gluten-free recipes

One of my favorite things in life is hosting parties, dinners, and gatherings at home. Cooking delicious, indulgent foods that everyone loves is a big part of that. This vegan queso is so cheesy that no one ever believes it's vegan! But it is! Even better, it's healthy! The main ingredients for this dip are cashews and vegetables--much better than dairy-based dips.

This recipe uses a cashew cream base, and nutritional yeast, tomato paste, carrots, butternut squash, and powdered seasonings bring the flavor. For texture and flavor, I included chopped tomatoes, corn kernels, and a diced jalapeño pepper (but you can use any veggies you'd like for this, or leave them out for a smooth cheesy dip).

At parties, this appetizer sometimes gets overlooked for flashier, more visually interesting dishes. But it always gets finished, because the few people who try it end up eating the whole thing.

I love making this recipe because it's so easy and delicious. The dip can be made in a blender and doesn't need to be heated. And the potatoes just get coated with oil and seasonings, then put in the oven to get all crispy and delicious, while I do practically nothing. That makes it perfect for parties or game day.

Apple crisp is one of my favorite desserts of all time. The tangy apples, sweet brown sugar and cinnamon, combined with a crumbly, crunchy oat topping make the perfect companion to my non-dairy vanilla ice cream.

Today I live in Miami, where it's warm year-round. But when the calendar reads October, I start daydreaming of picking apples at the apple orchard and taking hayrides in the crisp fall air. And, of course, making apple crisp.