Vegan Taco Pie

This is one of my favorite “lazy dishes” to make on a cool fall evening. It is SOOO satisfying and spicy. My version is different than most, because the crust is incorporated into the dish. This dish is best paired with a cheesy 1980’s thriller movie- I ate mine while watching “The Hitcher”…..that’s right, Ruther Hauer, C. Thomas Howell and Jennifer Jason Leigh. It was good…..both the pie AND movie.

1 package Soyrizo

1 package vegan ground beef

1 large onion, minced

3 large garlic cloves, chopped

2 jalapenos finely chopped

1 15 oz can tomato sauce

1 8 oz can spicy tomato sauce (your favorite brand)

2 tbs chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen or can)

1 cup black olives, chopped

2 tbs oil

2/3 bag corn chips

Start by heating the oil over medium heat; add the onion, jalapeño and sauté for about 5 minutes. Next, add all the ingredients except the chips, corn and olives- cook on low for 10 minutes. Taste the mixture; it should be spicy, but not overly.

Add the chips to a very large mixing bowl, pour the mixture and mix well, try not to crunch up the chips. Add to a large baking dish and top with corn and olives. Bake covered for 30 minutes at 375.

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

I top mine with avocado, fresh tomatoes, vegan sour cream and green onions.

Pear Crumb Pie

I have the EASIEST pie recipe you will bake. Last week while lying around the house, I had this overwhelming craving for an apple pie. I get these cravings every now and again, and they mostly go away- this one did not. Upon inspection of my kitchen, I had all the necessary ingredients to make an apple pie- but no apples. In my refrigerator were 7 pears, and I knew my fancy would be tickled.  The best part about this recipe- you can sub the pears for any fresh fruit (apples, peaches, berries) and the recipe remains the same! Enjoy!

FILLING:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 dash ground nutmeg

6 cups thinly sliced peeled pears

1 tablespoon lemon juice

TOPPING:

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup cold earth balance

CRUST:

1 premade 9” pie crust (use whole-wheat or organic)

Combine filling ingredients; spoon into the crust. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. For topping, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over filling, bake 40 minutes longer. Cover edges with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent overbrowning if necessary.

BAKE THIS ON A COOKIE SHEET! It will bubble over…..