Browsing Tag

Calgary Food blogger

Cinnamon Raisin Zucchini Bread {Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free} | Freshly baked, sliced Zucchini Bread on a wooden serving board surrounded by squash blossoms, cinnamon sticks and cloves | Moist Zucchini Bread Recipe | Easy Cinnamon Raisin Loaf | Best Baking Recipes for Overgrown Garden Zucchini | Zucchini Bread Cake | Healthy Cinnamon Zucchini Bread | What to do with large zucchini | Zucchini Bread with Crispy Top | Calgary Plant Based Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com
Baking, Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dessert & Treats, Food, Garden, Gluten Free, Summer, Vegetarian

CINNAMON RAISIN ZUCCHINI BREAD {Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free}


Friends, I’m absolutely thrilled to bring you my first recipe incorporating produce from our very own Country Garden today! While I took a hiatus from publishing new recipes here at JustineCelina, you better believe I continued my testing and development process offline — and I’m returning to these pages more inspired than ever. You see, back in 2020 my amazing Mom and I embarked on the journey of planting our first (pandemic) garden — something we’d always wanted to do, but seemingly never had time for. Fast forward to summer 2022 and we’ve been fortunate to experience 3 successful gardening seasons full of getting our hands dirty, growing food from seed, enjoying abundant harvests, cooking, baking and recipe making! It brings me great joy to to begin sharing scenes and snippets from our idillic Alberta garden — along with a plethora of fresh, thoroughly tested, plant based, garden-to-table recipes!

Naturally, I wanted my introductory garden-inspired recipe to be a cherished family favourite that I’ve completely revamped to be free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar for those of us with allergies and intolerances — Cinnamon Raisin Zucchini Bread! Deceptively decadent and ultra moist, this comforting, veggie-centric, gently spiced loaf incorporates 2 full cups of zucchini — my absolute favourite way to put overgrown garden goodies to good use. Elevated pantry staples of gluten free flour, golden cane sugar, free range eggs, extra virgin olive oil, oat milk and pure vanilla extract combine with shredded (fresh or frozen) zucchini, sultana raisins, a kiss of cinnamon and a dash of cloves to create a rich, caramelly loaf with a streuselly top. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee for a nourishing breakfast, or as a satiating afternoon snack alongside herbal tea to fuel your day with plant powered energy! 

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20+ Healthy Plant Based Summer Recipes | The Best Healthy Plant Based Recipes for Summer 2021 | Plant Based Recipes on a Budget | Plant Based Dinner Recipes for Beginners | Whole Food Plant Based Recipes | Vegan Summer Recipe Ideas | The Best Refined Sugar Free Summer Cocktails | Summer Recipes Vegetarian | Vegan Gluten-Free Summer Recipes | Summer Meatless Recipes | Easy Vegan Recipes for Summer | Extensively Tested Plant Based Recipes | Calgary Plant Based Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com
Appies & Sides, Baking, Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dessert & Treats, Dinner, Food, Gluten Free, Lunch, Roundups, Salads & Bowls, Smoothies & Juices, Soups, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wine & Cocktails

20+ HEALTHY PLANT BASED SUMMER RECIPES


It’s the height of summer here on the Alberta prairies — and I’m thrilled to bring you another recipe roundup to celebrate the very best ingredients this season has to offer! Summer is my absolute favourite time of year to take a trip to the farmers market or our Country Garden in search of gorgeous produce, herbs and flowers to inspire my culinary creations. My hope is that this post featuring 20+ Healthy Plant Based Summer Recipes also inspires you to do the same, while supporting your local markets, growers and farmers whenever possible! So, I’ve scoured my extensive RECIPE archives to compile this fresh and seasonal summer recipe roundup to include my (and your!) most loved, most made and most featured summer recipes in one convenient location, categorized by meal type and diet for easy browsing reference.

As always, this seasonal recipe round-up features my all-time-favourite summer recipes across culinary categories, from breakfast through happy hour — with lots of snacks, treats, smoothies and juices! My flexitarian recipes are simple, seasonal, free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar and packed full of  fresh, nourishing ingredients — the majority are also vegan or vegetarian (although there is one pesceratian recipe in this roundup!). These whole food dishes are also budget friendly, with many yielding large batches (perfect for families, summer meal prep or batch cooking!). From my kitchen to yours, I hope this roundup of tested-till-perfect, plant based eats and drinks inspires you enjoy and experiment with summer’s bountiful fruits, vegetables, herbs and blooms! Cheers to our most delicious summer yet!

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Raw Red Velvet Vegan Brownies | The Best No Bake Vegan Brownies | Healthy Vegan Brownies | Vegan Brownies With Dates | Chewy Fudgy Vegan Brownie Recipe | Easy Vegan Brownies | Red Velvet Beet Brownies | Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Brownies | Medjool Date Brownies | Decadent Dark Chocolate Vegan Brownies | Raw Vegan Desserts | Shredded Beet Brownies | A stack of 3 brownies on blush pink plates with pink roses and organic leafy beets | Calgary Plant Based Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com
Dairy Free, Dessert & Treats, Food, Gluten Free, Local Love, Paleo, Spring, Vegan, Vegetarian

RAW RED VELVET VEGAN BROWNIES


Chocoholics, this recipe’s for you! I’ve actually had these Raw Red Velvet Vegan Brownies in development since last spring and am so thrilled to finally share it here at JustineCelina. With everything currently happening regarding ingredient accessibility, I rejigged my editorial recipe calendar to prioritize recipes I already had in development made with pantry staples, sturdy produce and simple ingredients — and I knew I wanted to push this one to the top of the list for publication! While I wouldn’t normally publish a more indulgent recipe like this as we head into summer, lately I find myself looking for simple ways to indulge my cravings at home — and these insanely delicious brownies have definitely satisfied my sweet tooth during quarantine! Sometimes, you just need a brownie — am I right?!

I believe you can treat yourself and nourish yourself at the same time — and my Raw Red Velvet Vegan Brownies are a perfect example of that philosophy. They come together with just 8 simple, plant-based, antioxidant packed, anti aging, brain and immune boosting ingredients (yes, including beets!) — and they’re truly one of the most decadent brownies I’ve ever tasted. These easy, no-bake brownies are earthy, fudgy, nutty and brimming with beautiful natural sweetness — plus, they’re free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar. If you’re looking for a fuss-free, fresh, veggie-centric twist on the traditional brownie that comes together in less than half an hour, you’ve come to the right place! The best part? If you have a well-stocked pantry and a beet or two on hand, you can probably make these delicious vegan brownies right now! Who’s ready to whip up some raw, spring-inspired treats? 

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Fall Harvest Bowls with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing | A 30 minute #vegan meal made with seasonal produce and pantry staples | Harvest Grain Bowls | Warm Autumn Grain Bowl Recipe | Healthy Fall Salads | Delish Power Bowl | Easy Healthy Vegan Fall Recipes | Veggie Packed Buddha Bowl | Autumn Veggie Bowl | Fall Plant Based Recipes | Vegan Harvest Bowl Recipe | Fall Bowl Recipes | #glutenfree Harvest Bowl | How to Make Tahini Dressing | Creamy Nutritional Yeast Salad Dressing // JustineCelina.com
Dairy Free, Fall, Food, Gluten Free, Lunch, Salads & Bowls, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

FALL HARVEST BOWLS WITH CREAMY POPPYSEED DRESSING


As autumn comes to a close and the holiday season approaches, I’m back today with my Fall Harvest Bowls with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing — an inventive vegan entrée that combines some of my favourite seasonal ingredients in a nutritious, protein packed bowl! Although it’s been awhile since I’ve published a SALAD or BOWL recipe here at JustineCelina, if you follow along with my Stories, you’ve undoubtedly seen me whip these up almost weekly over the past few months. This recipe was originally conceived back in August when I was yearning for my first taste of fall flavours — and after many rounds of testing to make sure it was just right, I’m eager to share the perfected recipe with you!

My Fall Harvest Bowls with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing are an ultra nourishing, 30 minute vegan meal that beautifully showcase seasonal produce and pantry staples, but can be enjoyed year-round. A bed of baby spinach and arugula houses a hearty melange of black glutinous rice, chick peas, fresh apples and shredded carrots — topped off with a tanini-based Creamy Poppyseed Dressing, dried cranberries and roasted pecans. If you’re into meal prepping, you can also whip up a large batch of rice and multiple batches of dressing on the weekend — and have healthy, effortless weekday dinners and hearty lunch options sorted for the week. Come join me in my kitchen for a fresh, vegan bowl brimming with nutrients that celebrates late autumn while fueling you up for the busy holiday season ahead! 

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Sumac Roasted Carrot Apple Soup | A fruity, exotic twist on an autumnal classic | The Best Vegan Pureed Soup for Fall | Best Autumn Soup Recipes | Dairy Free Pureed Soups | Cozy Fall Soup Recipes | #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan | Pureed Soup in a Vitamix | Roasted Carrot Soup For Fall | Fall Soup with Apples | How to Use Sumac | The Best Sumac Recipes | Sumac Health Benefits | Calgary Food Blogger, Food Stylist and Food Photographer // JustineCelina.com
Dinner, Fall, Food, Gluten Free, Lunch, Paleo, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian

SUMAC ROASTED CARROT APPLE SOUP


Happy Sunday, friends! There’s something synonymous about autumn and a big, velvety bowl of puréed soup, isn’t there? It’s no secret that I love a good puréed soup here at JustineCelina — in fact, this recipe is the fourth one I’ve published! But his fall, I’ve channelled globally inspired flair and a unique, fruit-forward flavour profile into one of my favourite seasonal staples. The changing leaves and cooler temperatures always invoke a desire to spend my Sundays puttering away in the kitchen in a cozy sweater — and that’s exactly how this recipe came together! A jar of sumac arrived in my PC Insiders surprise box last month and I was eager to experiment, but we were running low on groceries — so I combined a handful of seasonal ingredients to create a simple fall soup that allowed the sumac to shine. We enjoyed it for dinner alongside a salad with a delicious glass of late harvest Riesling. After sharing it on Stories and receiving many requests for the recipe, I knew I wanted to bring it to the blog this autumn! 

My Sumac Roasted Carrot Apple Soup is a fruity, exotic twist on an autumnal classic — where seasonal produce staples of carrots, apples, onion and garlic are generously seasoned with sumac and simple spices, roasted to perfection and pureed with creamy cashew milk, vegetable stock, fresh ginger and zingy lemon. This ultra simple, ultra nourishing, family-friendly fall soup is vegan, gluten and refined sugar free and comes together in just one hour with twelve ingredients, including seasonings! If you’re ready to celebrate the height of Canadian apple season and bring some Middle Eastern / North African flair your kitchen, pop out to your local grocery store, pick up some dried sumac (it’s available at Superstore in the bulk section, as well as part of the PC Black Label collection!) and let’s get to work! Sometimes all it takes is a new ingredient to reignite your passion for local, seasonal produce. 

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Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dessert & Treats, Food, Gluten Free, Paleo, Spring, Vegan, Vegetarian

HAZELNUT OATMEAL GOLDEN RAISIN ENERGY BITES


Lately I find myself craving simplicity in all areas of life, including what I fuel my body with. My no-bake Hazelnut Oatmeal Golden Raisin Energy Bites are reminiscent of your favourite cookie, elevated with a healthy, plant based, protein-packed, antioxidant-rich spin! This incredibly easy recipe comes together in just 10 minutes with 9 intensively nourishing ingredients — including fibre-rich quick oats, omega-packed flax meal, my new favourite vanilla protein powder, Bulk Barn’s decadent hazelnut butter (my most recent culinary obsession!), scrumptious golden raisins, pure Canadian maple syrup, creamy vanilla extract, Himalayan pink salt and a kiss of cinnamon. As always, they’re free free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar — and absolutely delish!

I’ve been really inspired in the kitchen lately and have so many recipes I’m excited to share this season, but these golden balls of energy have become a staple (if you follow along with my Stories, you’ll know how many times I’ve whipped these up recently!). I love to meal prep a batch on Sundays to ensure I have a quick snack or post-workout fuel whenever I need it. Sometimes I even make a double batch and freeze them! In fact, I’m headed out to finish photographing the second part of my Spring 2019 Lookbook this afternoon and have a few tucked away in my bag for a quick, nourishing snack on the run. Add the ingredients to your grocery list and whip these tasty little bites up today for a wholesome, nourishing, family-friendly snack you can enjoy all week! Join me today for my new favourite energy bite recipe and a chat about sustainability, zero-waste and the little changes I’ve been making to reduce my environmental impact.

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Dairy Free, Fitness, Food, Gluten Free, Lunch, Salads & Bowls, Spring, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

VEGAN POWER SALAD WITH LEMON DILL DRESSING


Wow, it’s been a hot minute since I published a salad or bowl recipe! As a plant-based eater, I truly live on fruits and vegetables, but often feel many of my everyday meals may be too simple to publish and therefore they don’t make their way to these pages. This winter has been laden with soups, slow cooker creations and tons of roasted vegetables — and as it draws to a close, I find myself craving bright, fresh, spring-inspired flavours! I initially whipped up this salad after a workout (did you know you can browse my favourite home-based workouts here?) when we were low on groceries, so I cleaned out the fridge and rummaged through the pantry to pull together a meal — and the results were surprisingly delicious. When I shared my impromptu lunch over on Stories I received an overwhelming response about your interest in ultra simple lunch ideas! So, I tested these experimental bowls a few more times to make sure they were just right — and they’ve since become an all-time-favourite in the JustineCelina kitchen!

My Vegan Power Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing is a raw, protein packed, ultra simple, seasonless bowl full of plant-based goodness that can be on your table in less than 20 minutes! Chick peas, green lentils, broccoli, orange pepper, red onion, garlic stuffed olives and an abundance of fresh dill combine with a zingy, lemon based dressing to create a powerhouse vegan salad brimming with clean, lean protein, fiber and vitamins. The best part? There’s absolutely no planning ahead or cooking involved and you may just have all the ingredients on hand. Lighten up your weekly meal plan as we transition into spring with this flavourful, herb-forward, hearty salad — prep it this weekend and you’ll have healthy lunches sorted for the week!

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