*photo credit: Ashley Melillo
One of my favorite bloggers is Ashley from Blissful Basil. Not only does she churn out gorgeous blogposts, but she is one of the sweetest people ever and I am so happy to have gotten to know her via the virtual blogging community.
And today I am celebrating Ashley by raving about her new cookbook, Blissful Basil, Over 100 Plant-Powered Recipes to Unearth Vibrancy, Health and Happiness.
Today I am offering up my review, a giveaway opportunity and an entree recipe from Ashley's book!..
*photo credit: Victoria Sprung of Sprung Photo
*photo credit: Ashley Melillo
Book Review. I love this book so much! Here are some of my favorite things about it..
* The Photos. I love that Ashley did all the photography herself for her book. I did that for both my books and know how challenging and stressful it can be, but in the end it is pretty satisfying to have that "photography by" credit. Ans Ashley's photos are unique because they are so darn pretty! Instagram perfect and oh so colorful. Yet even though her food is beyond beautiful, it still looks accessible. That is so important for a cookbook, especially a vegan cookbook.
* The Stories. I love Ashley's writing so much! Her voice is so playful and kind and wise. I adore her opening Introduction section "Rooted Habits" where she candidly talks about her personal journey with anxiety. It is a beautiful extension of her diet and plant-based journey.
* The Food!! The recipes are of course the best part of any good cookbook and Ashley does not fail to impress. Everything from her decadent yet healthy desserts and amazing entree ideas, appetizer, sandwiches, soups and more - delicious! I can't wait to try her Sloppy Shiitakes, Pile 'Em High Epic Nachos, Simple Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze, the Fava Bean Salad with Lemony Parmesan Vinaigrette, the Mushroom-Lentil Sliders with herbed hemp aioli, the Enlivening Lemon Bars and the gorgeous stack of "And Ode to Ohio" Peanut Butter Cookie Dough + Caramel Buckeye Bars! Oh my.
* Labeling. I love that Ashley's book labels each recipe with things like gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, nut-free, oil-free, refined-sugar-free, raw and even options for all of those. This is so helpful to someone with an extra special diet.
Snag a copy of Ashley's book on Amazon!
*photo credit: Ashley Melillo
*photo credit: Ashley Melillo
*photo credit: Ashley Melillo
And lastly, I was so happy to be included in the "Praise for Blissful Basil" section of the book, here is what I said about Ashley's book and work..
"Ashley's Blissful Basil cookbook is beyond beautiful! Ashley is one of my all-time favorite bloggers and now authors because her recipes are always colorful, nourishing and inspiring. I love that Ashley's cookbook contains loads of comfort food favorites like nachos and creamy soups, as well as creative plant-based classics like morning smoothies and chia bowls, beet balls, dairy-free cheese, and more! Along with her delicious recipes, she adds a beautiful piece of her soul to each project." - Me
Cookbook Giveaway. So with that, I am offering a cookbook giveaway! All you have to do to enter:
1. (mandatory) Leave a comment below on this post -> share one way you #honoryourbliss. That is Ashley's hashtag for this book and I love it! You can share anything from things or experiences that make you feel happy, or ways you embrace BLISS in your everyday life (yoga, cooking, long walks, family, friends..), or even share who inspires you and how! Whatever BLISS means to you, share that.
2. (optional) Share this post. If you share this post anywhere online (twitter, facebook, instagram..) put a #shared note in your comment and your entry will count for two entries.
Winner: One person will be randomly chosen on January 20th, 2017. USA and Canada only please.
*photo credit: Victoria Sprung of Sprung Photo
And finally... a taste from Ashley's book... a recipe! This Easy Does It Sunday Evening Chili looks so cozy and satisfying, plus it is perfect for winter weather and jam packed with nutrients!
Easy Does It Sunday Evening Chili
By Published 01/09/2017
This vegan chili can be enjoyed any day of the week!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon cold-pressed olive oil or veggie broth
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
- 1 medium poblano pepper, cored, seeded and diced
- 1 cup raw walnut pieces*
- 3 ounces, no-salt-added, dry-packed sun dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 (28oz cans) unsalted whole peeled tomatoes in juice
- 2 (15oz cans) kidney beans, drain and rinsed
- 1 (15oz can) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1-2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoon reduced sodium tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or coconut sugar
- Toppings:
- sliced avocado
- halved grape tomatoes
- thinly sliced scallions
- fresh cilantro, stemmed and chopped
- crushed tortilla chips
- cashew sour cream (below)
- *to keep the dish nut-free, use raw shelled sunflower seeds instead of walnuts and omit cashew sour cream
- Cashew Sour Cream:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ½ - ¾ cup filtered water
- 1 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon tahini
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, red peppers, and poblano pepper, and sauté for 6 minutes, or until the peppers are just beginning to soften and the onions are generously flecked with golden-brown edges, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, add the walnuts and sun-dried tomatoes to a food processor and pulse 30 times, or until roughly minced and crumbly. Transfer to the stockpot along with the garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, sea salt, and coriander. Decrease the heat to medium-low and sauté for 4 minutes, or until the spices are wafting a rich, toasted scent, stirring frequently.
- Add the whole peeled tomatoes with juice and bring to a simmer, using a spoon to thoroughly crush them to the desired size as they heat. Add the kidney beans, black beans, and water, and continue to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Then, stir in the balsamic vinegar, tamari, and maple syrup, and decrease the heat to medium-low. Partially cover, leaving the lid askew, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. - Cover completely and continue to simmer for at least another 45 minutes but preferably 1 hour or longer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Taste and season with more sea salt, if desired.
- Ladle into bowls, layer on the toppings, and get cozy. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Cashew Sour Cream: Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high for 2–3 minutes, or until completely smooth. Transfer to an airtight jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yield: 6+Prep Time: 00 hrs. 15 mins. Cook time: 01 hrs. 15 mins. Total time: 1 hrs. 30 mins. Tags: chili,vegan,vegetarian,
* This recipe reprinted from Blissful Basil by arrangement with BenBella Books. Copyright © 2016, Ashley Melillo.
Buy Blissful Basil on Amazon.
All photos above from Blissful Basil by arrangement with BenBella Books. Copyright © 2016, Ashley Melillo.
Karen D says
I love to be in the kitchen experimenting with new ideas #honoryourbliss
#shared on twitter (@KDFF)
Stefanie says
I go to the beach to relax and spend time with friends. #honoryourbliss
Ellen says
I honor my bliss by making cookie dough solely for the sake of eating the dough.
Nicole S says
I honour my bliss by spending time on the couch with library books and tea.
Janet T says
I honor my bliss by daily kisses for my husband
Karen says
I #honormybliss by writing down something I'm grateful for every day. #shared on Twitter
Jessica Piekenbrock says
I honor my bliss through little everyday rituals like hot tea, yoga, running, and baking/cooking dinner with my husband 🙂
Amanda Hunter says
I honor my bliss by laughing with my husband and daughters and running.
janet says
I honor my bliss by eating healthy. I look forward to winning so I cam incorporate Ashley's recipes into my diet.
Melissa Atlas says
I #honormybliss by eating foods that I love every day -- including lots of chocolate!
#shared on Pinterest.
saniel says
I #honormybliss by sipping hot tea with no social media interactions. Relax, relate release
The MidCentury Vegan says
I find it blissful to take some time each day to read through favorite cooking blogs or cookbooks. I #shared this on Twitter.
Karlie @ Karlcooks.com says
Amazing! I #honormybliss by implementing self care every day! Showers, meditation, walks with podcasts, and yoga
Olga says
I #honormybliss by making nourishing food for my family, lavender infused baths and following beautiful inspiring blogs such as yours 🙂
Saran Dan says
Thank you so much for this beautiful opportunity! I #honormybliss by making beautiful vegan meals for my non vegan family 🙂
Charity Banman says
I #honormybliss by giving myself some alone time each day, which isn't always easy with two kids
Terri Jones Cole says
I #honormybliss by eating a plant-based diet. What has brought me the most bliss this year is a tiny human, my first grandchild, Lucinda Grace!
#shared on FB and Twitter
Denise says
I #honormybliss by finding joy in the little things.....and my making my granddaughter laugh.
Cici says
It took me years to admit I had anxiety issues. What surprised me was once I did, the things that made me happy and calm were a lot easier to identify. I #honormybliss with a vegan diet, the gym, walks, and joking with my husband.
Andrea says
I #honormybliss by being outside as much as possible and the best of the best of that is during the heat of summer at the beach! ...I'm swooning just thinking about it 😀
Anonymous says
I #honormybliss by reading and spending time outside.
Rachel Rose Bee says
What a beautiful cookbook! I #honormybliss by reading books daily, cooking food for family and friends, and gardening.
Amelia says
I #honormybliss by growing my own food and sharing with others! Thanks for the opportunity. I love the blissful basil blog!
Melissa says
My bliss is running, yoga, and walking my dogs (or really any time spent with my dogs 🙂 )
Natalia M. says
I honor my bliss by embracing the plant-based style and sharing how delicious it can be with my family and friends. I made brownies for my co-worker's birthday the other day, and everyone who tried them were shocked that they're vegan. All of the women especially who have been baking for years, said they cannot imagine baking anything without eggs. I realize I most likely won't convert everyone around me to veganism, but shedding some light on the delicious possibilities with plants and educating people one brownie at a time is still well worth it!
Sheelagh says
Looks like an incredible recipe and love the photos! My bliss is spending time with my family. Looking for more ways to spend time with them in 2017 so I can honor the pure joy and love they bring me more often. 🙂
Cindi says
This book looks amazing! My blissful moments are definitely cooking & my grand daughters!!
Alethea Bonin Copelas says
I honor my bliss by lighting some incense, curling up under my favorite fuzzy blanket and listening to music or reading an inspirational book. As a chef, food also brings me bliss every day!
Van says
I love Ashley's blog, and her recipes are always interesting and tasty.
I #honormybliss by letting myself get lost in a book once a day (usually...). #shared
Faye Chow says
I honor my bliss by going in long walks in the woods and spending time with family and friends. And of course, by cooking yummy food!
Shira says
I honor my bliss by trying to read for pleasure. It's tough with a full-time job and 3 young kids, but I do my reading on my train ride to and from work. And a lot of that reading is of vegan cookbooks on my kindle and vegan blogs!
DeanneO says
I honor my bliss by saving abandoned kitties in my neighborhood. I get them fixed and vetted and offer them a loving forever home. We are low on money but large on love. I honor my bliss by feeding the birds and offering them shelter from the elements and a place to raise their young. I honor my bliss by having shelters for shy abandoned cats on my property during the cold weather months and feed and keep them with fresh water. I honor my bliss by being Vegan, doing yoga and meditating and praying that the world will be better for animals and nature. Animals are my life. They are my bliss.
disqus_n6P3gaQ2GK says
Wow! This new book looks AMAZING! I honor my bliss by shopping and eating consciously! #honoryourbliss
Stacey Bradford says
To honor my bliss I create my own creations in the kitchen while rocking out to music.
Dianne Wenz says
I honor my bliss by cooking delicious and nutritious vegan food!
Kimmy Ripley says
#shared on Pinterest (stoopidgerl) #honoryourbliss
Kimmy Ripley says
Cooking is my #1 passion in life. I would love this cookbook. I am a huge fan of basil. I'm cooking spaghetti sauce right now with some fresh basil inside. Love the aroma! #honoryourbliss
Kelsey G says
#honormybliss
Taking the time for a devotional everyday.
Dana says
I #honormybliss by taking a long walk with my sweet mutt everyday,
Steph says
I lay in bed and smell my babies #honoryourbliss
Julie says
I #honormybliss with a walk outside to start my day every morning. #shared
Liz S. says
I #honormybliss everyday with a workout and time to meditate. Both are equally important for body and mind balance, in my opinion and experience. #shared
gail says
move - walk, ride, hike everyday.
Bianca says
i #honormybliss by making sure I get my workouts in! no matter what!
nicole40 says
I #honormybliss by cooking healthy vegan meals and treats for my family on my days off #shared
Kelsey Thompson says
I honor my bliss with a daily am yoga practice! Best way to start the day!
Valeria Graves says
I #honormybliss by making healthy, yet delicious plant based meals, with my husband.
Krista says
Gorgeous photos! I honor my bliss by doing a job I love every day.
Annamarie Behring says
Thank you for this wonderful post! One way I honor my bliss is my creating paintings. It makes me so happy!
Danielle says
I honor my bliss by giving my husband and kids a goodbye hug and kiss every morning before they leave. I like to think it starts everyone off on a good note! 🙂
Maggie B says
I #honormybliss by breathing deeply, gathering up my anxiety in my chest, acknowledging it, and then pushing it out into the world to dissipate. Then I cuddle next to my husband with a good book and a kitten on my lap 🙂
I #shared this post on twitter, handle @MagiB
Thanks so much for this lovely recipe! It looks amazing, and perfect for the weather 🙂
Sara Klink says
My bliss is sharing silly moments with my daughter. For example we went out by ourselves, sledding in 13 degree weather last night! We had a blast and laughed so much!
Kathy Patalsky says
Aw I LOVE that Sara! I want to go sledding with you two now! 🙂
Taylor says
I #honormybliss by spending some part of each day being active--walking at my local park, yoga, and going to the gym being my favorites!
Kristyn Martin says
I #honormybliss by spending time with my family!
Kathy Patalsky says
Lovely thank you for sharing! Family is the best 😊
Elin Roberts says
I #honormybliss by spending time with my cats, and annoying people on IG with pictures of them.
Kathy Patalsky says
Haha yes I do that too 👌😹 perfect way to honor your own bliss! Lol