Author: Stephanie Howard

This month’s recipe Redux is breakfast. So we are all redoing breakfast favorites and making them healthier. The one favorite breakfast food that could use a healthy Redux is sausage gravy.

I made a creamy Nut Gravy out of Brazil Nuts…yes, you read that right, Brazil Nuts.  Those big nuts that always get left in the bottom of the mixed nut can!

We all know that nuts are good healthy fats, but did you know that eating a small handful of nuts each day can add two years to your life!  Brazil nuts are also loaded with selenium which is supposed to also help fight cancer.

So… I guess you are wondering how I made sausage gravy out of Brazil nuts. It’s actually easier than you might think.  You just throw everything in the blender and blend like crazy! The trick is blending it long enough that it is silky smooth.

I like to add a little crumbled vegetarian sausage when it is cooked and serve it over whole grain toast with a colorful fruit salad! It reminds me of good old biscuits and gravy that I ate when I was a kid at the ‘Golden Kettle’.

Nut Gravy

• 2 1/2 cups water, divided
• 1/2 cup Brazil nuts
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
• 3/4 tablespoon Braggs Liquid Aminos or low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoons beef style seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetarian sausage crumbles (optional)

1. Place 2 1/2 cups water and all remaining ingredients in blender.
2. Blend on high until very smooth and creamy, about 4 or 5 minutes; transfer to a medium saucepan.
3. Add remaining 2 1/2 cups water to blender; blend briefly to clean out the blender. Transfer to saucepan with nut mixture.
4. Cook on medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Add optional Scrambled Tofu or sausage crumbles and stir.

Makes 8 servings.

Is everybody off work this week? Why not have a lazy breakfast of Citrus French Toast.  The good news is you don’t have to break your New Years resolution to do it! I mean really…a French toast with no cholesterol and low in fat!

This is one vegan recipe EVERYONE will love! It not only tastes delectable but it has a stunning presentation. It is the perfect breakfast for the non-vegan company around the house this week.

Citrus French Toast

• 2 cups water, divided
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup dates
• 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 loaf whole grain bread

1. Blend cashews with 1 cup water until very smooth and creamy.
2. Add remaining ingredients to blender; blend until smooth. Pour into a flat, shallow dish.
3. Dip each slice of bread in batter and scrape off excess.
4. Place on a hot non-stick griddle and cook until golden brown on both sides.