@YumUniverse: plant-based recipes, resources and tips for a gluten-free, raw, vegan diet. YumUniverse™

Healthy & Homemade Gifting: Assorted Oatmeals

Written by: Heather Crosby

It’s fun to “gift” goodies, especially post-holidaze when no one is really expecting it. For the new year, show your pals, your family, even your co-workers how easy it can be to make nutrient-rich and delicious breakfast options with this trio of tasty oatmeal recipes (that can be easily made gluten-free if you buy oats from a trusted source for gluten-free oats). I’ve got some free labels that you can print out for the flavor combos below—you just need some sticker stock and some paper or glass containers. Have fun with this one, if you have a dehydrator, you could sprout buckwheat and or quinoa to replace (or add to) the oats. Just share what you come up with (#YUMadeIt)… Read more

Simple Things Sunday: Presence

Written by: Heather Crosby

This is where I will spend my day today. In the calming California desert with some dear friends. It was a trip that I wasn’t so sure we were going to be able to pull off due to schedules, budgets and a few other obstacles, but we made it work. And whatever those obstacles were, they are not even a thought right now. Today is about feeling the sun on my skin, breathing the pink air and laughlaughlaughing with my pals. In the end, I’m so very glad I made this trip work. I’ll be able to clear my mind and quiet down enough to let new ideas come to me. New inspiration. New plans. Read more

Creamy Dairy-Free, Soy-Free Ranch Dressing

Written by: Heather Crosby

This soy-free and dairy-free ranch dressing is part of another recipe I’ll be sharing soon, but I had to get this to you as soon as possible because it is easy to prepare and so deeelicious! I’ve been making ginormous salads with toasted walnuts, hemp seeds, lentil sprouts (if you haven’t made these yet get to it…they couldn’t be easier), chickpeas, buckwheat and steamed sweet potato or butternut squash—a little dressing goes a long way. It stores well in a glass container in the fridge so make a fresh batch and use it all week long. Fresh, homemade dressing is always better than store-bought. Read more

Almond Butter Kelp & Kale Noodles

Written by: Heather Crosby

I found some kelp noodles at a raw foods store in Chicago recently and thought I’d give them a go since I’m trying to eat more sea veggies these days. And since they are the Whole Food of the Month, I know you are too. The texture of these raw noodles is pretty interesting—they are soft yet wirey and have a bit of a snap to them when you bite them, kinda like cabbage. Mixed with the pad-thai-like sauce and soft, chewy kale “noodles”, I think this could be a new favorite dish. Kelp noodles have an incredibly neutral taste and they are a fantastic source of trace minerals like iodine. Give them a try. Read more

Dairy-Free Red Quinoa & Broccoli Quiche

Written by: Heather Crosby

I had to make a pie on the fly recently and luckily found a 2-pack of gluten-free pie crusts at the store—there was no time to make one from scratch. It all worked out great, but I had almost forgotten about that second crust until dinnertime came after a long day last week. I was craving something substantial, yet easy and after gathering up some ingredients from my kitchen, this quiche recipe was born. I encourage you to keep pie crusts in the freezer from now on. Whether they are homemade or store-bought, you can fill them with veggies, legumes and grains and have an easy nutrient-dense meal that will last you all week long. Read more

Simple Things Sunday: Remember

Written by: Heather Crosby