Sandwiches in Simplicity

Veggie Hummus sandwich pictured here with the best hummus ever (a local brand) and a delicious Earth Fare vegan cookie

A good sandwich can heavenly. The disparate flavors and textures unite together to create a unique flavor experience. There is something simple, satisfying, and down-right magical about a well-made sandwich. It never fails to be an exciting meal for me; maybe because I don’t have it that often.

My favorite sandwiches have grown even simpler since I’ve gone vegan. The ingredients have dropped to a few fresh, healthy items that work together to create a delicious mix of flavors and textures. Many people like a complicated sandwich, piled high with faux meats and condiments. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, but I prefer a more uncomplicated sandwich.

Here are three of my favorite sandwich combinations. Be warned, they are basically the same sandwich with slight alterations. The good thing is, if you are a piler-on of condiments and faux meats, my sandwiches might just be a good starter for you. If you, like me, like an unassuming sandwich - light on the belly and full of flavor - then these babies are for you.

Adapted “Vegan Powerhouse”

In Columbia, MD, there is this adorable café inside David’s Natural Market. Their Vegan Powerhouse sandwich is my absolute favorite. I can’t seem to match the exact awesomeness of this sandwich, but I try. I don’t make it a lot because I don’t buy faux cheese a lot, but sometimes I get that craving and I gotta have it!

2 slices of sprouted grain bread (or whatever bread you love)

1 slice of vegan cheese

Vegan mayo to taste

Tomato

Alfalfa sprouts, lots of it (this is the best part of the sandwich)

Lettuce

Italian seasoning to taste (optional)

Avocado Alfalfa Sandwich

Starting to see a pattern? Do I have an alfalfa sprout obsession or what?

2 slices of sprouted grain bread (or whatever bread you love)

½ an avocado, sliced

Vegan mayo to taste

Tomato

Alfalfa sprouts, lots of it (this is the best part of the sandwich)

Lettuce

Hummus Veggie Sandwich (pictured above) or Hummus Avocado Sandwich

I make this sandwich two different ways. Sometimes, I make it simply a hummus sandwich, but sometimes, I add an avocado. Yum!

2 slices of sprouted grain bread (or whatever bread you love)

Hummus

½ an avocado, sliced (if you’re going for it)

Tomato

Alfalfa sprouts, lots of it (this is the best part of the sandwich)

Lettuce

A Hot Cup of Chai

A single curl of steam curls up off of a cup of chai tea. You breathe in the spices and the warmth, hugging it close to your chest, and then you take that first sip… ahhh.


I love having a cup of tea. It gives me a reminder to take a few minutes to stop and breathe. Enjoying that simple moment in time reminds me to pay attention to the small things in life and not get caught up in my day-to-day worries.

In particular, a great cup of chai tea can truly make your entire body, mind, and soul relax. Those of you who have experienced it know what I mean. Once you begin drinking chai – assuming you like the mixture of its intense spices – then you are hooked. Just a whiff of those spices mingling together can get your attention from across a room.

Everyone has his or her favorite chai tea, and I want to share my three favorites with you.

1. Chocomaya Chai Tea from Chakra 4 Tea (pictured above)

This stuff is insanely delicious. It is chocolately and deeply spicy, with a kick from chipotle pepper. The mix of chocolate, chai, and chipotle will knock your socks off. If you don’t live in Pheonix, AZ where this fantastic restaurant and store is, then you can order the tea off of their website, linked above. It’s pricey at $3.50 an ounce, but it is definitely worth it for an occasional treat.

2. Stash Double Spice Chai

Talk about spicy! The moment this tea hits the hot water, you’ll have people coming in droves wondering what that delicious smell is. This is the kind of tea you want to sink into. Going for only $5.45 (30 tea bags) on their website, this is a cheap indulgence. You can also find it at almost any grocery store or health food store.

3. Indian Chai from Allann Brother’s

For those of you who like milder spices, this tea is the best! It’s a loose leaf chai that smells sweetly of spices without burning your nostrils. Allann Brother’s is a fantastic coffee company out of Oregon.

I hope I inspired you to make a big cup of chai and relax!