Saturday, September 28, 2019

Super Simple Hashbrowns

These hashbrowns are incredibly simple with just 2 ingredients and some optional spices.

Pictured: Hashbrowns with Kale & Avocado Massaged Salad

For years I've tried a lot of different strategies for perfect hashbrowns - and I've repeatedly been disappointed. 
These hashbrowns are super easy (what's better than that? - no shredding, no grating, no rinsing and wringing out potato shreds). I also love that I can just throw these into the oven and forget about them - no tending or flipping or turning...they are a multi-tasker's dream!

And, the golden standard for our home - these are ALWAYS instantly devoured at our house, even by our kids who refuse to eat our plant based offerings. 


1 Package frozen shredded potatoes or hashbrowns* see note
6-13 oz canned coconut milk** see note

Optional
Sea salt to taste
Chopped jalapeno peppers - to taste
Chopped onions or onion powder to taste
Chopped garlic or garlic powder to taste
Black pepper to taste


Pour frozen hashbrowns into a large baking pan lined with a silpat or parchment paper. Depending on package size of potatoes, add enough coconut milk to very lightly/barely coat potatoes (see alternate option below). 
Season to taste with optional ingredients and lightly toss. 
Bake at 375* uncovered for approximately 35-40 minutes, until lightly browned on top. If desired, cook longer until bottom begins to crisp as well. Use oven's covection bake option if available. 

Alternate option - refrigerate coconut milk prior to use. Skim off coconut cream which rises to the top. Lightly melt cream in the microwave for 20 seconds +/- then and pour over potatoes and proceed as above.  



Notes
*When choosing the hashbrowns, make sure to find ones that are just potatoes without any mystery ingredients that are difficult to pronounce. I figure if I can't pronounce it, then it probably shouldn't be in my food. 
**I recommend Trader Joe's Organic coconut milk. It contains two ingredients - coconut and water - no thickeners or mystery chemicals. And yes, I'm probably the lady who cleaned out all of the coconut milk from Trader Joe's just before you got there - so sorry...we stock up every 3-4 months :) 


5 Ingredient, Plant Based Peanut Butter Cookies

Remember those delicious peanut butter cookies from your childhood? 
Here they are, in a simple plant based form. In this case, this means animal/dairy/egg/flour & gluten/oil/processed sugar free cookies. I know...it doesn't seem possible. 
Adding to the wonder - these babies are incredibly quick to make - dare I claim that they can be made and in the oven within 5 minutes? 
Simply add the ingredients to the food processor, push the button, shape into balls, lightly flatten and bake. Viola! 
If that wasn't enough incentive, you might just have all of the ingredients in your pantry already...so really, there's no excuse to not try these out! What are you waiting for? 
Go forth and bake!

1 can chickpeas - also known as garbanzo beans (drained)
1/3-1/2 cup 100% maple syrup
1 1/2 cups natural peanut butter (the kind without added oils or sugars)
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)

Place all ingredients into a food processor and mix until smooth. 
Roll into balls and place on silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheet. 
Use the tines of a fork to add the classic criss cross pattern and slightly flatten cookies (there's no leavening, so they won't rise - don't depress too much). 
Bake in preheated oven at 350* for 12-15 minutes, or until slightly browned on edges. 
Remove to a cooking rack.