OMNIVORE CHALLENGE: CAULIFLOWER COCONUT "SHRIMP"

Ok, I cannot lie to you guys. This recipe was totally a happy accident. I had the goal of making cauliflower "wings" and they wound up tasting exactly like coconut shrimp...well, minus the shrimp of course!

Because I used my air fryer, and the entire recipe only contains 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, these are a really healthy, low fat (but still super satisfying), and of course, plant based alternative to traditional coconut shrimp.

To create the glaze I used the Pineapple Lime Hot Sauce (warning, it is VERY spicy) from my favorite, Bema and Pa''s - they make the best infused vinegars, salt free spice mixes and sauces!

Here are a few alternatives I think would work great as well:

Hot Sauces
Bravado Spice Pineapple and Habanero Hot Sauce 
High River Sauces, Tears of the Sun
Thai Kitchen Pineapple and Chili Sauce

OMNIVORE CHALLENGE: ORECCHIETTE WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI RABE

A recent conversation with an omnivorous friend who is transitioning to a more plant based diet, inspired a new series - the Omnivore Challenge! I thought it would be a fun way to challenge both myself, as well  friends/family/readers to try and 'veganize' some of their favorite dishes.

My first shot was this Orecchiette pasta with italian sausage and broccoli rabe. This is a super simple, classic Italian dish, that would typically use pork sausage and parmesan cheese. To create a vegan version, I simply swapped in Tofurky's Vegan Italian Sausage  and good ole nutritional yeast!

You may have seen the recipe on my Instagram story, but I wanted to get it up on here for those who missed it. I love this for a super quick dinner, that can seriously be whipped up in 15 minutes! Leftovers were perfect for lunch - I even added a little bit of my favorite tomato basil sauce to switch it up a bit.

Test this out with your omnivorous friends and tell me what they think. Also, please comment below or on my Instagram any favorite dish you'd like veganized!

PLANT BASED DETROIT VEGAN VALENTINE'S DAY GUIDE.

Photo: Jas and Paul Photography
Hair & Makeup: Carley Quill

Whether you're celebrating with a significant other, friends, or even just yourself, it's totally possible to have an indulgent AND kind Valentine's Day! I put together a list of some of my favorite ways to spoil myself and my loved ones - locally and beyond. Even if you waited until the last minute to pick up your Valentine treat, relax! There are so many awesome local places to grab last minute gifts! Spoiling someone abroad? Order online and ship directly to their doorstep!

Have any special treats you love to indulge with? Don't keep it to yourself! Share the wealth in the comments below, or on Instagram.

PLANT BASED DETROIT VEGAN VALENTINE'S DAY GUIDE - CHICAGO EDITION.

My Chicago babes - I didn't forget you either! Read on for the Chicago edition of my vegan Valentine's Day guide.

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH CHERRY STUDDED QUINOA STUFFING.

This weekend in Chicago, a pretty big snowstorm blew through the midwest, and instead of a night out on the town, my college besties and I wound up having a cozy, cook at home night. Using food we already had in the house, we came up with this really yummy, super comforting dish. Not only did this turn out to be really delicious, but just as easy too!

PLANET PROTEIN CHERRY ALMOND FUDGE SMOOTHIE BOWL

As you may already know, I start nearly every day with a green smoothie - I think it's a great way to set the tone for healthy eating all day, as well as insure you're getting loads of nutrients into your diet. Sometimes however, you want something heartier - this is when a smoothie bowl is a great swap. A little thicker, a little more substantial, and if you add the right ingredients, it can really power you through the day.

I recently connected with Brenden Fitzgerald, founder of Planet Protein, via Instagram. As a fellow vegan and Michigander, we hit it off immediately! When he told me about his Planet Protein bars, I knew I needed to try them! Luckily, Brenden was generous enough to send me some to try (thank you!!!), and they're almost gone!

When I tasted the Cherry Almond Fudge flavor I was immediately reminded of one of my favorite smoothies that combines raw cacao and frozen cherries - I knew these two would combine to make a killer smoothie bowl!

This recipe tastes downright indulgent, and could satisfy and chocoholic, but really is packed with tons of clean plant protein (thanks to Planet Protein) and tons of phytonutrients and trace minerals! Seems like a win to me, but give it a try for yourself and let me know what YOU think!