We partnered with four specialty chefs who created simple recipes inspired by JUST Infused. We’re happy to share their creations and their reflections on their culinary roots and how they integrated Infused into their creations.

Here we connect with Chef Desirée Daniels, creator behind I Can You Can Vegan, a food blog for recipes to inspire Black women and share her passion for plant-based cooking.

JUST: Where do you currently live?
Desirée: Durham, North Carolina

JUST: How did you get into the culinary space?
Desirée: I felt like there was a void of black creators in the vegan space, so I decided to create a space of my own. I wanted to share with people how accessible and delicious vegan food can be!

JUST: What is your favorite food memory?
Desirée: The holidays! Growing up watching my parents cook and being able to assist with certain dishes myself when I became old enough to do so.

JUST: When you think of the word JUST what does it mean to you?
Desirée: I think of “just the good stuff.” Simple, minimal ingredients.

JUST: Tell us about your recipe and how it pairs back with JUST Infused? 
Desirée: “BBQ Blackberry Meatballs” accentuates the blackberry flavor of JUST organic blackberry infused water. The blackberry preserves used in the vegan meatball recipe is just subtle enough to help bring out the flavor of the infused water. 

JUST: What do you like about this ​infused ​flavor?
Desirée: I love that it’s colorless and the flavor is subtle, yet present enough to pair with a variety of meals.

 

RECIPE:

BBQ Blackberry Vegan Meatballs Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total: 23 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
2-3 tbsp neutral oil (ex: olive oil)
12 oz. frozen vegan meatballs**
1/2 cup blackberry preserves
3/4 cup neutral bbq sauce of choice
2 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp garlic powder
1.5 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley to taste (optional garnish)

**I highly recommend Gardein frozen meatballs for this recipe, they can be found at most grocery stores and have the perfect "meaty" texture and delish! Would definitely fool a meat-eater :)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat a medium-sized pan over medium heat with 2-3 tbsp oil or water.

Once warm, sauté the frozen vegan meatballs until the outsides are lightly browned.

Add in the blackberry preserves, neutral bbq sauce, liquid smoke and all seasonings. Mix with a spoon and bring to a low boil, stirring consistently until the preserves have liquefied.

Once all of the ingredients have combined, reduce to low heat and continue to cook until vegan meatballs are cooked through.

Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Related Articles