Hello everyone and happy (almost) summer,

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, the lawn needs mowed, and everybody suddenly is having get togethers again. I haven’t made my incredibly delicious summer pasta salad yet or even my indulgent vegan macaroni salad, but I did come up with something new. I was at the store and spotted “egg roll” wrappers and decided that I was going to repurpose them for bite size appetizers. After some kitchen cabinet, refrigerator, and soul-searching, I came up with Vegan  Spinach Artichoke Cups.

This savory snack is ready in under 30 minutes and calls for just ten ingredients (including spices!). Have a party this evening, but no time to prepare for it except the morning? No problem! These vegan spinach artichoke cups are the perfect appetizer that you can serve at room temperature. Give them a try! They’ll fly off the platter.

What are some of your favorite go to snacks for summer parties?

Cheers and happy eating!

Jocelyn

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Vegan Spinach Artichoke Cups

These vegan spinach artichoke cups are the perfect appetizer that you can serve at room temperature. These are savory, indulgent and ready in under 30 minutes!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword Vegan Appetizer, Vegan Spinach Artichoke Cups, Vegan Wontons

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes minutes

5 minutes minutes

Total Time 17 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 24 vegan wonton wrappers
• 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup vegan sour cream
• 12 oz. vegan cream cheese
• 1/2 15 oz. can artichokes diced
• 1/4 red pepper, extra large diced
• 1 cup spinach chopped
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and place cupcake liners in a muffin tin. 
• Press a wonton wrapper into each of the baking cups and fold the sides in a bit. (If you can't find vegan wonton wrappers, you can cut summer roll/ egg roll wrappers into quarters).
• Bake for 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. 
• While the cups are baking, dice the red pepper and artichokes.                    
• Heat the vegan cream cheese until soft. Mix the vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, smoked paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, salt and pepper.
• Add the artichokes, red pepper, and spinach. Mix well.
• Remove the cups from the muffin tin and cupcake liners and place on a cooling rack for five minutes.
• Scoop the vegan cheese and veggie mixture into the cups.
• Top with smoked paprika and enjoy!

The post Vegan  Spinach Artichoke Cups appeared first on Vegan Hostess.

Are you a breakfast person? Growing up my typical breakfast was PopTarts, Eggos, or cereal. On the weekends my mom would make pancakes or French toast. Eggs were occasionally a central part of the meal, but I was never a huge fan. After going vegan, I quickly fell in love with tofu scrambles and other faux ‘egg’ meals. However, scrambled eggs and omelets were a rare treat on a vegan restaurant menu—not something I would make at home. Well that’s all changed now that JUST Egg launched.

JUST Egg scrambles and tastes like eggs. But it’s egg-free, non-GMO, cholesterol-free, dairy-free and still includes 5g of protein per serving. In my honest opinion, this is the best “fake” egg on the market. It’s so easy to cook and tastes great. One of the primary ingredients is mung beans, and I’m not surprised. A friend from many years ago used to make “omelet-like” mung bean pancakes for me on the weekend. I always loved them so I’m not surprised I really like this vegan egg alternative. Anyway, after going through two bottles over the course of a few weeks, I perfected my Vegan JUST Scramble recipe. The texture is perfectly soft, but also slightly crisp, with a low-key savory flavor ready for sautéed veggies and your favorite vegan cheese. Check out this quick and easy recipe below.

Cheers and happy eating!

Jocelyn

 * 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.

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Vegan JUST Scramble

A vegan version of the ever popular "scrambled eggs."

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword Homemade, vegan, Vegan Breakfast, Vegan Brunch

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 2 people

Calories 390kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
• 1 bottle JUST Egg
• 1/4 cup green pepper diced
• 1/4 cup orange pepper diced
• 1/4 cup red onion diced
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatos sliced in half

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add the peppers and onions and saute for ~3 minutes, or until they feel slightly fork tender.
• Remove the veggies from the skillet and set aside.
• If the pan looks dry, add more olive oil.
• Shake the JUST Egg bottle well and pour evenly into the pan.
• Let the JUST Egg cook until bubbles form in the middle and the sides begin to pull away from the pan.
• Scramble the JUST Egg and lower the heat to Low-Medium.
• Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until desired consistency.
• Add the veggies back in and mix to combine.
• Salt & Pepper to taste, and garnish with sliced cherry tomatoes.

The post Vegan JUST Scramble appeared first on Vegan Hostess.

Hello everyone,

I often find myself frustrated when grocery shopping as many stores simply won’t up vegan item inventories so they tend to run out very quickly. Many of my favorite vegan brands had their own shops online, but the shipping was expensive, and multiple websites meant, multiple shipping fees. Well, Mylk Guys apparently knew this was an issued and tackling the problem by creating an online vegan grocery store with reasonable shipping costs. The shipping fee covers transportation costs and packaging, including boxes, insulation, and coolants – ensuring that your order arrives fresh and ready to enjoy!

Get $10 off your first order by using my link!

Mylk Guys carries everything from faux meat to cheese to health products or even sweets. In fact, my favorite vegan cheese – Miyokos Creamery – closed their own online shop to sell on Mylk Guys. Now I can order Primal Jerky, Uptons Chorizo, Just Egg, and Miyokos all at once! It’s so simple! They also carry many brands I’ve never tried before, and the products look delicious! I’m so happy to see a company catering to the vegan market  and realizing that cost is a factor.

Get $10 off your first order by using my link!

Fun fact – they have the largest selection of vegan cheeses in the United States. Why not browse their selection and give it a try? You won’t be disappointed, but it might be hard to choose!

Cheers & happy shopping!

Jocelyn

* 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.

The post An Online Vegan Grocery Store appeared first on Vegan Hostess.

Hello everyone,

I am so excited to share a newly tested recipe that is sure to be a hit at your next summer soirée! Give my recipe for raw Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers with Vegan Cream Cheese a try!

This recipe simply calls for a handful of raw vegetables, vegan cream cheese, a few select spices, and requires minimal prep time and no cooking. How much simpler can it get? The best part—it’s a truly hassle free recipe but the end result still packs a serious flavor punch!

I made these Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers with Vegan Cream Cheese as an appetizer for my friend’s veggie BBQ, and the entire plate with gone within the hour. People kept going back for seconds due to the bright colors and great taste. I believe I found another “goto recipe” to keep in rotation with my time-tested indulgent vegan macaroni salad and fresh summer pasta salad!

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

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

*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.

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Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers with Vegan Cream Cheese

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword quick & easy, raw, summer side, vegan

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 12 people

Ingredients

Mini Sweet Peppers

• 1 lb. mini sweet peppers Use 1/2 - 3/4 of the 1 lb. bag

Vegan Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz. vegan cream cheese Note, I used Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese!
• 1/2 cup cucumber diced
• 1/4 cup red onion diced
• 1/4 cup celery diced
• 1/4 cup green pepper diced
• 1/4 cup yellow pepper diced

Garnish

• salt & pepper to taste
• garlic powder I recommend a light dusting.
• smoked paprika I recommend a slightly heavier dusting.

Instructions

• Wash each mini sweet pepper, cut the top off, scoop out any seeds, and slice the pepper in half lengthwise. 
  
• Dice and measure the bell peppers, cucumber, celery, and red onion. Mix the ingredients in a medium bowl.
• Slowly combine a full 8 oz. container of vegan cream cheese to the diced vegetables until the mixture looks creamy. 
  
• Spoon the mixture into the mini sweet pepper halves.
  
• Serve on a large platter, and enjoy!

Notes

*Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

The post Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers with Vegan Cream Cheese appeared first on Vegan Hostess.

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.

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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Bagels & Beans

• Locations:
  • Multiple
• Times:
  • Varied by location
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bagelsbeans/

Looking for a quick cup-a-Joe? espresso? fresh squeezed juice? How about a toasted bagel with vegan cream cheese? or maybe you need something more filling, a mushroom burger perhaps? Look no further than Bagels & Beans. This franchise is scattered throughout Amsterdam and is a comforting, safe “go to spot” for your morning fuel. With over twenty locations, this is a name to remember when you’re lost, tired, and hungry. Bagels & Beans will likely be a hop, skip, and jump away!

The Dutch Weed Burger Joint

• Location:
  • Nicolaas Beetsstraat 47, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Wednesday-Sunday: 12:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedutchweedburgerjoint

I know. I know. But it’s not what you think. This quick service restaurant services up the famous Dutch Seaweed Burger. And it’s good, too! The menu is 100% plant-based, utilizing seaweed and micro algae from Seaweed farm Zeewaar in the Oosterschelde. Reservations can be made for groups of 8 or more. Give this famous burger a try. It’s nutricious and there are so many puns!

Golden Temple Vegetarian Restaurant

• Location:
  • Utrechtsestraat 126, 1017 VT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Monday-Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Golden Temple is a wonderful spot for fresh, Indian cuisine in Amsterdam. They are 100% vegetarian and also don’t use eggs. Many items are vegan or can be made vegan, and raw options are available. While Golden Temple seems like a small, intimate setting at first, there is a second floor that allows space for larger groups.

Koffie Ende Koeck

• Location:
  • Haarlemmerweg 175, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Times:
  • Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koffieendekoeck/

This adorable patisserie was one of my favorite stops in Amsterdam. The cafe is quaint with natural wood and light blue paint. As soon as you walk through the door you’re hit with the aromas of strong coffee and fresh breads. Their menu is 100% plant-based and includes everything from oat pancakes to hearty seitan sandwiches.

Meatless District

• Location:
  • Bilderdijkstraat 65-67, 1053 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Daily: 10:00am – 11:00pm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meatlessdistrict/

Located in the heart of the Old West area in Amsterdam, Meatless District is an all vegan restaurant open for lunch and dinner. They have a hip, relaxed space with an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs prepare their exquisite, mostly organic dishes. MD takes reservations and I highly recommend making one before attempting to visit. This is a vegan hot spot so it can get busy during evenings and weekends.

Vegabond

• Location:
  • Leliegracht 16, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vegabondfood/

Vegabond is 100% vegan lunchroom and small store in the heart of Amsterdam. They have a deli with fresh bites for lunch such as quinoa bowls, wraps, spring rolls, soups and more. They also have a spread of cakes, donuts, juices and coffee. The veggie spring rolls and pockets tasted so fresh. That sugar donut wasn’t bad either ;). I also perused the tall shelves and refrigerators lining the walls of the shop. They sell everything from dry goods to frozen meat alternatives. I even found vegan caramels and stroopwaffels!

Vegan Junk Food Bar

• Locations:
  • Multiple
• Times:
  • Varied by location
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veganjunkfood/

Vegan Junk Food Bar is a self-proclaimed vegan hotspot in Amsterdam serving up vegan  burgers and other “junk food.” There are three locations, each offering a slightly different menu and atmosphere. I had a vegan burger with truffle fries, and I must say, the fries were some of the best I’ve ever had! There were ridiculously good. I highly recommend visiting one VJFB’s locations to satisfy your late night craving on your next trip to Amsterdam!

Watson Food Bar

• Location:
  • Linnaeuskade 3h, 1098 BC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Times:
  • Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watsonfoodbar/

Watson is hands down, the best place for vegan cheese lovers to visit while in Amsterdam. With award winning vegan takes on brie, gouda and more, plus and their swanky, delicious cashew fondu, Watson is a must visit. Aside from the delectable cheeses, their chefs serve up comfort food with a twist in a warm, inviting setting. The menu is 100% plant-based.

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Cheers & happy travels!

Jocelyn

 

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