Combining plump buttery chickpeas with spinach and beets in a creamy coconut milk and tomato gravy with aromatic spices not only puts plenty of flavor on the plate, but also provides for a complete, filling and wonderfully nourishing meal served with fresh cooked white or brown rice or a flat bread. And with curry powder and panch phoran spice blends made up ahead of time, it comes together in no time at all.

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Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian creation that is essentially egg noodle pasta smothered in a rich sauce of butter and Parmesan cheese, and sometimes cream. When I first became a vegetarian, it was one of the only dishes I could eat when dining out, assuming it was on the menu, unless I wanted a boring salad with little substance instead. Of course, now that vegetarianism has become a choice for a much greater number of people worldwide, vegetarian options are more varied in restaurants now than ever before.

But what to do for vegans if they remember this dish and enjoyed it? After all, butter and cheese are off limits. I'm not strictly vegan, so I can still enjoy the classic preparation, and have made it at home, but I wanted to try a vegan version, with the twist of adding some grilled vegetables on the side too with the sauce. Cashews and nutritional yeast to the rescue again! I used shell pasta instead of fettuccine to "cradle" the cashew Alfredo sauce. The result was a filling and comforting chilly weather meal. I didn't miss the cheese and I don't think you will either. As always, nuts and nutritional yeast makes for a nice substitute that is protein rich and wholesomely delicious and satisfying.

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I usually make pumpkin pie at least once a year during the pumpkin season, but this year I found something that is almost as good and much easier to prepare too. Not that I mind making pie crust, but admittedly it does involve far more fuss than whizzing up some fresh pumpkin purée with banana, avocado, pumpkin pie spices and some maple syrup into a smooth vegan pudding. It's sweet, without being overpowering, and rich and creamy. Nothing to feel guilty about while enjoying a serving because everything here is good for you.

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I don't much fuss with breakfast during the week, but on the weekends when there is more time and two of us to sit down for a nice brunch, usually something a little fancier than toast, simple cooked grains and fruit appear on the table. The latest brunch was this delightfully satisfying and easy-to-prepare vegan omelette starring chickpea flour. I typically refrain from eating eggs themselves, but that doesn't mean I can't make something that mimics egg creations and that, in my opinion, is even more enjoyable.

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