Category: comfort food

A Vegan Guide to New Orleans

* 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.

Hello everyone,

Ah, New Orleans. A town full of history, jazz, beignets, gumbo, beans and rice, and…vegan food? I have to admit, while planning my recent trip to The Big Easy, I was left wanting more. I couldn’t find an updated, honest and comprehensive vegan guide to New Orleans. Luckily, the dearth of information doesn’t actually correlate to a lack of vegan-friendly food in the city.

As always, I created a loose itinerary with whatever vegan options I could find—many of which were places that didn’t specifically cater to vegans or vegetarians. When given the option, I will always financially support the cruelty free venture. I am happy to report that while traversing the streets of the French Quarter an beyond, I stumbled upon some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants I’ve had the pleasure to eat dine in! Check out my top ten places to visit on your next trip to the Crescent City.

Have you been to New Orleans? What are your favorite places to grab a bite to eat or decadent dessert?

Cheers!

Jocelyn Continue reading “A Vegan Guide to New Orleans” →

Recipe: Vegan Gnocchi

* 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.

Hello everyone,

This year for the holidays, I updated my vegan gnocchi recipe. I love Italian food, and gnocchi has been my favorite dish for years. I used to prepare it for my family using pre-made gnocchi and sauce, but not any more! I’ve mastered the hand rolled potato gnocchi of my dreams.

Gnocchi can seem intimidating, but I promise you it’s not. You can make as much or as little as you want, and the recipe uses a handful of household staple ingredients. I like to make a double batch and freeze half for a later date. You can’t even tell! This recipe freezes extremely well. I honestly can’t wait to make it again.

Check out the recipe below. Tell me, what’s your favorite pasta to make from scratch?

Mangia! Mangia!

Jocelyn

Ps – Here are some kitchen items which might come in handy that I personally use!

Continue reading “Recipe: Vegan Gnocchi” →

Paprika-Spiced Sauteed Chick Peas

Hello everyone,

I love chick peas. I love them on salad. I love them straight out of the can. I love them coated in oil and still sorta good for you … And really, who doesn’t love a good snack? I’m certainly a sucker for them! I finally put two and two together and spawned a new favorite recipe for Paprika-Spiced Sauteed Chick Peas. 

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy. It’s the type of “thrown together” dish that will shock your tastebuds and your friends! This recipe calls for just four needed ingredients (but you can add others) and takes under 20 minutes to make. Plus, sauteed chick peas are a protein-packed, healthy-ish snack that’s perfect for your next potluck! The texture is a little crunchy, a bit chewy, and it’s chock full of flavor.If you happen to have a lodge cast iron skillet it will give the outer shell that extra crispy layer. I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Go on and give it a try!

Happy snacking!

Jocelyn

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

Sauteed Chick Peas

Paprika-Spiced Sauteed Chick Peas

***Please feel free to share widely, just give me some credit or a link back

  • Prep Time: ~2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups
  • Supplies: cast iron skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 can chick peas, thoroughly drained (do not remove the skins!)
  • 1 tbs, olive oil
  • 2 tsp, pimenton/ paprika
  • 1 tsp, harissa powder
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Place the drained canned chick peas on a paper towel and pat them down to remove excess moisture.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until simmering.
  3. While the oil is heating up, mix the spices together and toss them with the chick peas until well-coated.
  4. Place the chick peas in the skillet. Toss the chick peas occasionally until they become brown and the outer shell looks crisp. This should take about 15 minutes.
  5. Enjoy while warm!

 

Recipe: Zucchini Cream Cheese Tart

Hello everyone,

I don’t know about you, but for me, it is a summer of squash! I’ve eaten more zucchini and yellow squash the past two months than I had in two years. Contributing to my massive increase in squash consumption is the fact that I planted a plethora of zucchini in my garden, and my parents brought me some beautiful vegetables from a relative’s garden in West Virginia.

I’ve also been eyeing the “just so happens to be vegan” puff pastry from Pepperidge Farms. I put two and two together and decided to put a vegan spin on a classic cream cheese tart. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was doing with the puff pastry, and it was nothing short of a miracle that this recipe worked out. It was quick, it was easy, and if I could do it, you can, too!

There is something so comforting about a flaky crust smothered in faux cream cheese and  olive oil lightly drizzled over zucchini with herbs. Ahh. This really is a perfect recipe for your next summer get together. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

* 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: Zucchini Cream Cheese Tart” →

Recipe & Review: Vegan Banana Ricotta Toast

Some of you may have seen an accidental post with the draft version of this content. Obviously, my post was published accidentally, very prematurely. Please check out my actual, full post below. Your tastebuds will thank you.  =)

Hello everyone,

Kite Hill RicottaAvocado toast has become… Let’s just say “a thing.” Admittedly, I love a good avocado toast as much as the next millennial, but recently I had a craving for a sweet, slightly savory breakfast toast. I had just picked up some Kite Hill Ricotta so I thought—why not make a Vegan Banana Ricotta Toast?! I’m so glad I did. It was simple, ascetically pleasing, and delicious!

I love all things banana + peanut butter flavored, but I was never one for savory/ sweet breakfast combos. This recipe has swayed me. Kite Hill’s ricotta is slightly sweet and silky and can be used to replace traditional ricotta in any recipe. I’ve previously used this ‘ricotta’ for stuffed shells, and it works fantastic! Check out my tried and true recipe sure to please the dairy-free non-believers! (Plus, you can save $1.00 on the Kite Hill product of your choice!) Next on my list is to use this as a substitute for mascarpone!

What follows is my ‘all you need to know’ recipe for a delicious Vegan banana Ricotta Toast! I hope you enjoy it.

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase. Additionally, I received these products free for testing. All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support. Continue reading “Recipe & Review: Vegan Banana Ricotta Toast” →