Restaurant Review: B52 Cafe in Pittsburgh

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While I have been in Cleveland for almost seven years, I spent most of my life a short trip
from Pittsburgh, PA. My family is still in the area, and I am an avid Steelers fan. When the Steelers made it into the playoffs, I knew I would be making the trek back home to watch the game(s). What better excuse to spend a few days in the city and try out some new coffee shops and restaurants?

B52 just opened in the up and coming Lawrenceville neighborhood. B52 is an abbreviation for the cafe’s location which is the corner of Butler and 52nd Streets. This is the second venture of Allegro Hearth Bakery creator, Omar Abuhejleh, and I think he’s onto something very special.  Continue reading “Restaurant Review: B52 Cafe in Pittsburgh”

Recipe: Savory Lentil Vegetable Stew

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We haven’t had much of a winter until this week, and I am not prepared. One good thing
that comes along with cold weather is hearty, savory stews! This past week I was going through my cupboards and I noticed I had a lot of red lentils begging to be used. Thus, I decided to clean out my refrigerator and make a stew.
Soups and stews are the perfect end of the week meal on a chilly night. It’s warm and inviting, plus it enables you to use up all of those vegetables wasting away in the crisper.

What follows is my own recipe for a savory lentil vegetable stew, flavored with turmeric and cardamom. It’s so delicious you and your family will all want seconds, which is just fine, since this recipe makes enough to serve 10!

Continue reading “Recipe: Savory Lentil Vegetable Stew”

Recipe: Traditional Italian Bruschetta

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Traditional Bruschetta

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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”

Product Review: Follow Your Heart’s VeganEgg

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Hello friends,

Today I want to share my review of a relatively new product in the vegan market – Follow Your Heart brand’s VeganEgg.

I first learned about companies attempting to produce the perfect “vegan egg” earlier this year when a flurry of articles related to Hampton Creek (and the “JustMayo” controversy) took over my Facebook newsfeed. While Hampton Creek is supposedly releasing their take on the “vegan egg” later this winter, Follow Your Heart beat them to the punch. Continue reading “Product Review: Follow Your Heart’s VeganEgg”

A Vegan Holiday: Recipe Stuffed Shells

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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”