There’s something really great about a holiday that’s pretty much over by lunchtime. Wake up, hunt some (faux) eggs, have a nice brunch and everyone is home in time for an afternoon nap. Whether you’re in the position of hostess or guest this year, I put together some suggestions for a veganized Easter brunch that won’t disappoint. You can simply make one of these and call it good, or go all in and make the whole shebang if you have … Read more
My great grandmother was a product of the Depression. She never left a restaurant without a purse full of sugar packets and Smucker’s jam. Even loose buttons were carefully tucked away for future use. As a child her frugality was horrifying (I was knee-deep in the excess of the 80s), but looking back I have nothing but respect for her resourcefulness. Waste not, want not—simple as that. She was a tough lady that took ketchup packets from the Arby’s and … Read more
When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to focus on what you can’t have instead of the millions of things you can still enjoy. I thought it would be helpful to offer my favorite substitutions to make the transition easier and more enjoyable. Coconut milk ice cream Hands down better than the real thing. It can be a little expensive, so watch for it to go on sale and stock up the freezer. Look for the coconut milk yogurt too. … Read more
Sometimes being vegan isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Especially in a world filled with nostalgic foods, like your grandma’s chicken and noodles, or maybe even worse, Girl Scout Cookies. I spent darn near a decade happily enlisted as a scout which makes it all the much harder to pass by without lending some support. And truth be told, those Thin Mints are the tastiest. I could easily mow through a sleeve in under ten minutes. That’s why this … Read more
In honor of Valentine’s Day, my love letter this year has to go to Trader Joe’s—convenient, affordable and oh so vegan friendly. This week I found so many new vegan foods at Trader Joe’s I had to say something! I usually don’t spend a lot of time in the frozen aisle, but this week was an exception. The very friendly woman at the sample booth lured me in with her Chickenless Morsels and highly suggested I investigate a few of … Read more
Is there anything more delectable than a chocolate covered strawberry? Seriously, this has to be the most romantical dessert and even better, it’s absurdly easy to make. For years now (creeping up on a decade) my husband and I have opted to forego the hectic, expensive night out for a quiet and relaxing — and might I add, much more romantic — night in. I recommend taking this Valentine’s Day to spend more time with your valentine and a little … Read more
I know what you’re thinking, it’s never going to be the same, but wait until you’ve tried these before you close the book on an American classic! Granted, vegan cheeses have improved tremendously, but the reality is most still leave a little something to be desired. However, with a little creativity it’s possible to construct a darn tasty grilled cheese. I think the key is accompanying flavors, so the success of the sandwich is not all on the shoulders of … Read more
This is one I’ve kept off the meal plans until now, but I’m going to challenge you to give it a try next week. I know kale can be a tough sell as an anchor to a beverage, but the fruit sweetens it up and hides the taste of the kale. It really is amazingly good and packed with all sorts of super healthy bits. I would make one of these every morning if it weren’t for neighbors! We live … Read more
It’s no secret that I tend to be on the frugal side. Perhaps that’s an understatement—I can be down right cheap, especially when it comes to things I think I can make myself. I also tend to be a little particular and enjoy having things just so. This holiday my husband tapped into both of these neurosis and got me a great book, “Make the Bread, Buy the Butter.” The author, Jennifer Reese, assesses, based on both effort and cost … Read more
Over the years we have experimented with countless ways to bring a salad to work without it getting soggy or tiny little containers of dressing popping open and destroying lunch bags — that’s the worst. My husband came across this idea over here and it actually works! Apparently, if stacked correctly, these little salads can last up to 4 days. So here’s the magical stacking order from bottom up: dressing hearty items: tomatoes, beans, onions, carrots then lighter bits: quinoa, … Read more
Welcome to the launch post of Well Vegan! I’m really excited to get started and I hope you all are too. Just to offer a little background about myself, I’m a part time web worker and full-time mom living in the Bay Area. I started off as a vegetarian more years ago than I care to count. After our daughter was born, she had a glut of food allergies that encouraged our family to make the switch to a plant-based … Read more
