Itsyourseason.life

01/15/2026

Generally, we lean into tofu for our Asian‑inspired dishes, but this one drifts toward a French whisper.
Grilled cone cabbage, a lush herbed‑vermouth pan sauce, and crisp, golden tofu that ties it all together.

01/12/2026

Sometimes eating more plants requires knowledge of simple swaps. My husband loves Rosemary Skillet, roasted potatoes and so do I! But has simple swab is purple sweet potatoes.
Same cooking process, more colorful phytonutrients. The rosemary infused oil paired well with the crisp sweetness of the potatoes.
Don't overthink eating differently.!

01/09/2026

Long day, low lift, high comfort.
I tossed together this barley‑lentil hug‑in‑a‑bowl with an herbes‑de‑Provence bouillon cube, a splash of not‑chicken broth, and .official herbed tofu crisped to golden edges.
A whisper of rosemary and… time served.

Batch‑cooking lentils and whole grains, then freezing them, is my quiet rebellion against the 2025 inverted U.S. food pyramid.
Give me lentils, whole grains, and lower‑sat‑fat protein swaps any day.
Tofu didn’t even make the pyramid, but it made my dinner.

plantbased

01/08/2026

January is the season of new beginnings, and Forkful of Fresh Starts invites you to explore plants in a whole new way. In this one‑hour class, you’ll discover fast, flavorful recipes that highlight texture, mouthfeel, and ease. More than just a salad, these dishes are designed to delight your senses—layered broths, hearty grains, and vibrant combinations that prove plant‑based cooking can be simple, satisfying, and fun.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Start Fresh: Embrace January as a time for renewal through accessible, plant‑based cooking.
Experience Texture: Explore the tactile joy of grains, legumes, and vegetables that add satisfying bite and variety.
Go Beyond the Bowl: Reimagine your dish with plating techniques to create hearty, layered dishes with depth and creativity.
https://youtube.com/shorts/7RBVIJUjpxc?si=dt5XHq7JSvf9WtRN
Click here to register now! Hope to see you there!
https://www.learnitlive.com/en/Class/Forkful-of-Fresh-Starts/27709?ref=13811-3a835e0a57ba23a204dea350d2a53bd78d922e8c

Forkful of Fresh StartsJanuary is the season of new beginnings, and Forkful of Fresh Starts invites you to explore plants in a whole new way. In this one‑hou...

01/04/2026

I'm always looking for affordable plant-based options. Day 3 of Veganuary, (I'm behind on posting) was taking this Sprouts Farmers Market ready to eat tofu, rice, kimchi and veg, expanding it a bit with some leftover sweet kale salad mix and Plant-base korean steak bites, and creating a lunch for two.
It was the just enough lunch for Mike and I and I didn't have to cook! Heat, toss, assemble, dig in.

01/02/2026

🌱 Homemade Plant‑Based Yogurt Using Silken Tofu Yogurt Demo
Discover how simple, silky, and satisfying plant‑based yogurt can be. In this quick cooking demonstration, I’ll show you how to transform silken tofu, agave, water, and a plant‑based yogurt starter into a creamy, tangy yogurt you can enjoy for breakfast, snacks, or smoothies.
✨ What you’ll learn:
• How to blend a smooth, dairy‑free yogurt base
• Tips for choosing the right tofu and starter
• How to adjust sweetness and thickness
• Fermentation basics for consistent results

This recipe is perfect for beginners, plant‑curious cooks, and anyone looking for a nourishing, no‑fuss yogurt alternative.
If you enjoy this demo, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to explore more plant‑based possibilities.

🌱 Homemade Plant‑Based Yogurt Using Silken Tofu Yogurt DemoDiscover how simple, silky, and satisfying plant‑based yogurt can be. In this quick cooking dem...

01/02/2026

My version of chicken with fresh basil from a cookbook Quick and Easy Thai.
chicken replacement chunks
I added sugar peas for a bit more crunch. Served over small portion of
Mixed brown rice.
All done in 20 minutes
Minimal ingredients and one saucier and the microwave.
Don't overthink plant based.
Less mess.
Better for the environment.
More compassionate.
Healthy choice.

12/31/2025

For New Year’s, of course it’s black‑eyed peas. We tend to think of BEPs as a Southern thing, but did you know many other cultures celebrate these mighty little peas too?

This soulful bowl is a riff on the BEP recipe from my cookbook—built from those leftover sauces and broths we all stash in tiny jars, transformed into a Greek‑Sardinian–inspired soup ladled over Sardinian fregola.

A splash of not‑chicken broth infused with coriander, cloves, and a bay leaf.
A spoonful of leftover tomato sauce.
A sprig of rosemary.

And did you know urban farmers like here in NoCo are growing BEPs? Finally, a shout‑out to for championing the humble, powerful legume and inspiring us all to eat more beans.

Don’t overthink an easy dish.
Beans—they’re what’s for dinner.

12/29/2025

Beans. They're what's for dinner.
Cannellini beans
Baby Dutch potatoes
aromatics
spinach
Braised in azafran spiced mix and a touch of saffron
Paired well with a baguette and Tempranillo.

12/28/2025

There are a lot of reasons to test out beef substitutes. From increased beef prices, projected population growth, and health, to animal welfare and the environment, meat alternatives are becoming more available and better in quality.
In addition the filet was ready in five minutes. The plant-based sauce took longer than caramelizing the steaks. 😆
Roasted purple potatoes and Brussels sprouts with peas and shallots tossed in garlic infused olive oil.
We eat mostly whole foods, but plant based meat alternatives are a great way to enjoy the holidays and for some, like me at 66, bridge the decades of socialization that animal protein should be first on the plate. That's how I was raised and taught how to prepare a meal. But we all know it is really all about the sauces on the meats, right?😉
What is chicken or pork without aromatics, spices, or cuisine related flavor profiles?
I have my favorite meat alternatives for different applications. Steaks, "chuck" style for fast braising, steak tips, grounds and more. Chicken pieces for breast or thigh, shredded for other applications. No mess in the kitchen if you know what I mean 😉
I love my beans, tofu and whole grains, fruits, nuts and veg, but it's fun to recreate classic dishes like a nice filet with a bourbon peppercorn cream herb sauce for a holiday celebration.
It's not weird. Studies show swapping plant based alternatives for animals improves cardiovascular indices, and it is just plain beneficial for the planet and the animals. How will you move forward in 2026?
Want more faux meat reviews? Visit my website in my bio above.

12/20/2025

This December, we reflect on the meaning of "Noel" and our shared humanity. Join us as we transition into a new chapter focused on plant-forward living for those over 50, embracing vitality and connection through food. Stay tuned for exciting updates, including classes and a cookbook coming in 2026. Let's make the journey of plant-based eating one of joy and wonder.

https://conta.cc/4asznyC

Email from Lisa Boesen Noel, gifts, reflections, and a little cheer! December 2025 Dear , What does "Noel" mean? Good tidings? A new message? A shout of joy? After some research, I've found that it ca

12/19/2025

Looking for easy plant-based ideas for your holiday event? Small to large, these options are for you!

Plant-based and in a bind for what to make for a holiday occasion? Enjoy these savory and sweet ideas to bring easy plant-based options for a few or more! He...