summer comfort.

I've been craving foods that are rich and creamy, but it has been so hot this summer that I can't really see myself packing away thick sauces or fatty creams. We love to have vegan Alfredo sauce on our pasta, but my favorite recipe for Alfredo calls for an entire tub of Tofutti Cream Cheese. As awesome as it is,  I just can't handle that heaviness when it's in the 90's outside! So I made a lighter, and dare I say, healthier version of a cream sauce for pasta. Now don't be fooled- this ain't no Alfredo. But it is light, tasty, and it won't make you feel like barfing if you decide to go for a walk after dinner.

These aren't the most appetizing pictures, but I promise the pasta dish tastes great.





Cannellini Bean Sauce for Pasta

1 15 oz. can Cannellini beans, rinsed
1 cup vegetable or "no-chicken" broth
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp Vegenaise

In a food processor, blend all ingredients together until relatively smooth. If sauce is too thick for your liking, add a bit more broth or water to reach desired consistency. That's it! I added this to a skillet of escarole and red bell pepper that had been sauteing in oil with a few basil leaves. Use any veggies you like, and serve over pasta. The broth I use use is pretty salty, but if yours isn't, you may want to add some salt.
Makes for 2-4 generous servings with 1/2 pound of pasta, or 4-6 light servings with one pound of pasta.


Oh! You know what I tried from Veganomicon that was fantastic? Midsummer Corn Chowder.



This chowder is made with sweet summer corn, carrots, potatoes, basil, and tomatoes. It was rich and creamy, but without the addition of any cream-like ingredients. I loved it, and I'm sorry the whole pot is already gone!

Okay, despite the heat I have done a little bit of baking. I had to. I ran across this recipe for Smores Bars using Ricemellow Creme, and I had an open tub of Ricemellow I "needed" to use. This recipe was pretty good, but the crust could use some serious tweaking. I think a sweeter, blondie type of crust with some crumbled graham crackers in it would be great. This crust was just meh. But I really liked how the Ricemellow Creme got all gooey and caramelized. Yum!