Blog Archives - HAPPY VEG

USFWS Sued AGAIN for Negligence in Protecting Red Wolves

12/15/2020

There are 7 wild red wolves left in the US and the USFWS is facing its second lawsuit regarding their failure to properly manage and protect red wolves. If the organization tasked with protecting endangered animals is an utter failure, how can we have faith that endangered animals have any chance at survival?

Learn more under the ANIMAL NEWS tab!

Skillet Gnocchi Mac N Cheese with Roasted Brussel Sprouts

12/14/2020

I've been obsessed with my skillet lately, looking for anything and everything to make in it. Almost every recipe you would make in a baking dish, you can make in your skillet, like this delightfully rich and hearty Gnocchi Mac N Cheese!

I started with some roasted brussel sprouts that developed the prefect char in the oven. Then, I whipped up a super simple garlicky roux that helped my cream and milk thicken up into the perfect béchamel. Then, it's as simple as stirring in your cheese, the gnocchi straight from the package, and the roasted sprouts. To finish, a simple cheesy crumb mixture that gets gloriously brown in the oven.

No need to boil gnocchi & make a cheese sauce in separate pans when you can do it all in the skillet!

Get the RECIPE now!

Denmark - Mink Cull a Disaster Around Every Corner

12/12/2020

I reported recently on the outbreak of a mutated form of the coronavirus found in minks on fur farms across Denmark that resulted in the eventual slaughter of all 17 million mink in the country. Unfortunately, this rushed disposal is turning up new issues making it abundantly clear that this situations was mishandled.

As similar outbreaks plague the United States and Canada, what can we learn from Denmark's grave mistakes in this situation and what is this really telling us about the mink fur farming industry?

Learn more under the ANIMAL NEWS tab!

Conservation Hypocrisy - Why Global Commitment Is Crucial

12/11/2020

There is no denying that hundreds of thousands of species on our planet face the possibility of extinction. There is no denying that humans have caused nearly every peril that animals like pangolins, elephants, rhinos, and gorillas face. We can introduce bills across the globe that tackle roadside zoos, or private ownership of wild animals, but if we don't come together globally and commit to true conservation efforts, than we will witness the extinction of some of the most recognizable animals on our planet.

Head to the ANIMAL NEWS tab!

Potato Lasagna

12/10/2020

Lasagna is one of my absolute favourite pasta dishes. Despite it being incredibly time consuming to prepare, it's always worth it when you sink your teeth into that first delectable bite. What could possibly make lasagna even better you ask? How about swapping out the noodles for tender potatoes?

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, garlicky ricotta filling, and a delicious "meat sauce" featuring Yves Veggie Ground Round. This dish is incredibly hearty and will stick to your ribs in all the right ways.

Set aside enough time for this to cook because potatoes take an undeniably long time to get fork tender. Head to the RECIPES page for this delicious Lasagna adaption.

Big Cat Public Safety Act moves to US Senate for a Vote

12/9/2020

The Big Cat Public Safety Act has moved through the House of Representatives and is now on route to Senate for a vote. The Big Cat Act will effectively ban the private ownership of big cats and the exploitation of cubs in roadside establishments. This is a crucial first step in committing to big cat conservation and must be approved. Learn more under the ANIMAL NEWS tab!

UK Moves to Ban Live Animal Exports for Slaughter

12/6/2020

The UK is on track to be the first country in Europe to ban live animal exports for slaughter as part of their animal welfare improvement initiative. Live animal exports are horrendously cruel and put animals in dangerous and life threatening situations as they make their way to slaughter. Learn more under the ANIMAL NEWS tab!

Denver Overturns Pitbull Ban after 30 Years

12/5/2020

The people in Denver voted in favour of lifting a nearly 30 year ban on the ownership of pitbulls. Pitbull bans are discriminatory and violence from pitbulls has been heavily sensationalized to fit the narrative that this breed is inherently violent. Learn more about Denver's lifting of the ban and why I think pitbull bans need to be lifted across the globe under the ANIMAL NEWS tab!

Stuffed Shells with Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

12/4/2020

Stuffed shells are quite nostalgic for me. This was one of my top 3 dishes my mom would make for us kids growing up. We were always so ecstatic when we knew she was making shells because she always made a ton, which meant that we could eat until we exploded. To date, I still make an overabundance of shells when I create a stuffed shells recipe because I tend to eat as many as possible, AND they're good for freezing for future meals.

This version is stuffed with a garlicky ricotta mixture and buried underneath a velvety smooth red pepper tomato sauce that pairs so perfectly with the creamy, stuffed shells.

Head to the RECIPES page!

Denmark Looks to Ban Mink Fur Farming until End of 2021

12/2/2020

After a mutated form of coronavirus was found in minks, Denmark moved forward with a mink cull that will see nearly 17 million innocent mink slaughtered. Now, they've announced a ban on mink fur farming until the end of 2021.

My question here is, is it truly more lucrative to restock 17 million mink and put 17 million more lives at risk, or should Denmark be redirecting resources to help farmers convert away from mink fur farming? I'm giving my two cents on this topic under the ANIMAL NEWS page!