HAPPY VEG - The Happy Veggie

Giant Stuffed Russets

1/24/2025

As far as I'm concerned, there's two different types of russets for baking; side russets, and gigantic, meal sized ones. When I spotted these enormous russets at the grocery store, I immediately knew I was making some meal sized, stuffed taters.

I baked the russets until the skin was ridiculously crisp, and the inside was fluffy and gorgeous. After I mashed the insides a bit, I topped them with heaps of butter, Mexican seeasoned pinto beans, and Monterey Jack, and returned them to the oven until melty and glorious.

Finished with spicy green salsa, onions, jalapenos for heat, and fresh cilantro. These were INCREDIBLE y'all! Head to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG

Guacamole Burgers

1/21/2025

When that hankering for burger takes over, I always give in. There are so many plant-based burgers available and a lot of them nowadays are absolutely delicious. When it comes to just eating a burger, I prefer the Beyond Meat or Impossible patties as they're most burger like. They're a once and a while treat and I want the best experience lol

I'm team toppings when it comes to burgs. I can't do the whole, "just cheese and ketchup" sitch. I need toppings and I need loads of them. I went with a Tex-Mex vibe her with crisp lettuce, melty Monterey Jack, spicy jalapenos, red onion, spicy guacamole & green salsa. The combination was perfect. Creamy guac, crisp jals & uns, melty cheese, heat, and that savoury patty. Yum. Head to the RECIPES page.

Are you team toppings or team plain patties? What are your go-to burger toppings? Tell me in the comments <3

HAPPY VEG

BYPASS or BUY - Campbell's Pho broth

1/19/2025

I've been obsessed with Pho now for almost a year. It's something I crave and enjoy at least once a week. I'm a firm believer that home made is always best, (in this case, going to a restaurant lol) but I figured I'd give Campbell's Pho Broth a try at home. If I could make a delicious bowl of Pho at home, I could save myself some money here or there as opposed to going out all the time.

Can we just look at this bowl of pho though? Inviting, colourful, slurpable noods, spice, it has it all upon first glance. How did the broth taste? Was it worth a buy, or should you just stick to visiting your fave local spot / making your own from scratch? Is this good in a pinch? You'll need to head to the BYPASS or BUY page for more information <3

HAPPY VEG

Broccoli Cheddar Mashed Taters

1/17/2025

YOU GUYS!! I'm literally OBSESSED with this recipe and I just know y'all will be too. Look, mashed potatoes should be their own food group. They're dreamy, fluffy and fabulous in all of their starchy deliciousness and comfort vibes.

With that being said, my Broccoli Cheddar variety kicks things up a notch and let me tell you, these might be my new favourite mashed taters. Once the broc and taters were cooked, I mashed them together with hot cream, butter, and some of the starchy potato water. I folded in some old cheddar and parsley for extra green colour, and that's it.

I had to refrain from eating the entire bowl myself as I had dinner plans but trust me, you're going to be hard-pressed to stop yourself lol. Head to the RECIPES page <3

HAPPY VEG

Cremini Cheddar Melt Toasties

1/14/2025

Admittedly, I don't always love mushrooms and I know I've talked about this before. When it comes to mushrooms, the basic varieties are my jam. Cremini, white button, and even shitake I can handle, but outside of that, the texture really throws me off.

With that being said, I looooove cremini mushrooms and these toasties are super delicious. I cooked down some mushrooms in aromatics, pepper flakes, and wine, until tender and delicious. I grilled up some gorgeous sourdough, topped with the mushrooms and old cheddar, and broiled until melty.

Garnished with extra pepper flakes for a kick and gorgeous pea shoots. Quick and delicious. Head to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG

Garlic Bucatini with Pesto Meatballs

1/13/2025

This recipe actually came to be after seeing one of my foodie friends on Instagram post a recipe for pesto meatballs. As soon as I saw them, I knew I wanted to throw some pesto meatballs on top of my creamy garlic bucatini.

I made some Impossible meatballs and baked them up while my sauce / pasta cooked away. I made a fresh batch of pesto and once the meatballs were finished, tossed them in a mixing bowl with the fresh pesto until saucy and gorgeously green.

Once the bucatini was finished and the sauce was glossy and perfect, I served it up with some of the pesto meatballs on top & finished with grana padano, basil, and parsley. So delish you guys! Head on over to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG

Pesto Grilled Cheese

1/11/2025

Look, you can't beat a good grilled cheese sandwich. Crispy, toasty bread, melty, stringy cheese, it's pure happiness in every bite. With that being said, they're even better (if you can believe it) with a few simple additions that take it to that next level.

I had a batch of my favourite pesto in the fridge and knew that that needed to be slathered on my grilled cheese. Along with my fresh pesto, I used pizza mozzarella for its desirable stringiness, sliced tomatoes, pepperoncini for some heat, and heaps of grana padano.

Grilled to perfectsch, you can't beat it. The recipe is for one but it's ridiculously easy to double or triple if you have the pesto. Head to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG

USFWS Rejects Petitions to Remove Protections for Gray Wolves

1/10/2025

An incredibly important victory for wolves here y'all! The USFWS has rejected petitions to weaken or remove protections for gray wolves citing a lack of substantial information that would suggest the protections should be revisited. Learn more under the ANIMAL NEWS page.

HAPPY VEG

Cheesy Tomato Baguettes

1/9/2025

Whether you're serving these up for a little snack attack, or perhaps a light lunch with a nice side salad, my Cheesy Tomato Baguettes are easy and delish you guys!

I toasted up some baguettes on the grill until golden brown and then topped them with store-bought red pesto, sliced tomato, pizza mozz, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes, and slapped them under the broiler just until melty. I finished them off with some finely shredded grana padano, fresh parsley, and fresh basil.

Such a lovely little snack that's so quick and easy, I love it! Head to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG

Spicy Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

1/7/2025

Another soup to add to your soup season rotation y'all! My Spicy Coconut Red Curry Lentil Soup definitely packs a punch both in terms of flavour, and heat. This soup is definitely perfect for those cold, winter days as that heat helps warm you up form the inside out.

It's actually a very simple recipe to put together. The flavour starts with garlic, ginger, and chilis, followed by veggies including onions and pepper. I added curry paste in two different steps of the recipe to layer those flavours throughout the soup and I think it really gave the soup depth and deliciousness.

Split lentils cook super fast so this recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Head to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG