Blog Archives - HAPPY VEG

Tortiglioni Ragu

8/31/2022

What's the difference between a ragu & a bolognese? There are only a few small differences between them like the use of red versus white wine, the origin of the sauce, or the addition of garlic. Essentially, they are both meaty sauces that have cooked down for a long time to really enhance the flavours of the sauce and they're both delicious.

I made a ragu featuring Beyond Meat beef and let it cook down for almost 2 hours until it was thick and meaty. Then, you simply fold in some room temperature cream, your noodles, cheese, butter, and pasta water until glossy & gorgeous.

I love tortiglioni pasta, but you could also use a rigatoni or a penne even if you have those on hand. Head to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG

BYPASS or BUY - UNMEATABLES Brekkie Links

8/28/2022

When I eat a breakfast link, I'm looking for 3 things:

1. A nice snap & good texture

2. Juicy & Flavourful

3. The appearance of a breakfast link.

As breakfast sausages were probably in my top 3 fave meats back in my meat eating days, I take them pretty seriously. You'll need to head to the BYPASS or BUY page to find out whether these links hit the spot or hit the trash!

HAPPY VEG

Sausage & Gnocchi Hash Skillet

8/27/2022

Gnocchi you say? Why yes, I do. Believe it or not, gnocchi takes the place of potatoes quite perfectly in this otherwise traditional skillet. We're browning up some veggie breakfast links, cooking down some fresh veg with spices, and melting everything together with cheddar. The gnocchi provides texture and chew while also soaking in the flavours of the skillet beautifully.

With the recipe, you could totally skip the part where I fried eggs and put them on top tbh. I used the yolkiness to add additional moisture to this skillet but you could easily use a nice chipotle mayo as a substitution and skip the egg altogether.

Head to the RECIPES page and get your brunch on.

HAPPY VEG

The Attack on Grey Wolves in the US

8/26/2022

The USFWS is being sued over their inaction in determining whether the Northern Rockies wolves should be listed under the ESA. Those opposed to relisting wolves have selfish motives like hunting or protecting the environmentally destructive animal ag industry as their reasoning. We continue to take land from wild animals and then slaughter them for interfering with our lives.

Head to the ANIMAL NEWS page for a post on grey wolves and why there is a continued attack on their survival.

HAPPY VEG

5 Cheese Broccoli Rice Casserole

8/24/2022

Casseroles were all the rage in the 80's & 90's and I'm fairly certain we've all had a cheesy rice casserole at some point in our lives. It's the perfect side dish to pretty much anything that you'd be whipping up for dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, that's what we want.

My Broccoli Rice casserole features 5 different cheeses which include extra old cheddar & gouda, along with blanched broccoli, creamy white beans, and brown rice. Everything is baked under a layer of cheese and cracker crumbs until golden brown and fabulous.

It's delicious, comforting, and cheesy AF. Get the recipe!

HAPPY VEG

Stop Peeling Your Produce

8/23/2022

Fruits & veggies are mostly water which means they're great for hydrating our bodies. Did you know that a lot of their nutritional value is held in their skins? Vegetables like eggplants, carrots, and cucumbers are significantly more nutritious when consumed with their skins. Removing produce skins removes crucial antioxidants and nutrients like vitamins & most importantly, fiber.

Head to the KITCHEN & VEGGIES page for a few produce items you should stop peeling!

HAPPY VEG

Mexican Street Corn Mac & Cheese

8/21/2022

I love Mexican Street Corn if you haven't noticed by now. I love the flavours so much that I'm always looking for ways to add a street corn twist to my favourite recipes. Naturally, mac and cheese came to mind because corn + cheese = besties.

I made a pretty standard mac and cheese recipe that is reminiscent of my first Southern style mac. Then, I played around with street corn flaves by adding in Tajin spice which adds pops of citrusy notes, feta & grana padano which give a similar vibe to cotija cheese, and fresh cob corn and jalapeno to bring it all together.

I'm obsessed with this mac and you will be too. Head to the RECIPES page!

HAPPY VEG

Burmese Pythons In Florida - Why They Must be Culled

8/19/2022

Typically, I would never advocate for culling a species, but when it comes to an invasive species like the Burmese Python, there are no other options. The Burmese python is decimating Florida's native wildlife and if they are not culled, they will continue to wreak havoc. Head to the ANIMAL NEWS page for why I support the culling of Burmese Pythons in Florida!

HAPPY VEG

Pinto Bean & Corn Queso Jacket Potatoes

8/17/2022

When it comes to jacket potatoes, you're creating an entire meal within a potato. You want it to be hearty, filling, and full of delicious goodies. You also want gloriously crispy potato skin which might very well be the best part.

I went with a little Mexican inspiration for this jacket and whipped up a corn queso that was so rich, creamy, and enjoyable AF. The queso features jalapeno, onions, monterey jack cheese, and grana padano, and couldn't be easier to put together.

The garnishes also help to bring this whole dish together. I love Tajin spice, it's really magical with Mexican eats. Sliced jals, green onions, cilantro, the possibilities are endless.

Head to the RECIPES page <3

HAPPY VEG

Mom's White Bean & Spinach Mozza Sketti Skillet

8/15/2022

I could honestly eat my mom's mozza sketti skillet every day, but I think y'all would stop visiting my blog if I was literally eating the same recipe 5x / week. It's such a nostalgic dish for me, takes me right back to being an excited child when I knew she was preparing her sketti skillet for us. It's just so delicious and unforgivingly cheesy.

For this version, I followed a lot of the same rules but added some extras for more flavour. I included sundried tomato pesto which added a deep flavour to the sauce, along with a cheese rind for nuttiness, fresh spinach, and creamy white beans. Everything cooks together in one pot which makes this such an easy weeknight dish.

If you're in the market for something easy, cheesy, and delicious, head to the RECIPES page.

HAPPY VEG