I don't know what it is about eating outside, or al fresco, that makes the food taste so much better! Our senses really feel alive outside with so much to see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. This heightened dining experience is often something I enjoy during the warmer months of the year, so it feels quintessential summer to me. I know that many people partake in al fresco dining on a patio, but my favourite way to eat outside is with a picnic. I have a whole binder worth of vegan picnic food ...
dessert
Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
In an effort to savour memories of various times of the year, I've taken to embracing seasonal fruits and vegetables by creating season-centric meals. This Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip is sure to be a fall-favourite. Growing up in Houston, Texas, it was sometimes hard to tell what season it was based on the weather. That couldn't be further from the truth in Calgary, Alberta - where my family moved to when I was 12. Being surrounded by new-to-me family meant a lot of get-togethers and seasonal ...
Easy Vegan Pumpkin Cookies (Dairy Free)
A little bit spicy, super-soft and fluffy, and the taste of fall in every bite. These Vegan Pumpkin Cookies are easy to put together, are great for gift-giving, and will make your home smell amazingly cozy. Cookies are great for gift-giving Between September and the end of December, there are so many gift-giving opportunities and times to share food and drink with loved ones. Desserts are probably the thing that I most make to share. They often don't need to be warmed up, they have a decent ...
10 Vegan Cookie Recipes
A lot of people wonder how to make cookies vegan. Well, it's really pretty easy to do. I've put together just 10 (of the many) recipes for simple vegan cookies that I've come across. These 10 vegan cookie recipes range from healthy vegan cookies to traditional vegan sugar cookies. For gift-giving/hang out more often with friends and family season, cookies are the best! You can make them in advance, free them (or the dough), mail them, wrap them up and give them as hostess treats, and so much ...
Chai Spice Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns (Vegan, Dairy Free)
Warm, cozy chai spice, plus pumpkin and cinnamon? Yes, please - let's put it all together in Chai Spice Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns! There are a few times in my life where I have found myself completely surprised that I've just experienced something spectacular. One of those times was travelling to Rome, Italy. My best friend I have (and had up to that point) travelled to many different countries all around the world, but for some reason Rome just never seemed like a place where I could find myself. ...
Strawberry Apple Crumble Vegan and Dairy Free
Looking to make your home smell home-y, warm, and inviting, you simmer cinnamon and cloves on the stove. Or, you make this strawberry apple crumble! This strawberry apple crumble is quick to make, meaning it's perfect for unexpected company, or when you're looking for a sweet treat to eat after dinner. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it can be put together with whichever seasonal fruits you have, using a few basic ingredients. I really like the combination of sweet and tart ...
Coffee Ice Cream (Vegan and Gluten Free)
Coffee and ice cream are things that I often go out to enjoy with my friends. Here's a coffee ice cream recipe, dedicated to my three closest friends: Greg, Alex, and Vic. :) I know gelato goes through a different creation process than this coconut milk based ice cream does, but I can't help taste the similarities in flavour. I had a lot of gelato when my bestie and travelled to Rome, Italy a few years ago. I know what you're thinking - gelato isn't vegan. No, it usually isn't - but a chain of ...
Peach Turnovers (vegan/dairy-free)
Peaches. They feel so warm and cozy to me. Some people are really into watermelons, or cherries, or blueberries during the summer months - for me, it's all about peaches. I especially like getting peaches from farmers markets—I feel like they taste so much better and have a much nicer texture. Though, really - I would buy all my produce direct from farmers if I could. Luckily, B.C. is great for producing a variety of fruits and vegetables, so there's plenty around for the majority of the ...
Vegan Maple Waffles
This recipe could easily have been called "Canadian Waffles," but that would be a bit weird and stereotypical. Wouldn't it? This recipe for vegan maple waffles is the kind of fancy breakfast or brunch item that you might order when you're at a diner. But, why wait to go out when you can make them at home? Impress your friends and family with this simple, yet super delicious, vegan maple waffle recipe! I know that maple syrup isn't a must-have ingredient in everyone's pantry, but it always has ...
Vegan Vanilla Almond Cupcakes
I don't make cupcakes very often—I usually prefer to eat my cake with a fork. What about you? I decided to make these Vegan Vanilla Almond Cupcakes, though, since it's Easter weekend and they're so much more shareable than cake, when there's more than just a few people. Who doesn't love finger-food? I often post pics of my food adventures on Instagram and on my Facebook page, but I don't post recipes here as often as I'd like to. I've been hearing that a lot from you all, too—post more vegan ...