verde is one of my favorites. The super firm tofu from Trader Joe’s is perfect for this recipe. If you want things a little soupier, add another 1/2 cup of salsa or don’t drain your beans. 

I like to serve this with tortilla chips to scoop everything out of the bowl. Enjoy!

Tofu Salsa Verde

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 16-oz super firm tofu (such as Trader Joe's)
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cups salsa verde
  • 1 can black beans drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 lime juiced and zested
  • 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice

To serve:

  • avocado sliced
  • lime wedges
  • cilantro chopped

Instructions

  1. Cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces.

  2. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, spices, broth, salsa, beans, corn, rice, lime juice and zest to the pressure cooker.

  3. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release of the pressure. It will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure, then 5 minutes to cook.

  4. Remove lid and let rest for 5 minutes.

  5. Divide among bowls and top with cilantro, avocado and lime wedges.

Tofu-Salsa-Verde


March 19, 2019
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We all have our favorites and Beyond Meat and Kite Hill are two of my go-to plant-based brands. Beyond Meat is taking the plant-based meat world by storm and with good reason. I’ve used their Beefy Crumble to make tacos and chili, and their Beyond Meat burger to craft my grandmother’s Italian meatballs. Equally, Kite Hill is my cream cheese of choice – not only for schmearing on bagels but also for my homemade spreads and dips (especially this Caramelized Onion household fave).

In this Vegan Sausage, Kale and Ravioli Stew, Beyond Meat, and Kite Hill are a perfect pair. This isn’t the first time I’ve paired this dynamic duo. My Stuffed Ricotta Burger insists on Kite Hill’s ricotta for the filling and the Beyond Meat Burger for the surrounding patty.

In this recipe, Beyond Meat’s tasty sausage is the perfect complement to Kite Hills pasta pillows. I combined the two to make a hearty meal for when you want a bowl of comfort – and this Vegan Sausage, Kale, and Ravioli Stew is just that. Easy to make, but full of flavor, you’ll enjoy every last spoonful of this robust soup.

Sausage-Kale-Ravioli-Stew

Vegan Sausage, Kale and Ravioli Stew

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 package Beyond Meat Italian Sausage
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 8 cups kale chopped
  • 10 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 packages Kite Hill Spinach Ravioli
  • 1 can Great Northern Beans drained and rinsed
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Cook 3-5 minutes until translucent.

  2. Crumble in sausage and cook 5 minutes until "browned." 

  3. Stir in the broth, kale and Italian seasoning. Cook 10 minutes.

  4. Add in the ravioli and beans. Cook covered 4 minutes.

  5. Season with salt to taste.

Sausage-Kale-and-Ravioli-Stew

 


November 5, 2018
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These Tofu Lettuce Wraps are an easy weeknight dinner and an instant hit with the kids. I mean, what kid doesn’t like to eat with their hands?!!

Serve the filling and lettuce leaves family style and let the family go to town making wraps and stuffing their faces 🙂

Tofu-Lettuce-Wraps

Got a busy week and can’t even spare the 20ish minutes to get the filling made? Batch cook it on the weekend.

I serve these alongside veggie potstickers (frozen from Trader Joe’s) or vegan egg rolls. My kids love rice so a steaming bowl typically makes an appearance too.

Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Trader Joe's Organic Tofu Super Firm minced
  • 2 celery ribs minced
  • 2 small carrots (or 1 large) minced
  • 2 inch piece of ginger peeled and finely minced or grated
  • 8 ounce can of water chestnuts drained and minced
  • lettuce leaves (such as romaine, Bibb, or iceberg) for serving
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup shoyu (or soy sauce)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 6 green onions (white and green parts) finely sliced and minced

Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large saucepan.

  2. Add all vegetables except the green onions, the ginger and garlic. Cook 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.

  3. Add tofu, shoyu and rice vinegar. Cook 10 more minutes.

  4. Remove from heat and stir in the green onions.

  5. Serve with lettuce leaves.

These Tofu Lettuce Wraps also make a great appetizer for a destination Asian meal. Enjoy!

 

Tofu-Lettuce-Wraps

 

 

 

 

 


October 2, 2018
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This recipe is the only way I can get my kids to eat tempeh. They tell me it’s a texture thing. So, what’s a mom to do? I pulse it up into a rich and hearty tomato sauce and serve it over their favorite pasta. They’re not super excited about it, but they eat it!

I made this recently on a busy weeknight in 30 minutes. It’s also a great recipe to batch cook on the weekend and pull out when you’re short on time. Just boil some pasta and make a salad while the spaghetti cooks. It freezes really well so I usually reserve half to serve up another time.

This Tempeh Bolognese is the only way I can get my kids to eat tempeh. It's crumbled in a rich tomato sauce with onion, garlic and veggies and simmered until tasty! Serve over your favorite pasta for an easy meatless weeknight meal.

 

Tempeh Bolognese

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot finely chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 8 ounce package tempeh
  • 1 28 ounce can of marinara sauce
  • 1 14 ounce can of diced tomatoes undrained
  • ½ cup of red wine optional

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, oregano, basil and garlic, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, or until vegetables are browned, stirring often.
  2. Break the tempeh into small crumbles with your hands, and stir into the vegetables.
  3. Add in the tomato sauce, tomatoes, and wine (if using).
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, partially covered, 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe Notes

Makes about 4 cups

This Tempeh Bolognese is the only way I can get my kids to eat tempeh. It's crumbled in a rich tomato sauce with onion, garlic and veggies and simmered until tasty! Serve over your favorite pasta for an easy meatless weeknight meal.

 

 


August 23, 2017
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August 24th is National Waffle Day. Let’s celebrate with breakfast pizza waffles! This recipe can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it. Use frozen waffles or make your own from scratch. Whichever way you go, choose a neutral flavored waffle that can either go sweet or savory. If you’re in a waffle mood, top your pizza with an extra waffle and make a waffle sandwich.

Breakfast Waffle Pizzas

There’s really no right or wrong way to make these. Heat up the toaster or waffle iron, spread out your toppings and sauces and have some delicious, breakfast fun with the family!

 

Breakfast Waffle Pizzas

Ingredients

  • Your favorite vegan toaster waffles (or homemade waffle batter)
  • Sweet and/or savory toppings
  • A variety of sauces

Instructions

  1. Toast the waffles until they are half way done. While they toast, prepare your sauces and toppings. Slice and chop your fruit. Cook your veggie meats and hash browns, if using. If making homemade waffles, prepare your waffle on a waffle iron and continue to step two to add your toppings.

  2. Once the waffles are semi-toasted, place them on a baking sheet. Spread desired sauce and toppings on top of the waffles. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Everyone has their own pizza favorites, but below are some ideas to inspire delicious creations.

For savory waffles, try these toppings and sauces:

  • Chopped or crumbled veggie bacon
  • Veggie breakfast sausage
  • Shredded hash browns
  • Soyrizo
  • Avocado
  • Tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Capers
  • Salsa
  • Dairy-free cheese shreds or slices
  • Dairy-free cream cheese or spreads

Breakfast Pizza Waffles

For sweet waffles, try these toppings and sauces:

  • Sliced berries and fruit
  • Toasted coconut
  • Chopped nuts
  • Dairy-free mini chocolate chips
  • Mini Dandies vegan marshmallows
  • Hemp, chia, and/or flax seeds
  • CocoWhip
  • Nut butter
  • Jam
  • Agave or maple syrup

 

Breakfast Pizza Waffles

How are you celebrating National Waffle Day? If you make one of these pizzas, please be sure to tag me. I love seeing your creations with my recipes!!

 

Breakfast pizza waffles