Saturday, May 27, 2017

Summer Prize Pack Flash Instagram Giveaway featuring Postum!


Since my last post Postum post where I shared the most refreshingly delicious frozen iced coffee recipe, I have been getting so much positive feedback about it and so many of you are interested in trying it (here is the store locator to find Postum in your area! Or read on for a chance to win some too)! I have decided to do a flash giveaway on my Instagram. 

All the details are above, but basically just follow me and Postum on the gram and give the above post a Like! That's it! Here is the link to the instagram giveaway post in case for any reason the above image is not loading properly on your device. And since this is a flash giveaway, the winner will be chosen and announced in just a couple of days, on Tuesday!

Click here for this amazing summery recipe! And make sure to enter the giveaway, it is so quick to do, and you can score an awesome Postum prize pack (both flavors plus two sweet cold cup tumblers, an inflatable pool lounger and floating drink holders!) that you can enjoy all summer long!

Good luck!

Friday, May 26, 2017

Awesome, Easy Holiday Weekend Snacks Using Hummus!



Memorial Day Weekend is notoriously known for consuming empty calories where you ate or "picked" a lot but don't feel satisfied the way you would if you ate an actual sit down meal. I have a solution for that common summer holiday problem - the unofficial meal! When you include Sabra hummus in your entertaining, your snacking or munching is probably as healthy and filling as it gets and becomes a meal, unofficially.

I have created two fun recipes using Sabra hummus and they are so incredibly easy, that you might just want to forgo the usual junky options and go for these instead this holiday weekend.

The first recipe is so elegant and ever so simple that your guests will be thoroughly impressed and you won't break a sweat whatsoever. They are classy and dainty little finger foods that won't get your hands messy as you eat them, and they prove to be an excellent appetizer or snack that feels satisfying like a light meal.



The second recipe is a little more hearty, but will leave your party goers pleasantly surprised! They look so beautiful that people won't imagine that they were simply just a couple ingredients, thrown together in a super effortless way. Another substantial addition to your cookout or gathering that will make guests leave feeling better and not worse.


Ok, for the moment you have all been waiting for... the recipes!




Hummus Stuffed Vegetable Bites


  • Mini cucumbers (as many as you'd like to use appropriate for your crowd size)
  • Cherry tomatoes (as many as you'd like to use appropriate for your crowd size)
  • Sabra hummus in Classic flavor
  • Paprika, to sprinkle on top


Slice cucumbers into 1/2 inch "coins" and cut cherry tomatoes in half. With a small melon ball tool, carefully scoop out a little of the cucumbers and tomatoes leaving room for hummus and making a small "bowl" in them; arrange them on a serving tray or plate. Place hummus into a piping bag with a star tip and pipe the hummus into the cucumber and tomatoes. Sprinkle the tops with a little bit of paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve! They are bite sized so there's no need for tooth picks!



Broiled Olive Tepenade Hummus Stuffed Tomatoes


  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced in half with middles scooped out
  • 8 tablespoons Sabra hummus in Olive Tapenade flavor
  • Dried parsley, optional 


Place scooped out tomato halves on a baking sheet. Dollop 2 tablespoons of the hummus part (not the olive tapenade part that is in the middle of the container) into each tomato half. Then top each half with the olive tapenade found in the center of the hummus container. Sprinkle with parsley, if using, then broil on high for 10- 15 minutes. Serves 4.

These recipes are guaranteed to please! And if you would like more Sabra recipes, please check out my other Sabra post from earlier this month.

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off - I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend! On Memorial Day, and always, I am grateful to the service women and men of America who so bravely and selflessly gave their lives for our safety and freedom.

This blog post was sponsored by Sabra.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Caffeine-free Icy Coffeeccino Recipe



Summer is just around the corner! Here in New England, we have already had days this month where it has been 90 degrees or hotter, can you even believe it? I don't know about you, but I love a refreshing and cold summery beverage this time of year. Many coffee or donut shops serve icy coffee drinks that become really popular now through the fall. There's one shop that makes a good one that I remember before going vegan, but it cannot be made dairy-free, plus it is full of way too much sugar. Another option is a popular coffee chain that can offer these chill drinks vegan-friendly, but they are super expensive and also full of a ton of sugar. I wanted to work on a recipe that will save you money and be healthier for you; I also chose to make it caffeine-free so that anyone can enjoy it! It is also such an easy recipe to make right at home that it isn't such a big deal that you aren't getting it from the drive-thru. Plus, no matter the method, who doesn't love a frozen iced coffee drink?



Like I've said before, Postum, the product I'm using in this recipe to give this caffeine-free beverage the coffee flavor, is a generous 75 servings per container! A much better value since you can make MANY chilled out summer "coffee" drinks with what you would pay for just one at a cafe. Plus you can take it along with you in an insulated cup that is designed for iced coffees or other cold beverages - this really is the perfect drink to bring along to the beach, to take to work or anywhere else you are headed to this summer! Let's dive right into this easy breezy recipe!



Caffeine-free Icy Coffeeccino Recipe featuring Postum

  • 2 teaspoons Postum in Natural Coffee Flavor
  • 6 oz. boiling water
  • Coffee creamer, to taste (I like using a vanilla flavored soy creamer)
  • Sweetener, to taste and optional (my creamer is plenty sweet but sometimes I'll add some sugar, maple syrup, apple nectar, agave or stevia - those are some ideas)
  • 1/8 cup- 1/2 cup ice (this all depends on how icy you want your drink or what your blender can handle)
  • Coconut whipped cream, optional (if you want your 'ccino experience to be just like a barista made it for you, give it a generous dollop!)
  • Chocolate Syrup, optional for drizzling in cup or on top
In a mug designed for hot a beverage, add Postum, carefully pour boiling water in the mug and stir. Allow to cool (if short on time, allow to cool in freezer). Add creamer to reach the desired lightness that you prefer. Add sweetener, if using. Pour into blender, add ice, then blend to desired thickness. Pour into a glass or a to-go cold cup if you are bringing your 'ccino along with you. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with whipped cream, if you are using them, and the lid if you are using a to-go. Now enjoy!



Out of all the delicious Postum recipes that I've created so far, this is definitely my fave for sure! It really reminds me of summer and is so much like the frozen and icy coffee drinks that I remember, but so great that you don't get an overload of sugar and caffeine just to indulge in it!



CLICK HERE to check out my other Postum blog posts. Also, I would like to take requests! What kinds of recipes would you like to see me make using Postum? Challenge me, I can handle any request!

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off - stay cool, my Friends!



This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

Friday, May 19, 2017

DIY 3 Ingredient Beauty Mask


As you probably know if you follow me on social media, I really love beauty and face masks. I always opt for the natural kind and almost always take a selfie to share with you all on twitter!
They are a little pricey. I do realize the benefit is greater than the cost, however wouldn't it be neat to have a DIY way to make them yourself sometimes too?

I really like the coffee flavored beauty masks for the smell and also that light exfoliation, but I don't want to overdo it with the caffeine. I thought, Postum would be the perfect ingredient in this beauty mask and I'm lucky to have it on hand in my pantry! Here's the recipe and my experience with using this DIY mask on my skin.



 What you will need:


  • 2 teaspoons Postum (any flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon sticky sweetener (I used a nectar made from apples to act as a "honey" type product - it worked perfectly!)
  • Sprinkle of sea salt (I used medium-fine, but use whatever you like for your preferred level of exfoliation)

What you will need to do:

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Put mask on hands or face, gently rub to exfoliate a little, then rinse off with warm water and finish by drying your skin and applying your favorite moisturizer. Use immediately and discard any leftovers. This makes one mask, enough for the face or for two hands. 

If you have any allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients, obviously do not make or use this mask. Although the ingredients are all edible and smell awesome, do not eat it, just use the mask for beauty treatments. Also, do not put this in your eyes, nose or ears. This is an external mask to be used for the top of the nose, cheeks, hands, arms, stuff like that. If you notice dry legs, try it on your legs. I will certainly be trying that this summer!



I used this mask on my hands this time. In the winter I tend to get dry skin on my hands that evens itself out this time of year. I noticed a little bit of dryness today, so I used this mask and it made a noticeable difference. With the exfoliation of the Postum grinds and sea salt, then a little moisturizer, my skin felt amazing but not irritated in any way. Plus I love the smell.

Literally three simple and all-natural ingredients make this mask and it feels and smells almost identical to one of the coffee beauty masks I use. I was shocked at how spot-on the texture and consistency was.

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. I hope you get to do some DIY or crafts this weekend - my favorite!!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Onion, Brussels Sprouts and "Bacon" Pizza with Teriyaki Malt Sauce Using Postum



I have been doing Postum recipes that are more on the sweet side, but wanted to play around with a savory recipe using this delicious roasted wheat-bran molasses product. I happened to have my favorite organic prepared pizza dough in the refrigerator, and thought of using Postum in the base sauce for pizza.

I am so happy that I tried this out because it came out phenomenal! The malty richness of Postum really adds something very special to this pizza. I absolutely love the flavor combined with the other ingredients.

Since Postum blends so smoothly, mixing it into the sauce was not only easy but worked so well and was totally seamless. I added a little brown sugar to add a touch more sweetness, to really give this pizza a sweet and savory feel to it. This has to be one of my favorite pizza recipes that I have made recently and I can absolutely see this being a new go-to dinner option for sure. Let's get started!



Onion, Brussels Sprouts and "Bacon" Pizza with Teriyaki Malt Sauce Using Postum

-16 ounces prepared pizza dough
-1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
-1 heaping teaspoon Postum (in either flavor, choose your favorite!)
-1 teaspoon brown sugar
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 small onion, thinly sliced
-2 teaspoons garlic, minced
-1 cup fresh brussels sprouts, cleaned and thinly sliced
-5 sliced veggie bacon, chopped or crumbled
-2 cups vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough to desired thickness to form crust and place in greased and floured pan. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, Postum and sugar; spread evenly on top of dough crust. In a large skillet on medium heat, saute olive oil, onions and garlic until slightly tender, then add sprouts, stirring frequently until tender; sprinkle this mixture on top of pizza crust. Next, top pizza with veggie bacon and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until crust is thoroughly cooked.

Makes 4- 6 servings

Definitely grab yourself a jar of this amazing Postum product and try this recipe out! I am also giving away another Postum prize pack on Instagram very soon, so please stay tuned to my social media and be sure to follow me on there.

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off - I hope your day is savory but of course sweet too!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.


Friday, May 12, 2017

Healthier Takes On Classic Snacks & Apps For National Hummus Day! Everyday I'm Hummus'n!



Tomorrow (May 13th) is National Hummus Day, hooray! I'm celebrating along with Sabra and most of the nation because hummus has saved my vegan butt. I love hummus as it is, right out of the container, but I have particularly enjoyed using it to replace other ingredients in recipes to make dishes healthier but actually add more flavor than ever before. I have done this with so many types of dishes, but to celebrate National Hummus Day, I'd like to share some quick and easy appetizer and snack ideas. These are super simple to whip together, so you can grab some hummus and party along with me! Obviously, my go-to hummus brand is Sabra because they are the best at doing hummus and many other delicious products.



Healthy Hummus Queso Dip

I have always loved cheesy queso dip but I don't like the feeling after eating too much... and let's face it, that dip is addicting. I won't ever stop making vegan queso, but for those times when I really do need to scale back on the fat and cals for a few (and need the nutritional boost that adding Sabra provides), I do my queso with hummus and I do it like this:

  • 1 (10-ounce) container of Sabra Hummus (any flavor but I like Classic or Garlic for queso)
  • 1/2 cup- 1 cup Sabra Salsa (I like using their Restaurant Style in Medium spicy)
Just mix in a bowl - that's it! You can warm it up a little if you like, but I never do. I think the best part of this dip is the refreshing quality it has and it is perfect for summer entertaining.




Creamy Hummus Guacamole Dip

I love creamy guac but usually when you make it creamy, you add sour cream. Well I thought, why not add some more protein and nutrition to an already nutritious ingredient (avocado guacamole)?

  • 1 (10-ounce) container of Sabra Hummus (any flavor, but I like using Classic for this)
  • 1 (8-ounce) container of Sabra Guacamole


Mix together and serve with chips! It doesn't get much easier (or more delicious) to serve and enjoy snacks or appetizers on National Hummus Day!



Tortilla Taco Pinwheel Bites

Sabra came out with this new flavor of hummus, Taco Inspired Hummus with pico de gallo and it is amazing! My mind was racing with ideas for recipes to make using this hummus just after I took one taste of this stuff! I wanted to make a quick snack using it and pinwheels came to mind. I have served this hors d'oeuvre so many times due to the fact that it is so easy to put together but really impressive to serve to guests,

  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup of Sabra Hummus in Taco Inspired flavor
  • 1/4 cup shredded lettuce/ fresh greens
  • 2 tablespoons salsa
  • 4 slices veggie deli style"turkey"
Lay 4 flour tortillas flat and spread each evenly with hummus, sprinkle on olives, lettice and salsa, then place a deli slice on top. Roll each tortilla up tightly, then slice into "wheels", 4- 6 wheels per tortilla, depending on how large you want them. I prefer to make them smaller because when you entertain you don't want guests feeling like they have too big a mouth-full of food as they are chatting and drinking cocktails, so bite-size works awesome.




With these simple recipes, you can see why hummus has become the "unofficial meal" - fresh, filling but also good for you! What I like about the unofficial meal is that it takes the formality out of eating and makes getting together with family or friends fun and entertaining, but you are munching on a food that isn't just "empty" calories like other snacks can be - it really is a good meal. The unofficial meal; I love that.



Stay tuned this month for more hummus recipes from me! I have some recipes that you wouldn't imagine could be made so flavorful but also much healthier for you because of the addition of Sabra hummus.

Everyday I'm Hummus'n


This blog post was sponsored by Sabra.