Blog Archives - HAPPY VEG

Bypass or Buy - Omni Porkless Luncheon Meat

2/27/2025

Growing up, we kind of loved Spam in my household. Creepy as it looked coming out of the can, once fried with melty cheese, it was pretty freaking delicious. I was super stoked to see this porkless luncheon meat from Omni foods, so I snatched it up and gave it a test at home.

Did it give me that nostalgia that I was craving? Was the texture or smell correct? Did it fry up nicely? If you were someone who enjoyed Spam growing up, (or even if you didn't lol), head on over to the BYPASS or BUY page and check out my review!

HAPPY VEG

Chik'n Parm & Pesto Baguettes

2/26/2025

I've said this many times before, but life is just better on toasty, golden baguettes. I think a good baguette is probably my favourite sandwich, regardless of what's shoved inside. Just amazing.

I made the easiest Chik'n Parm Baguettes, and they were so delicious you guys. I made a super simple tomato sauce featuring a good amount of heat, some local, Ontario Pinot Grigio, good tomatoes, and basil. Gave it a quick blend and baked up some cheesy chik'n patties.

Then, I grilled up some baguettes and smothered them in pesto, followed by the cheesy, saucy chik'n, and heaps of grana padano. So easy, so delicious, and available under the RECIPES tab. Have a fab day everyone!

HAPPY VEG

Creamy RRP & Pesto Cavatelli

2/23/2025

I'm always looking for a reason to eat more pesto and pasta is always the perfect reason to do so. I spotted these Cavatelli at the grocery store recently and couldn't remember the last time I'd used these noods, if at all. So, that's basically how this all came to be lol That, and I had a half jar of roasted red peppers in my fridge!

This recipe couldn't be easier y'all. Literally, make a batch of pesto, whip up a super simple and super quick wine & cream sauce, and fold everything together. It's so quick, so creamy, and so easy to make. I suggest making the pesto from scratch, but as always, reach for your fave store-bought brand in a pinch! Head on over to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG

U.S. Pet & Livestock Protection Act Is an Attack On Wolves

2/22/2025

After failing in the Senate as the "Trust the Science Act", the same Republican members have now renamed & reintroduced the act as the "Pet & Livestock Protections Act", hoping that it will easily move through a Republican controlled House / Senate.

The Act aims to strip gray wolves of their protections in order to pander to the livestock industry. If passed, we can pretty much assume that wolves will be nearly eradicated as a result of the act despite spending 45 years being protected and rehabilitated. This act will undo decades of conservation. Learn more under the ANIMAL NEWS page.

HAPPY VEG

Spicy Butter Bean Tostadas

2/21/2025

I'm super obsessed with this recipe you guys! Perfect for weeknights because it's quick, delicious, and easy to put together. While the beans are simmering away, you can prep your toppings so that everything is ready for assembly!

I made a super seasoned Butter Bean sauté featuring a combination of seasonings including Tex-Mex, Mexican Chili, and cumin. Once the beans had time to simmer and soften, that's the whole recipe y'all!

I spooned some of the spiced beans on to crisp tostadas followed by cheese, spicy green salsa, shredded red cabbage, chipotle mayo, spicy jalapenos, cilantro, and green onions. Crisp, full of flavour, and best of all, easy peasy to make! Head to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG

Sausage, Potato & Broccoli Cheddar Soup

2/19/2025

Here's another fab entry in to your soup season rotation you guys. My Sausage, Potato, and Broccoli Cheddar Soup is thick, chunky, rich, and creamy deliciousness.

I sautéed up some garlic and veg followed by some Hot Italian Beyond Meat sausages. I only needed two because I wanted the flavour of the sausage throughout, more so than big old chunks of it in every bite. Then, big old chunks of taters, broth, broccoli, cream, and cheddar.

The secret to getting it thick and creamy without flour is to blend a little of the potato / broccoli mixture. This creamy mix is then folded back in to create a luscious soup that's hella comforting and so freaking tasty. Head to the RECIPES page y'all.

HAPPY VEG

Bucatini Mozza Skillet

2/17/2025

I've shared a few versions of my mom's mozzarella sketti skillet here at the blog. Growing up, it was probably my favourite thing she made for us and honestly, she NEVER MADE ENOUGH lol I decided to recreate that recipe, but do things a tiny bit differently. First of all, I subbed in bucatini noodles, and secondly, I did NOT break the pasta. I was a touch worried about cooking them whole but honestly, it worked out perfectly!

The sauce is quite simple; seasonings, garlic, veg, wine, herbs, and good tomatoes. Then, we simply cook the bucatini in the sauce until tender, fold in a good amount of stringy, melty pizza mozz, and serve it up. So easy, so nostalgic, and so delish!

Head to the RECIPES page <3

HAPPY VEG

Bypass or Buy - Ocean's Halo Pho

2/16/2025

I'm always on the hunt for the newest products to try at home and this Pho from Ocean's Halo caught my eye. I love that they're focused heavily on packaging / sustainability and that their line is vegan. I also love that their line is so extensive, ranging from broths to sauces and noodle bowls.

I'm also on a bit of a Pho kick lately. We go out probably once a week for it, so if I can find something delicious to have at home in between those dates, I'm good to go!

The most important thing here though, was it delicious? There's only one way to find out y'all! Head to the BYPASS or BUY page <3

HAPPY VEG

2 New Baguette Sammies

2/15/2025

Life is better on baguettes, am I right? I just think a crispy, toasty baguette really makes a sandwich something special. I posted two new sammies for you guys under the RECIPES tab. Super easy, minimal ingredients, and just plain delish. Head on over to the recipes tab for some baguette action <3

HAPPY VEG

BBB & Potato Burrito Bowls

2/14/2025

I definitely love a good burrito bowl. First of all, I love rice of any variety and I especially love rice when there's a bunch of flavourful goodies piled on top of it. Second of all, it's an excuse to roast up some glorious taters, which I'm always on board for.

I cheated and used a box of Old El Paso Mexican rice you guys. Authentic? Perhaps not. Delicious? 100%. While the rice cooked, I baked soome taters tossed in Tex-Mex seasoning until crisp and golden. I also fried up some Black Bean Burgers for my protein component.

Assembly includes fresh cabbage, melty cheese, guacamole, green salsa, fresh garnishes, and Nando's Perinaise. Hearty, surprisingly quick to make, and just plain delish. Head to the RECIPES page <3

HAPPY VEG