Vegan Banh Mi Sandwich

Believe it or not I have never had an authentic banh mi sandwich (insert sad face here). I’ve been gluten-free for nearly 3 years and I only just learned about banh mi sandwiches last year! So, given many folks don’t carry gluten-free bread I decided to make my own banh mi, and surprisingly it turned out really well. My husband eats banh mi sandwiches from time to time, so I was happy to get his approval on this. He’s no expert of course, but I think he would know a thing or two more than I when it comes to a crunchy, delicious banh mi.

Enough of the small talk, right?

Signature Bowl

This bowl is delicious! and you can easily make it your own by adding a different sauce or dressing. This is my go-to lunch; it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, 5 minutes to eat, and then I am out the door again. It’s quick, simple, healthy, and more importantly, satisfying. Just because lunches have to be “quick” sometimes, that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your health for cheap conveniences. Prepare or prepare to fail (i.e. make your rice ahead of time!) This bowl is loaded with roughly 20 g. of protein and nearly 300 mg of calcium (almost as much as a glass of milk!) So when people say vegans & plantbased folks can’t get enough protein or calcium…I laugh in their face… (okay not literally, but in my mind I do!…sorry, not sorry)

Basil-Pesto Sandwich

There’s nothing quite like a toasted baguette stuffed with your favorite ingredients. When it comes to sandwiches I like my bread toasty and of course, gluten-free. So when I stumbled upon Olivia Superfree baguettes, I knew life was about to change. It’s been years since I’ve had a better than average sandwich — don’t get me wrong, UDI’s is “okay” — but this bread takes the cake. My husband can’t even tell its free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, nut, rice, corn, potato, trans fat, and canola oil…lol…So, what is it made of…Air? Pretty much that and some sorghum flour.

Garden Fresh Rolls & Miso-Ginger Ramen

My stomach has been acting up…I blame it mostly on eating out over the weekend…but don’t get me wrong, I love to eat out!… But sometimes, no matter where you go, if it’s not homemade – you face the consequences. Over the weekend we ate out twice – once for lunch and once for my grandmothers 80th birthday (both in the same day too). The food was great and surely satisfying, but my stomach hasn’t been so happy about it… So – for Monday nights dinner I wanted to make something that would one, be easy on my stomach, and two, something that would be filling post workout.

For dinner I made my Garden Fresh Rolls  – an array of vegetables wrapped in delicious collard greens (instead of rice paper) and dipped in a gluten-free, vegan peanut sauce, and paired alongside a nice steamy bowl of Miso-Ginger Ramen…mmmm.

All things yum and extremely easy.

Spicy Mac & Cheeze

I’ve said it time and time again, there is just no good substitute for the real-deal mac & cheese. I grew up on Kraft, Annie’s, and in my high-school days, Velvetta <— this stuff is seriously “liquid gold” – but my goodness, a heart-attack waiting to happen. Good thing those days are over. Ever since I went gluten-free and dairy-free, back in May 2012, I have longed for a good mac & cheese substitute…. Ladies & gentleman, my prayers have been answered. Let me introduce you to my new friend….

Heidi Ho’s Creamy Chia Cheeze — it’s a 100% plant-based, vegan, & gluten-free cheeze sauce and/or spred.