I know what it's like to have nothing to eat at a party. (Or worse-nothing to eat but hummus. ENOUGH WITH THE HUMMUS.) So when I hosted my dear friend SK's baby shower a few weeks ago, I was determined to put together a menu that (almost) everyone could enjoy. I tweaked a few of my go-to party recipes to make them gluten free as well as vegan, and the guests loved it. The most popular items on the menu? Fiesta Bean Dip, Vegan Chickpea Salad w/gluten-free crackers, and these Cranberry Cream ... View the Post
The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush
(Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor or health professional, but my husband is a lawyer. :) The following information is just sharing my personal experience. None of this constitutes medical advice, nor should it be used as an instructional guide for doing the cleanse. If you're interested, check out the full book I link to below and always consult your physician before starting any new diet or exercise program.) About a year ago I did a five-day juice cleanse and absolutely loved it. I had amazing ... View the Post
The Joy of Vegan Baking’s Peanut Butter Cookies
I'm a woman of habit. When I find recipes I like, I just make the same ones over and over again. Anyone else feel me? So...it took me about 2 years before I stopped turning to page 110 of Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's cookbook, "The Joy of Vegan Baking," for the yummy Chocolate Chip Cookies and finally tried the Peanut Butter Cookies instead. Of course, when you try new things you are usually pleasantly surprised at how much fun it is. Now when I go to bake something yummy, I have a hard time ... View the Post
15-Minute Vegan Chili
Sometimes you just need a quick throw-it-in-a-pot-and-be-done recipe. After moving last weekend, Daniel and I needed something super quick and easy for lunch today amidst boxes, bouncy chairs and laundry. Plus, it's cloudy and cool again in Charlotte (is someone flipping the heat switch on and off?) so I need to use up all my "wintery" food before going crazy with the kale again this spring. I usually enjoy using all my own spices but I bumped into this vegetarian chili seasoning mix at Whole ... View the Post
Valentine’s Date Night In: Vegan Portobello Steaks
I have to admit, a lot of Patrick and my's "fun money" goes to eating out each month. I love nothing more than ordering takeout on a Friday night and cuddling up on the couch with a movie. (Or Friends/Grey's Anatomy.) Sometimes my social butterfly husband can even convince me to put on real pants and go out to a "fancy" restaurant, but that's not very often. My couch is just REALLY comfortable y'all. Plus, most of the shmancy restaurants in Charlotte don't even have vegetarian options, much ... View the Post
Plant-Powered Families’ Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
First of all, I've always said it, "spinach and artichoke" dip, though on Pinterest you'll find a lot of recipes titled "Artichoke Spinach Dip". Spinach sounds like it must go first right? There are unsaid rules about word pairings and if you mess with them, there could be consequences. I mean try saying: Pepper and salt Gentleman and ladies Jelly and peanut butter Eve and Adam Breakfast and bed Found and lost If my list is driving you crazy, get your fix of the correct ... View the Post
Soup-er Bowl Sunday Recipes: Spinach Chickpea Soup
"YAY SPORTS!" said Ensley never. Unless the sport we're talking about is endurance reading, or seeing how long I can stay in my pajamas on the weekends. Those I'm into. The Superbowl? Not as much. If y'all remember this post about my struggle during football season, I'll give you an update: nothing's changed. Unless the Gators are playing, I'd pretty much rather be doing anything else than sitting in front of a television and watching a bunch of dudes run around with a ball. With that ... View the Post
Vegan Veggie Pot Pie
You couldn't tell that I ate a lot of pies growing up because I was the kid that had sticks for legs. Seriously, my knees bulged out of my skinny legs like the eyes of a chameleon. Our school had a "tuck shop" that sold sweets, chocolates, drinks and pies. Can you believe they have a Steak and Kidney pie. Ew. Gross. These were hand held pies, which are the best because you get the perfect ratio of filling to crust. 20% filling, 80% crust. I got a bee in my bonnet one day about ... View the Post
Vegan Cranberry Apple Bread
Seriously, Christmas morning is probably my favorite time of the year. My family loves to make it last as long as possible (meaning: we don't like to rip open all of our gifts and be done in five minutes). Since my brother and I are both adults but have no kids of our own, that means sleeping in a little bit, sipping coffee while we open our stockings, having a quick snack/bite of brunch, then digging into our presents with a cold mimosa. Seriously. What could be better than that? This ... View the Post
Our Favorite ThanksLiving Recipes
The holidays can be filled with amazing food, family, and travel, but they're also tough as a vegan. I'm not quite sure how a holiday meant to celebrate the harvest (and peace between European settlers and Native Americans) has become symbolized by a turkey, but it has. In yoga we talk about avidya, which means ignorance or blindness to the truth. Aprons or signs with a happy-go-lucky turkey emblazoned with words like "thankful" would be an example of avidya. Turkeys aren't thankful or grateful ... View the Post