Hungryroot: My Honest Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. All opinions are my own. I did not receive my Hungryroot meal delivery service for free for this review.

Hello everyone,

You may have noticed that I’ve been a bit MIA lately. Well, my partner went back to work, I received a promotion which carries longer hours, and we got a kitten. So life’s been a bit hectic to say the least. I decided to be realistic about my new normal, and I registered for a subscription meal service. I had no idea that a plant-based meal service existed, but luckily for me, it does! What follow is my honest review of Hungryroot.

All of Hungryroot’s products are “vegan, gluten-free, high in nutrients, fiber, and good fats, and low in sugar, sodium and calories.” Hungryroot offers two subscription levels. The smaller version is called the Starter Set which costs $69 + free shipping. This package includes three meals plus four sides, snacks or sweets, or more meals and less sides. Essentially each item has a cost value and Hungryroot’s system will track how much you have left as you pick your items. The larger version is called the the Good Life which is $99 + free shipping and includes 1-2 more meals. You can customize your box or let Hungryroot pick what goes inside. I’m picky so I like to customize mine.

Kohlrabi Noodles

Each recipe contains two servings, and they are a very hefty portions. The meal kits range from Pad Thai Fried Rice to Creamy Corn Cauliflower Risotto to Thai Coconut Vegetable Curry. The bases of the meals vary from “noodle” or “rice” to a soup base. The “rice” is usually made out of cauliflower or broccoli, and the noodles are derived from beats, kohlrabi, or squash. I was skeptical, but the texture is actually really good. And the sauces honestly make the meals. They are low calorie, but so incredibly flavorful. I don’t know how Hungryroot does it, but I’m hooked—especially the peanut sauce!

Interested in trying Hungryroot? Here’s $30 off your first order! I tried them, loved the meals, and I haven’t looked back.

The best part of Hungryroot for me is that these meals come almost ready to serve. Most recipes simply require a short period of sautéing, adding additional ingredient packets, and mixing with water or sauce. Extremely easy! Plus, all of the meals/ snacks are under 500 calories which is great. I occasionally add tofu or beans to meals which might lack protein, but I find that most of the meals are well-rounded and filling.

I’ve used Hungryroot for about two months, and I don’t see an end in sight. It’s so nice not to worry about dinner four nights each week. I can’t even imagine how I was functioning before I started using this service. So, what’s your take? Have you used a meal delivery service? If so, which one, and do you recommend it?

Cheers and happy eating!

Jocelyn

Summer Zucchini & Corn Chowder

Hello everyone,

Today I am so excited to share my latest recipe for Summer Zucchini & Corn Chowder using Pacific Foods Cashew Vanilla Unsweetened Non-Dairy Beverage. I just love a creamy, sweet and savory soup for a long summer day. If you’ve sought out a non-dairy beverage to replace milk, you’ve probably seen Pacific Foods on the shelf at your local grocery store. Pacific Foods actually offers the broadest range of shelf-stable plant-based beverages including almond, coconut, hazelnut, soy, rice, oat, hemp, and cashew.

For today’s recipe, I used Pacific Foods Cashew Vanilla Unsweetened Non-Dairy Beverage. It added the perfect touch of sweetness and contributed to a creamy base for this dish. Using summer fresh veggies and a limited amount of spices, this soup tastes fresh and light, yet comforting.

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Printable recipe below!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

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Vegan in Amsterdam

Hello fellow vegan travelers,

Who knew being Vegan in Amsterdam was so easy? I just spent a week and a half touring my fair share of the Netherlands—even making a quick excursion to Ghent, Belgium. I was pleasantly surprised by how vegan-friendly most restaurants were, plus there were many vegan or vegetarian specific eateries AND vegan dominos. Yeah, that’s right. Vegan dominos. Boom.

It was a bit more difficult to find vegan milk alternatives when I ventured away from the major cities, but even then, the espresso is so good in Europe there is no need to drink anything else. It’s almost criminal how much worse espresso is at most coffee shops in the US. Honestly.

Zaanse SchansZaanse Schans 1Zaanse Schans 2Zaanse Schans 3Zaanse Schans 4

On one of our day excursions to Zaanse Schans, we stumbled into In de Gecroonde Duyvekater (a bakery & museum) located in an adorable 1658 home in the windmill village. Can you believe I found a vegan apple hand pie and vegan pizza bread?! I was stunned, and didn’t hesitate before purchasing both. They hand pie was warm and soft,  and the pizza bread was surprisingly fluffy!

I’m having a hard time picking out my favorite vegan excursion from this trip, but I will say, you do NOT want to miss the vegan cheese at Mr. & Mrs. Watson. They serve almond and cashew cheese, and both are phenomenal. I also thought the breakfast and coffee at Koffie ende Koecke was spectacular. I had oat pancakes with fresh jam that was like nothing I’ve experienced before. Check out my mouthwatering photos from a variety of visit worthy restaurants across the Netherlands below.

So tell me, where are your favorite places to travel while vegan?

Cheers and happy traveling!

Jocelyn

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

 

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Recipe: Crock-pot Red Lentil Potato Soup

Hello everyone,

Ah, soup season. A time to indulge in comforting, warm stews while binge watching your favorite Netflix show! Soups are also a wonderful “make it once” and “eat it all week” solution. Throw a slow cooker/ crock pot/ pressure cooker recipe into the mix and your job just got even easier (if that was possible)! I love making a huge batch of soup in my crock-pot on Sunday evenings, and my ridiculously easy Crock-Pot Red Lentil Potato Soup does not disappoint.

The ingredient list isn’t very long, with just a handful of vegetables, garlic, lentils and then some seasoning. Don’t let it fool you. This soup packs a serious flavor punch! I really like adding a touch of cayenne to give the after taste a little bite, but even without the heat, the flavor is wonderfully bold. Plus, this recipe simply couldn’t be easier. Simply toss the ingredients in your crock-pot and go. Voila!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

PS – Like this recipe? Check out my hearty vegan chili!

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase.  All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support. Continue reading “Recipe: Crock-pot Red Lentil Potato Soup”

Thanksgiving Dessert Made Easy

Hello everyone,

Who is ready for the holidays? It’s the season for good food, great company, and even more time to relax and do what you love. I’m hosting my family for Thanksgiving again this year, and I can’t wait. I simply love hosting this holiday in particular. Pumpkin is one of my favorite seasonal flavors so I’ll be making three different pumpkin-themed desserts. This is Thanksgiving dessert made easy!

If you’re looking for a simple addition to your current dessert spread, the Vegan Cardamom-spiced Pumpkin Cookies won’t disappoint! Of course, pumpkin roll is always delicious, albeit a bit anxiety inducing trying to avoid those cracks, and who can say no to “cheesecake.”

If you’re looking for an “easy out” to your Thanksgiving dessert preparations, I highly recommend picking up a tub of Eat Pastry cookie dough. You simply scoop out the 100% vegan, non-GMO dough and place golf-ball size dough balls on a baking sheet and drop it in the oven. It’s ridiculously easy and hassle free!

I picked up a tub of the Peanut Butter Chocoloate Chip last week, and it did not disappoint! The cookies were perfectly gooey and sweet—a hit at my latest game night! Why not give one of my tried and true recipes a try, or if you’re going easy on yourself, pick up some Eat Pastry cookie dough.

Cheers & happy holidays!

Jocelyn

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