Christina-Laia https://christinalaia.com/ MULTI-MEDIA BROADCAST PROFESSIONAL Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:36:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 214552045 Veggie Oat Muffins https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/15/veggie-oat-muffins/ Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:36:16 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11182 The post Veggie Oat Muffins appeared first on Christina-Laia.

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Moist, gluten free, zucchini oat, banana muffins

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • 3 ⅓ cup oat flour blend oats in a high-speed blender until fine
  • 1 ½ Tbsp baking powder aluminum-free
  • ½ tsp baking soda 1 tbsp ground Cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup chocolate chips optional
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
  • 2 carrots and 1 zucchini
  • 3 bananas mashed - this replaces EGGS
  • ¾ cup honey/maple syrup
  • ¾ cup plant milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup coconut oil

Instructions

  • Combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  • Wash, peel, and grate carrots. bananas, zucchinis.
  • Separate dry ingredients and wet ones.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and stir until just combined. Don’t over mix it.
  • Use muffins tins in a tray. Fill each about 3/4 full. Your final number of muffins may vary depending on the size of your muffin tins.
  • Bake the muffins for about 25 minutes. at 350 degrees.
  • Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.

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Tomato Orzo https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/creamy-cherry-tomato-orzo/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:27:53 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11049   A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked in a rich, velvety sauce made with juicy cherry tomatoes.

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Mediterranean Creamy Cherry Tomato Orzo

A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked in a rich, velvety sauce made with juicy cherry tomatoes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves sliced
  • 400 g cherry tomateos
  • ½ cup cream/coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup Orzo
  • large basil leaves sliced
  • ½ lemon juice + zest
  • 50 g pecorino romano
  • salt + pepper

Instructions

  • Bring the olive oil to medium heat in a large fry pan.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for 4 minutes or until soft and jammy.
  • Add the cream, chicken stock, orzo and a generous amount of salt and pepper and stir.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook on a low simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the orzo is plump and cooked and 80% of the liquid has been absorbed. Add a little more chicken stock if needed.
  • Take off the heat and stir through the basil, lemon juice and zest, and Pecorino Romano.

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Mediterranean Tacos https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/mediterranean-style-tacos/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:08:43 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11036   A fresh and flavorful fusion of Mediterranean ingredients wrapped in a soft tortilla or pita. They combine bold spices, creamy sauces, and vibrant toppings …

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Delicious, Hearty Mediterranean Style Tacos

A fresh and flavorful fusion of Mediterranean ingredients wrapped in a soft tortilla or pita. They combine bold spices, creamy sauces, and vibrant toppings for a delicious twist on classic tacos.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • tortillas or taco shells
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups spinach
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ cup red onion minced
  • ½ English cucumber diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • ½ cup feta crumbled
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • hummus of choice
  • tzatziki to drizzle optional

Instructions

  • Pour 1 tbsp olive oil into a cast iron or nonstick skillet. Add ground meat, salt, pepper and oregano. Mix well, and break up meat into chunks.
  • Add spinach and garlic. Completely cook meat through, and wilt spinach. Set aside.
  • To a bowl, add cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, red wine vinegar and 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss together.
  • You can spread a layer of hummus on your tortillas or taco shells if you desire.
  • Spoon on ground meat mixture.
  • Top cucumber, tomato, olive and feta mixture.
  • Sprinkle with mint and dill.
  • Drizzle with tzatziki if desired.

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Mini Pot Pies https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/mini-vegan-pot-pies-with-potato-crust/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:05:50 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11031   A comforting, bite-sized savory pies filled with a hearty vegetable and plant-based gravy mixture, all topped with a creamy, golden mashed potato crust instead …

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Mini Veggie Pot Pies with Potato Crust

A comforting, bite-sized savory pies filled with a hearty vegetable and plant-based gravy mixture, all topped with a creamy, golden mashed potato crust instead of traditional pastry.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 lb potato peeled and diced
  • 2 large carrots peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 4 ounces green beans cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 large celery ribs chopped
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 can chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Prep the veggies: Peel and chop the onion and garlic.
  • Wash and chop the celery.
  • Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes (large for topping), then slice the carrots.
  • Set aside the fresh, frozen, or canned peas and corn.
  • Cut the mushrooms.
  • Cooking the stew: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and onion and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the chopped garlic and cook for a few seconds.
  • Add the sliced carrot, diced celery stalk, mushrooms, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Stir the herbs and spices over the veggies.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and onion and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the chopped garlic and cook for a few seconds.
  • Add the sliced carrot, diced celery stalk, shredded oyster mushrooms, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir the herbs and spices over the veggies.
  • Add dairy-free milk and veggie broth and bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, add the diced potatoes. Cover the stew with a lid and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add the green peas and the sweet corn. Gently stir a couple of times.
  • To thicken the stew, mix some cornstarch and the milk from the stew in a separate bowl.
  • Stir it into the pot and bring it to a simmer. Stop when the stew is thick.
  • Take 4 mini bowls and place veggie stew in.
  • Take large potato slices or mash the potatoes, then add on top to cover and add some olive oil brushing it on.
  • Add thyme on top of each and bake in oven.
  • You can add vegan or other cheese on top when baking also.

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Chick Pea Pasta https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/chick-pea-pesto-pasta/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:01:17 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11025   Chickpea pesto pasta is a delicious, protein-packed twist on traditional pesto pasta.

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Creamy, Punchy, Chick Pea Pesto Pasta

Chickpea pesto pasta is a delicious, protein-packed twist on traditional pesto pasta.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 lb rotini penne, farfalle or other short pasta
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 heaping cup grape or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 15.5 oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • cup pesto make pesto before
  • cup Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • ½ cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for a smoother pesto
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

  • For the pesto: In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper and pulse until well chopped.
  • Add the basil and pulse until combined.
  • With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, if using, and pulse to briefly combine. For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.
  • For the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Drop the pasta into the water and cook for 1 minute less than package directions.
  • Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain. Return the pasta to the pot.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant, then add the tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to soften. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Increase the heat to medium, add the chickpeas and season with salt and pepper. Cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes, then mash half of them with the back of a spoon or a potato masher. Give everything another stir, then stir in the red wine vinegar and the pesto. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
  • Add the chickpea pesto mixture to the pot with with pasta, along with 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly and adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed (you may not use the full 1 1/2 cups), until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce is creamy and emulsified, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the butter until it melts. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.
  • Serve in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and pepper.

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Garlic Noodles https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/vegan-garlic-noodles/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:30:44 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11018   A quick and flavorful dish, perfect for garlic lovers!

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Easy, sweet, salty, and super garlicky, Vegan Garlic Noodles

A quick and flavorful dish, perfect for garlic lovers!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta of choice
  • 1 small head garlic minced or slice cloves thinly (use less or more to taste)
  • ½ bunch green onions sliced (separate white and green parts)
  • ½ cup canned coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tsp hoisin sauce optional

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin cooking your pasta in a large pot on the stove. When the pasta is fully cooked, drain it and return it to the pot until the sauce is ready. Everything else can be made in the meantime.
  • Prep Garlic and Onion: Chop your garlic and green onions, keeping the green parts of the onion separate from the white parts.
  • Cook the Garlic and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, empty for 1 minute. Then add the garlic with a tablespoon of water. Stir. When the garlic starts to stick, add a touch more water.
  • Cook the garlic until very fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Now add the white parts of the onion, adding a tablespoon of water if needed.
  • Saute for 3 minutes, stirring often and adding a splash of water if it sticks.
  • Put It All Together: Add the coconut milk and tamari or soy sauce.
  • Stir well and heat for one minute. Then add the green parts of the onion and stir well.
  • Finally, add the pasta into the skillet and toss well with tongs or forks.

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Tuscan Shrimp https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/tuscan-shrimp/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:28:01 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11014   A decadent and flavorful dish known for its creamy, rich sauce and bold Tuscan-inspired ingredients.

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'Marry Me' Tuscan Style Shrimp

A decadent and flavorful dish known for its creamy, rich sauce and bold Tuscan-inspired ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds medium shrimp tail on (wild caught if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • ¼ cup julienne cut sun dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons capers drained
  • ¾ cup heavy cream or half and half
  • ¼ cup milk of choice
  • 2 cups baby spinach loosely packed
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • 2 lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Place it in a bowl and mix with ¾ teaspoon of the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a few grinds of black pepper.
  • Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat.
  • Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just opaque and nearly cooked through, turning them with tongs (they will become fully cooked when adding back to the sauce at the end). Remove to a plate.
  • Place the pan over low heat and melt the butter. Then add the minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is lightly browned and fragrant.
  • Add the capers, cream, milk, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute, then return the shrimp to the pan and warm it for about 1 minute, spooning the sauce over the shrimp.
  • Serve topped with the sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • If serving with pasta: add in 8 ounces pasta cooked al dente along with ¼ cup of reserved pasta water into the pan of shrimp once they are cooked. Gently mix through the sauce until combined. Serve immediately.
  • Serve it over mashed potatoes , white rice or orzo or couscous

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Pork & Pasta https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/pork-pasta/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:21:59 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11005   A hearty and flavorful pasta dish that features savory ground pork cooked with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and a rich sauce. It’s a comforting meal …

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Creamy One-Pot Pork & Pasta

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish that features savory ground pork cooked with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and a rich sauce. It’s a comforting meal that's perfect for a cozy dinner or weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 398 mL can finely chopped tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 4 cups farfalle pasta
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute for 2 minutes or until they've softened. Add the salt and minced garlic and saute for another minute.
  • Add the ground pork, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano to the pot.
  • Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, making sure to break the pork apart with a wooden spoon as you cook.
  • Add the tomato paste, canned chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot.
  • Add the shredded parmesan cheese and coconut milk.
  • Give everything a good stir and bring to a gentle simmer, around 5 minutes, lowering the heat if needed.
  • Once the pot has started simmering, add the pasta and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring throughout, or until the pasta is cooked through.
  • Add the frozen peas to the pot and stir until the peas are cooked through, approximately one minute.
  • Garnish with additional parmesan and basil if desired.

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Pan Bagnat https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/pan-bagnat/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:19:06 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=11001   Pan Bagnat is a protein-packed tuna sandwich from Nice, France.

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Pan Bagnat French Tuna Sandwich

Pan Bagnat is a protein-packed tuna sandwich from Nice, France.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 24 hours
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 loaf day-old crusty French bread split in half lengthwise
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes sliced, divided
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch salt to taste
  • cup thinly sliced red onion
  • cup sliced green olives
  • cup sliced black olives
  • ½ cup thinly sliced banana peppers
  • 1 ½ cups olive oil-packed tuna broken into large chunks
  • 8 oil-packed anchovy fillets optional
  • 1 tablespoon drained capers optional
  • 2 medium hard-boiled eggs sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or to taste

Instructions

  • Stir garlic into the olive oil and set aside.
  • Partially hollow out the bread by pulling out about 50% of the insides. Brush the bread very generously with the garlic olive oil, reserving about 1 tablespoon for later use.
  • Begin building the sandwich by placing a layer of sliced tomatoes on the bottom half, covering it completely. Season with salt and pepper. Top with sliced onion, olives, and banana peppers.
  • Crumble the tuna over the top, pressing down slightly so it stays in place. Be sure to go as close to the edges as possible. Top with anchovy filets, capers, sliced eggs, and basil leaves. Top with another layer of tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with vinegar and reserved garlic olive oil.
  • Place the top half of the loaf on and press firmly to compress the ingredients. Wrap in several layers of plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil, ending with seams at the top.
  • Place into a large pan and place a sheet pan over the top. Weigh down with heavy cans, pots, a cast iron pan, or a cutting board, to press the sandwich as evenly as possible.
  • Place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or up to overnight, turning halfway through if possible. Unwrap, slice, and serve.

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Banana Bread https://christinalaia.com/2025/03/11/banana-bread/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:04:57 +0000 https://christinalaia.com/?p=10994   A moist, tender twist on the classic banana bread, where creamy yogurt is added to the batter for extra moisture and a subtle tang.

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Moist Eggless Banana Bread with Yogurt

A moist, tender twist on the classic banana bread, where creamy yogurt is added to the batter for extra moisture and a subtle tang.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 10 slices

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cup flour
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg optional
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup greek yogurt
  • ½ cup oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350F then line a 8.5×4.5 loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mash the bananas then whisk in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract and oil untlil combined with 3 ripe bananas,½ cup granulated sugar,⅓ cup brown sugar,¼ cup greek yogurt or sour cream, ½ cup oil,1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Add in the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • 1 & ¾ cup flour,2 teaspoon cinnamon,½ teaspoon nutmeg,2 teaspoon baking powder,½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 53-55 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the loaf to cool down before slicing.

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