Carmelized Onion-Dill Green Beans

Makes 2 servings
2 WW pts/serving

1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp sugar (or Splenda sugar mix)
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 (14-oz) can green beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

In a small skillet, heat oil and add sugar over medium-low heat, stirring to combine. Once sugar is dissolved, add onion. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until onion very tender. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to coat. Cook over medium-low heat for another 5 minutes, or until green beans heated through.

Mustard Mashed Cauliflower

This is a great low-cal alternative to mashed potatoes. I got the idea to add mustard from some episode of Barefoot Contessa. It is really yummy.

Serves 4

1 WW pt/serving

1 head cauliflower

1/4 c. unsweetened almond milk

1 Tbsp Earth Balance buttery spread

2 Tbsp whole grain mustard (such as Grey Poupon)

1 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Bring large pot of water to a boil; add cauliflower. Boil for 20 minutes, or until very tender. Drain and return to pot. Add cooked cauliflower and remaining ingredients in mixer (I am partial to my tangerine-colored Kitchen Aid), and stir on low speed until well blended. Serve immediately.

Sunday Dinner

Day 28. I can't believe January is almost over. This has been a really phenomenal month. So far, I have lost nearly 5 pounds. I have not had a Diet Coke in 28 days. I am sleeping better and have boundless energy. Overall, I pretty much got the bill of goods all you other vegans sold me. Consider me convinced.

Today, I did another marathon cooking session to get us through this week. Yes, we still have frozen sweet potato gnocchi in the freezer - maybe I'll finally make it this week. I also made two types of lasagna: roasted vegetable and mushroom-artichoke (recipes forthcoming). For tonight, I decided to go old-school and do meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Although, with a twist: I did Chow Vegan's Home-Style Vegan Meatloaf, mustard mashed cauliflower, and carmelized onion-dill green beans (the latter two being recipes of my own creation). A decidedly delicious and homey way to end the weekend!