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Vegetarian Lunch Ideas + 2019 Goals

December 29, 2018ALL, Entree, Round-Up, Salad, sandwich, Wrap Up66

Need less microwave meals and more vegetables in your life? I’ve got you covered with a round up of easy and delicious vegetarian lunch ideas.

Woooweee! We are really at the finish line now for 2018. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready for 2019! Before I jump into sharing a few vegetarian lunch ideas, I wanted to quickly jot down some goals for the new year. I’ve always been that obnoxious overachiever that insists on writing down my goals every year and this year will be no different. Although I don’t always succeed with all of them (I see you goal of mastering video), it’s always so rewarding to go over my goals at the end of the year and see how much I did manage to accomplish.

Holiday Stollen Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

December 20, 2018ALL, Bread, Sweets, Winter29

This batch of Holiday Stollen Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for Christmas morning or for a lazy weekend around the holiday season.

A few Christmas seasons ago, I somehow talked my mother, aunt, and grandma into helping me make our family stollen recipe. The recipe called for several bags of flour, obscene amounts of fruit, required all of us to knead the huge pile of dough by hand, and took several days from start to finish. Needless to say, no one has suggested we make that recipe since. Even though our family recipe was beyond labor-intensive, I still loved the end result which was yeasty, boozy, and studded with just enough fruit to be sweet but not overly sweet. I made a stollen cookie in my first cookbook and although it’s a delicious shortbread, it doesn’t have the yeasty flavor I crave. After a few trial and errors, I was able to translate all my favorite parts of stollen into cinnamon roll form with these little rolls. It’s a pretty amazing hybrid with yeasty base, rum-soaked fruit, cream cheese frosting, and a touch more cinnamon than traditional stollen has (but more of other spices that a cinnamon roll usually would).

Cardamom Coffee Chocolate Biscotti

December 18, 2018ALL, Breakfast, Snack, Sweets, Winter35

This Cardamom Coffee Chocolate Biscotti recipe is perfect for the holidays or when you are planning to have friends over for tea or coffee. The biscotti can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Checking in for a quick one today and to share this amazing biscotti recipe! I made an addicting hybrid of the Spicy Double Chocolate Chip Biscotti recipe found in my Vegetarian Heartland cookbook and the Cardamom Coffee Cream Scones found in my Platters and Boards cookbook! These end results are a subtly sweet biscuit meant to be dunked in teas and coffee. I promise that the instructions look more complicated than they are – you are basically going to make one dough that splits off into two bowls (so you can add two different flavors) and then pile one part of the dough over the over so you end up with an impression looking two flavor biscotti.

Cranberry Orange Punch With Cranberry-Rosemary Ice Ring

December 9, 2018ALL, Drinks, Winter33

This Cranberry Orange Punch With Cranberry-Rosemary Ice Ring is only 6 ingredients and a totally show stopper for your holiday parties!

It’s the holiday season (*queue holiday music*)! If I wasn’t so wrapped up in binge watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel season 2 then I would probably be out celebrating the season at holiday parties. Jk Jk – I do plan to go to a holiday party eventually this season (next weekend, to be exact) and will most certainly be bringing a big batch of this punch to the event. I’ll be bringing this punch not only because I need alcohol to tame my social anxiety (I kid…sort of) but because it’s an easy and delicious way to serve up something festive. …View More

Vegetarian Ventures 2018 Gift Guide (All Under $50!)

December 2, 2018ALL, Round-Up, Winter, Wrap Up39

Here we are again! It’s already the holiday season and time to pick out the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Luckily for you, I’ve went ahead and piled a list of 18 gifts under $50 that would be perfect for almost every women in your life – whether she is an obsessive cook, all-natural beauty goddess, design forward homebody, compassionate animal lover, or giver that already has everything (see giving options below for more ideas for that one!).

Farro Salad with Pistachios Apricots and Herbs

November 29, 2018ALL, Entree, Salad, Side, Winter35

This Farro Salad with Pistachios Apricots and Herbs is my go-to meal prep lunch. It can be made in under 30 minutes and lasts several days in the fridge when tightly sealed. The chewy farro balances perfectly with salty pistachios, a bright citrus dressing, and sweet apricots pieces.

Hiii! I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving week (if you are US based)! I am just now getting back into the swing of things and am SO ready to start getting festive! We put our tree up over the weekend along with a bunch of lights and I’m planning to spend Sunday working on a new holiday cookie recipe for you all.

A few housekeeping things before we dive into today’s recipe. First up, did you see my instagram post about gifting my cookbooks for the holidays? Basically, since I can’t meet all of you in person and give you a big ‘Thank you’ hug, I’m offering to send a signed recipe card to anyone who emails me a proof of purchase for one of my books. I’m hoping it’ll help give an extra special touch to your gift and a small way to show how appreciative I am to you for supporting my book adventure!

Secondly, I will be signing copies of my book this Saturday in Indianapolis at the Indiana Historical Society’s Annual Author Fair! If you live in the area, I’d love to see you there! The event is from noon to 4 PM and I’ll be the awkward looking introvert in the back peddling my recipes. Hope to see you there! : )

Apple Cider Gravy From Now and Again

November 15, 2018ALL, Sauce, Side, Thanksgiving, Winter42

This Apple Cider Gravy recipe from Julie Turshen’s Now and Again cookbook is both savory and tangy. It’s a perfect gravy for a special occasion like Thanksgiving or a lazy morning with biscuits and eggs.

Thanksgiving is officially a week from today – are you ready? This is the first year we will be hosting at our new home and I’m beyond excited / nervous / overwhelmed. There will be about 15 of us and I have no idea how they will all fit into our 900 square foot home (ha). To calm my nerves a bit, I’ve started testing some of the recipes from the menu ahead time and this Apple Cider Gravy from Julie Turshen’s Now and Again. I was drawn to this Apple Cider Gravy recipe because I always think of gravy as super savory so I was very curious to see how a healthy helping of acid would alter the flavor. The results were still deliciously savory with a tint of tang that was surprisingly wonderful on top of a pile of biscuits and eggs. I dare say this could even replace our go-to recipe we’ve been making for years!

This Apple Cider Gravy is from Julie Tushen’s newest cookbook, Now and Again. I was beyond excited to receive a copy of this from Chronicle Books since I was such a big fan of her first cookbook, Small Victories. This has a similar approach in that all the food in the book is very accessible while still being creative and feeling new. Now & Again is sorted by seasons and then again by menu themes. What makes it extra unique is that Julie then gives recipe ideas on how to use the leftovers so nothing goes to waste. It also has an ideal mix of everyday recipes and special occasion recipes. I highly recommend you checking it out if you are a cookbook fan and looking for new inspiration!

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Apple Cider Gravy

This Apple Cider Gravy recipe from Julie Turshen's Now and Again cookbook is both savory and tangy. It's a perfect gravy for a special occasion like Thanksgiving or a lazy morning with biscuits and eggs.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion
2 garlic cloves minced
1 Tbsp fresh sage
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable broth (she used chicken but veg worked great for me!)
2 cups apple cider vinegar

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add onion, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring often, until everything is softened, about 8 minutes.
Add flour and, stirring often, cook until it turns the color of a milky cup of coffee, about 5 minutes.
Next, while whisking constantly, slowly pour in the stock and the cider.
Bring the mixture to a bowl and then lower heat and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 10 minutes.

20 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes You Should Try This Year

November 12, 2018ALL, Entertaining, Entree, Fall, Round-Up, Sweets, Thanksgiving, Winter87

Thanksgiving is less than a week away – do you know what you are making yet? Whether you are planning the whole menu or just looking for a dish or two to bring to the party, I’ve got 20 Vegetarian Thanksgiving that are perfect for the occasion.

Quick Starters and Appetizers

This Roasted Beet Hummus with Hazelnut Oil & Rosemary recipe is a bright and easy snack worthy of serving to guests.

Marinated Goat Cheese with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Olives

November 8, 2018ALL, Appetizer, Drinks, Entertaining, Fall, Thanksgiving, Winter33

In a hurry? Click here to JUMP TO RECIPE!

This Marinated Goat Cheese with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Olives recipe is an easy appetizer that can be made ahead of time and is a great starter to serve at your holiday parties!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Day Owl Rosè. The opinions and text are all mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that make VV possible. Msg 4 21+

Pumpkin Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe

October 15, 2018ALL, Appetizer, Fall, Side, Snack75

In a hurry? Click here to JUMP TO RECIPE!

This Pumpkin Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe is perfect For Halloween themed parties and any fall entertaining you are planning to do!

As you may remember, we completely redid our backyard this past spring and I am SO SO SO excited that it’s finally cool enough to have a fire back there and not break into a sweat. This also means it’s time to host! I’m planning to make this festive Pumpkin Cheddar Cheese Ball the next time we have guests over for a fire because it’s not only delicious but super festive (black and orange!) and can be whipped up ahead of time. I’m thinking I will also probably make this for Halloween so Wyatt and I can have a delicious treat while we hand out candy on our porch – we deserve a treat yo ‘self moment too for the holiday, right??

You do need to plan ahead just a bit by making sure you give the cheeseball time to chill in the freezer before rolling it in the poppyseed and black sesame seeds. I like to serve my cheeseball with some crackers and veggies but potato chips would also work great here as well.

Oh and if you are into pumpkin recipes, make sure to check out all the other amazing recipes being featured on the Virtual Pumpkin Potluck!

How is your fall shaping up so far? It’s been pretty quiet over here – the weather FINALLY turned cold yesterday so I’m hoping we can finally start getting in some fall activities like hiking and apple picking. Wyatt and I are also celebrating our 8 year anniversary (woot woot!) next week with a little weekend trip to Cincinatti (a place neither of us have really spent any time in but is close enough for a weekend trip and has some pretty awesome looking restaurants to check out. Let me know if you have any recommendation for musts while we are there and make sure to follow along on my Insta!

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Pumpkin Cheddar Cheese Ball

This Pumpkin Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe is perfect For Halloween themed parties and any fall entertaining you are planning to do!

Servings: 2 cheese balls

Ingredients

2 8 oz packages cream cheese softened
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
1/4 cup black sesame seeds
1/4 cup poppy seeds

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Add cream cheese, pumpkin, cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper to a food processor and process until completely combined and a smooth paste remains.
Using clean and damp hands, divide the dough in half and each half into a circle using the palm of your hands. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and place in the freezer to chill for at least 20 minutes.
Mix together the sesame seeds and poppy seeds in a shallow rimmed dish. Remove chilled balls from freezer and roll each ball in the seed mixture until completely coated.
Transfer to a serving dish to serve right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. Serve with veggies, chips, and crackers.

Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail

October 3, 2018ALL, Drinks, Entertaining, Fall, Thanksgiving, Winter80

In a hurry? Click here to JUMP TO RECIPE!

This festive Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail recipe is a delicious fall drink that can be easily made with booze or as a mocktail.

I seem to be on a roll with chai-spiced apple recipes this season which I am not at all sorry about (because both of these makes your house smell A M A Z I N G and oh so fall). Ever since my mom moved into her beach home near Lake Michigan in May, I’ve been up to visit her at least once a month. We’ve already worked ourselves into a little Saturday routine which consists of browsing her nearest farmers market and then stopping at both a small Swedish bakery for pastries and a cute little grocery store / coffee shop for sandwiches to pack for a lazy afternoon at the beach. One the last trip up there a few weeks ago, I picked up a really delicious iced Chai Cider which should honestly be the official drink of September because it was the perfect mix of fall spices while still being a refreshing warm weather thirst quencher. As I was sipping on it, I couldn’t help but think about how simple it was – I’m sure it was just half local apple cider and half of their homemade chai mix they use in lattes. Genius! I knew I had to create my own.

Chai Apple and Almond Puff Pastry Tarts

September 25, 2018ALL, Appetizer, Fall, Snack, Sweets67

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Today we are covering how to enjoy ‘me’ time this fall before the holiday busyness begins. Plus, I’m sharing a recipe for these delicious and easy Chai Apple and Almond Puff Pastry Tarts.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Oregon Chai®. The opinions and text are all mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that make VV possible.

It’s no secret that chai lattes hold a special place in my heart (one of the first recipes on VV was a chai spiced cupcake recipe and I’ve featured the spice combo in many recipes since). My obsession with them first started when I worked at a coffee shop in high school, as it was my favorite drink item on the menu. Over the years, I’ve also come to associate the smell of a steaming cup of chai latte with fall – with the crunching of leaves, a big cozy sweater, pumpkin picking, and so much more. A spicy chai latte always seems to be my first choice when packing up a warm drink for a brisk walk in the woods to wander among the changing leaves.

10 Vegetarian Soup Recipes To Get You Excited For Cooler Weather

September 18, 2018ALL, Entree, Fall, Side, Soup, Winter103

10 Vegetarian Soup Recipes To Get You Excited For Cooler Weather featuring chilis, stews, dumpling soup, minestrone, and more!

Here in the Midwest, we are at that point in the year where I’m just so ready for cooler weather and comfort food in the form of easy and flavorful soups. Any else with me? Well here are 10 vegetarian soup recipes to add to your dinner menu in the coming weeks:

1. This Creamy Vegetarian White Chili recipe that is cozy and filling (with vegan option). Ideal for healthy weeknight meals or chilly afternoons.

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing

September 11, 2018ALL, Appetizer, Salad, Side, Summer64

In a hurry? Click here to JUMP TO RECIPE!

This Heirloom Tomato Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing recipe is a great way to use up those heirloom tomatoes currently ripening on the vine in your garden.

Dropping in for a quick post today and to give one last ode to summer with this late season Heirloom Tomato Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing. The humidity has already started to drop here in the Midwest so I know fall is on the horizon but my garden is still bursting with these late summer beauties. I’d probably be wishing summer away altogether (fall is my favorite season) if it wasn’t for all the fresh herbs and tomatoes currently thriving in the garden.

Blueberry Lemon Pie

August 15, 2018ALL, Summer, Sweets75

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This Blueberry Lemon Pie recipe has a flaky crust and juicy filling perfect for a summer treat when blueberries are in abundance.

As I’m sure you can tell by the recipes I’ve shared over the last few months, I usually shy away from anything too labor intensive. And to me, pie has always been at the top of the list when it comes to time consuming and finicky recipes. If I had my way, I’d just make cakes and quick breads for all special occasions but pie is Wyatt’s favorite so I’ve come back to trying to master it time and time again. I’m inpatient but persistent which is why I gave this pie making thing another go a few weeks ago after swearing it off last January when I made two ugggggly looking things for Wyatt’s birthday. I think my biggest issue, as a bit of a perfectionist, is that I’d spend hours in the kitchen working on a pie and it would come out of the oven so imperfect – the crust would shrink or there would be fruit oozing out of the seams. All the work and it’s not perfect? What’s the point.

Seedy Blueberry Banana Bread + Scenes from Blueberry Picking

August 2, 2018ALL, Bread, Snack, Summer, Sweets60

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This Seedy Blueberry Banana Bread recipe is a great way to use up overly ripe bananas and to get a boost of fruit in your diet! It’s less sweet than most banana bread recipes making it an ideal choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Not sure exactly what it is but it doesn’t take much for me to get the summer bummers – maybe it’s the expectation that summer is going to be only all day pool parties and caprese salads but usually by the time July hits, I start to crave cooler calm days. We headed up north to visit Wyatt’s parents a few weekends ago and disappoint rung throughout the house, from everyone but me, when rain hit on our boat day. It was merely sprinkling but that was enough to know that laying out in the sun was not going to be in our cards so I suggested we visit a nearby organic blueberry farm instead. I was nervous about how Wyatt’s family was going to react to spending their Saturday picking fruit but everyone ended up having a blast (the guys even turned it into a competition)! And wandering around the lush blueberry patch in the warm summer rain drizzle was exactly what I needed to refresh and get me out of my mood.

Fresh Greek Nachos with Herbed Tahini Sauce

July 20, 2018ALL, Appetizer, Entree, Snack, Summer99

In a hurry? Click here to JUMP TO RECIPE!

Is your garden or farmer’s market overflowing with herbs and tomatoes? It’s time to make this quick and easy Fresh Greek Nachos with Herbed Tahini Sauce recipe! I eat it for lunch all the time but it would also be great to serve to a crowd.

My eating shifts with the seasons so it’s not surprise that I go through phases with recipes. This particular recipe was a regular on my lunch routine last summer because it was so darn easy and I could pull half of the ingredients fresh out of my garden to whip up in just a few minutes. This recipe comes from Katherine of Cookie + Kate’s cookbook, Love Real Food, and her recipes are just that. They are no-frill vegetarian recipes that are perfect when you are short on time or just looking to not over-complicate your meal. And that is the exact reason I’ve been going back to this recipe on the regular again this summer.

15 Recipes To Make While Summer Fruit is in Season!

July 17, 2018ALL, Appetizer, Breakfast, Drinks, Round-Up, Summer, Sweets52

15 Recipes To Make While Summer Fruit is in Season! From drinks to sweets to savory items, these recipes will have you making fruit recipes all summer long!

If you are anything like me, you can’t resist all the colorful and juicy fresh fruit currently stationed at your local farmer’s market. Summer fruit can be fleeting so here are some recipes to make sure you have an excuse to pick up those berries or stone fruit pints while they are around!

Burrata with Plums Tomatoes and Mint-Basil Oil

July 8, 2018ALL, Appetizer, Summer60

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This Burrata with Plums Tomatoes and Mint-Basil Oil recipe can be whipped up in under 15 minutes and requires zero cooking time. Perfect summer entertaining appetizer? I think so.

It’s recipes like this one that make me wish summer produce was always in season. I love this time of year because I can walk outside and pick half the ingredients from my garden and then whip up something satisfying and delicious in under 10 minutes. Another great aspect to this recipe? It requires zero cooking which means you don’t have to worry about turning on your oven or standing outside in the sticky heat in front of your grill.

Roasted Plums and Blueberries with Cardamom and Vanilla

July 3, 2018ALL, Summer, Sweets59

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This versatile Roasted Plums and Blueberries with Cardamom and Vanilla recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and is the perfect summer breakfast or dessert when fruit is thriving at your farmer’s market.

I picked up these beautiful plums and blueberries at the farmer’s market over the weekend and couldn’t resist whipping up something simple for the blogs with them. My usual favorite fruit combo is blueberry and peaches so I was pretty excited to try swapping in plums when I saw these at the market. Because their colors were so vibrant, I didn’t want to hide them in a pie or cobbler so I decided a quick roasting was the way to go. Instead of adding dried spices and extracts, I crushed whole cardamom pods and add vanilla beans for a subtle scent that melds into the fruit as it roasts.

Backyard Makeover with Harvest Organics!

June 24, 2018ALL, DIY, Summer63

Today I am talking all about the backyard makeover we’ve spent the last few weekends working on! Please note that this post was sponsored by Harvest Organics, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make VV possible. #TheHarvestEffect

Moving into a house in the dead of winter can be a bit of a gamble when it comes to the yard. We knew there was a hideous chain link fence (broken in some parts too – see photo below) that needed replaced but we didn’t know what else to really expect. Come spring, we were pleased to see beautiful bushes and perennials pot up. Also, after cleaning up a ton of trash in the back (womp womp), we discovered that grass didn’t grow in a large portion of the yard. This sparked an idea to, instead of just putting grass seed down, build a backyard “chill zone” complete with dining area, grill corner, and gas fire hang spot.

All in all, the project took us 5 weekends to complete and we broke it down into smaller projects that we’d tackle over a two day stretch:

1. Build a fence: Wyatt’s dad came down to help with this and it took them a total of 4 days to complete. We used treated wood so I won’t be able to stain it until the fall so it does give off a slightly greenish hue in some of the photos. They also used boards instead of panels so it will hopefully last longer and be a bit sturdier. Although probably the hardest of all the projects, having this privacy fence to block out the alley makes the biggest difference.

2. Lay down rock: This was the next biggest step. We are grateful to have a few friends that helps us dig the dirt down a few inches, level the ground out, lay down landscape fabric, and haul in rocks and pebbles. We went back and forth for weeks on whether we should do pebbles or build a wood deck and I’m so glad we went with the rocks. To be honest, I was a bit nervous that it would look like an ugly gravel driveway but I think it turned out great!

3. Assemble and arrange furniture: Do not underestimate the amount of time it takes to assemble furniture! The Shade Pergola was by far the most time consuming but I has already proven to be quite useful on sunny, hot days. I went with a dark grey and black minimalist vibe that catered to my love of mid-century modern while also being comfy enough to lounge in. Another decision we struggled with was whether to get a gas fire or wood burning fire pit. Although I was leaning towards a wood burning pit because I love the smell of a campfire, Wyatt really wanted to go with a gas fire because he felt like we’d use it more often since they are so easy to turn on and off at your leisure. In the end, I’m so happy we went the gas route – we bought a propane tank cover that matches the fire table and doubles as a nice end table. We are also able to easily hide the tube that runs between the two under the rocks which is another plus! I’ve been going out there in the evening with my book and am able to turn the fire on within seconds and enjoy it for a little while without having to put any effort into it!

4. Decorate with planters, string lights, and throw pillows: Since we tore up the little green that was flourishing, I wanted to bring as many plants into the space as possible. When looking at outdoor “makeover” designs online, a lot had, in my opinion, very unpractical decorating touches with piles of throw pillows, weird shelves added to the fence for trinkets, and /or hanging items on the fence (such as pictures and mirrors). Although I did add a few throw pillows, I wanted the main focus of our patio-scape to be lush plants which I put in big pots all around the area. After having so much success with using Harvest Organics for my garden, I was excited to use their potting soil mix for the these potted plants. I also love the idea that by using Harvest Organic soil, I am a part of the movement to reduce waste and replenish the earth since they recycle yard and food scraps by turning it into rich soil.#TheHarvestEffect

Lastly, we hung string lights so we wouldn’t have to have our porch light on during the evenings when we’re out there with a fire.

5. Replace outdoor light fixtures: There are porch lights that I bought replacement lights for as they look like they’ve been there since the house was built in the 1920’s (an exaggeration, but still). I’ll be honest and say that we still have not gotten around to replacing them but it’s the last thing on our list and I’m feeling pretty proud that we managed to tackle everything else in a few short weeks.

Get the look:

Treated fence boards
Rocks and Pebbles for the ground
Black shell pots for plants
Plants: Mix of May’s Greenhouse and Lowe’s
Harvest Organics Potting Soil from Lowe’s
Gas fire table + Propane tank cover
Lounge Loveseat + chairs
Outdoor dining table
Shade Pergola
Outdoor dining chairs
String lights
Gas Grill
Throw pillows (and this one)

That’s it! The space isn’t huge but it’s perfect for grills outs followed by cocktails around the fire. Now to move on to the next project (jk jk! I’ll be out here enjoying this space all summer long).

Grilled Veggies with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce & Grilled Pita

June 20, 2018ALL, Entree, Summer66

In a hurry? Click here to JUMP TO RECIPE!

This Grilled Veggies with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce & Grilled Pita vegetarian grill recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal while bursting with flavor.

I feel like grilling season has become a dreaded time for many vegetarians as they head to BBQs focused around brats, hot dogs, and steak. Although you could always rely on those (sad, IMO) processed veggie frozen burgers to fill you up, I think both know that we deserve better.

After years of using a charcoal grill, Wyatt and I finally purchased a gas one a few weeks ago and we’ve been loving it so much that we cook on it several times a week. I took this opportunity to try out a whole bunch of different vegetarian recipes made specifically for the grill and settled on this one being, by far, my favorite. An abundance of veggies keep this dish light while the yogurt sauce packs a punch of protein and flavor. Grilling pita is my favorite way to enjoy pita as it softens on the inside while crisping up on the exterior. To finish, we grill half a lemon which is then squirted over the veggies and sprinkle with cilantro. The end result is simple enough for a weeknight meal while bursting with flavor.

10 Drink and Cocktail Recipes To Keep You Cool This Summer!

June 13, 2018ALL, Drinks, Round-Up, Spring, Summer35

Today I have 10 Drink and Cocktail Recipes To Keep You Cool This Summer! The heat is here and that means it’s time to crank up your drink game! Whether you are into something boozy or looking for an energizing smoothie to start your day, I’ve got you covered in this round-up! OH and bonus points if you like vegetables in your drinks – I have a surprising number of veg-focused cocktails…

Fruit Salad with Tahini Granola and Creamy Yogurt

June 6, 2018ALL, Appetizer, Breakfast, Salad, Side, Snack, Summer, Sweets64

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This Fruit Salad with Tahini Granola and Creamy Yogurt recipe is a modern hybrid between a parfait and fruit salad for a crowd. It’s cooling, crunchy, tangy, and juicy making it the perfect light dessert on a warm summer day.

This recipe was the product of having people coming over for an impromptu grill-out and me wanting to whip up a dessert based on what we had on hand already. I drew inspiration from a traditional fruit salad that is covered in whipped cream and overly sweet marshmallows but swapped those ingredients out for tangy yogurt, syrupy fruit, and crunchy granola. I also wanted layers (so you could see everything) while serving for a stunning presentation and the results ended up being almost like a big parfait. The big difference between this and a parfait though is that they are usually personalized in little cups and I wanted something I could just put on the table with the rest of the food for people to scoop onto their plate along with the grilled goodies.

My Tips & Tricks For Planting an Edible Garden

June 1, 2018ALL, DIY, Summer38

Today we are talking all about growing your own food! I’ll be covering all I know about starting a vegetable and herb garden. Please note that this post was sponsored by Harvest Organics but All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make VV possible.

If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know that I plant and maintain a decent-sized garden every summer. Since I don’t live in a huge metropolitan area, I can’t always find certain heirloom varieties of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers so my solution is just to grow my own! Plus, there is nothing more rewarding than being able to walk outside your door and pick your own herbs to throw into dinner. Today I’m going to share what I grow, why I use raised beds, and lots of other useful tidbits and answers for folks out there thinking about starting a garden but not knowing where to start.

I’m pumped to be partnering with Harvest Organics for this post as I get lots of questions about my garden (the edible flower one in particular) and this collaboration has inspired me to finally sit down and write more about my gardening experience!