Recipe: Vegan Zucchini Roll Ups

Hello everyone,

If you know me, you know that I love pasta, but sometimes I want something a little lighter with drastically less carbs. Spiralized carrot or zucchini is certainly on trend, but for whatever reason I simply want my noodles to taste like noodles. I can’t help it! Not to worry – there are many other healthy pasta alternatives, and my new favorite is a hearty helping of vegan zucchini roll ups.

This recipe includes all the flavor you seek in an Italian dinner, but no heavy pasta. You simply use finely sliced zucchini, sort of like a lasagna strip. The dish also includes my new favorite nut cheese which uses a mixture of pepitas, tofu, and Daiya mozzerella. It’s so, so good, and it’s much better for you than traditional ricotta cheese. Aside from the rich flavor, the best part of this recipe is that it has a quick cook time, and the “rolling” is actually quite fun.

I think this would be the perfect dish to make with your loved ones help! Please give it a try and let me know what you think!

Cheers and happy cooking!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

Continue reading “Recipe: Vegan Zucchini Roll Ups”

Traditional, but vegan, Pizzelles

Hello everyone,

FullSizeRender_5You may have guessed that my kitchen is rather small based on my photos and crafty use of angles. That means I am a strong advocate against kitchen appliances that are single use. I can justify a Vitamix Blender because I use it all the time – for soups, for chopping nuts, for baking, etc. However, I do not own a toaster because all it does is toast, and I can do that on my 2-Burner Reversible Griddle. (Side note, at first I was deeply opposed to getting a griddle, but I have to say, we use it all the time. I love it! It makes sautéing veggies a breeze, and is perfect for grilling sandwiches, too).

Well, all that didn’t stop me from finally cracking and purchasing my very own pizzelle iron, specifically the Cuisinart WM-PZ2 Pizzelle Press (which I highly recommend! It’s non-stick, works well, and is cost effective!).

I come from an Italian family so when I think about cookies that are a staple at every wedding, holiday event, graduation party, etc., I think of the pizzelle. I can still smell the anise oil cooking out of the pizzelles at my grandma’s house. Continue reading “Traditional, but vegan, Pizzelles”

Recipe: Traditional Italian Bruschetta

FullSizeRender_4
Traditional Bruschetta

Hello everyone,

Today a few of my friends are hosting a game night. I offered to bring an appetizer since the hosts are graciously handling the main the course – a DIY pasta bar!

Keeping with the Italian food theme, I’ve opted to bring a quick and easy traditional Italian bruschetta with a drizzled balsamic glaze and freshly grated vegan mozzarella cheese.
Continue reading “Recipe: Traditional Italian Bruschetta”

A Vegan Holiday: Recipe Stuffed Shells

Hello everyone,thumb_IMG_1465_1024

I’m Italian, and I love pasta. However, I try to limit the amount of carbs I eat throughout the week so I tend to save some of my favorite Italian meals for special treats and holiday dinners. I usually make a hearty vegan lasagna for Christmas dinner, but this year I have been planning to make vegan stuffed shells.  Continue reading “A Vegan Holiday: Recipe Stuffed Shells”

Recipe Review: Vegan Wedding Soup

FullSizeRender

So this week I decided to adapt another recipe from Thug Kitchen: The Official Cookbook: Eat Like You Give a F*ck. (Read my review of the Chick Pea and Dumpling Soup here). I’m Italian so of course I’ve had my fair share of wedding soup. However, I don’t think I had tasted it since I stopped eating meat years and years ago. After enjoying this recipe, I can say that I missed that flavor! It’s warm, a little salty, and completely satisfying on chilly evenings.

The soup is basically a mix of cannelloni bean ‘balls,’ orzo, kale, celery, carrots, onion, spices, and vegetable broth. Simple as that! Below you’ll find my adapted version of the recipe, as well as, as my commentary on making this dish. Enjoy! 

Cheers!

Jocelyn

PS – Check out Thug Kitchen’s newest cookbook, “Thug Kitchen Party Grub: For Social Motherf*ckers.”

Continue reading “Recipe Review: Vegan Wedding Soup”