The temperature dipped this week, and the only thing on my mind was black bean soup.That and a heavier jacket! As soon as I felt a shiver, I was at the grocery store. But when I got there—whew! I could not believe my eyes. A single can of black bean soup was $5.69. I’m not kidding. Sure, it … Read More
Honeynut squash is one of the newest veggies to land on my plate. Over the past few years, I’ve made a real effort to learn more about squash. Long gone are the days of ignoring them at the market. Sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know. I have embraced Roasted Delicata Squash. I learned to make … Read More
Vegan Halloween candies are hiding in plain site. Looking for candies that don’t contain animal products? Me too! Want a little sweet treat for you and the kiddos? I’ve got you covered. No gelatin, diary or eggs in any of these candies. This list of Vegan Halloween candies includes some of the old school and a little bit … Read More
Who knew that anyone would become addicted to pumpkin spice lattes? For years, a latte was classic. Just a cup of espresso and steamed milk. No muss, no fuss. But then pumpkin season came along and changed everything. Well that’s not really true. The folks at Starbucks came along and changed the game. The legend is that the … Read More
Pumpkin flavored everything is every where right now. You can’t escape it. From the coffee shops to the bakery–it is the season! As the leaves change color and the wind picks up, I always find myself reaching for a warm bowl of goodness. I also enjoy my hair blowing in the wind but that’s a story for another … Read More
Brussels sprouts are not the most hated vegetable in America. Shocking right? According to a 2019 survey, they were the most hated vegetable right behind turnips, beets and radishes. I grew up hating sprouts. I can’t honestly tell you why. But I can’t honestly tell you why. My mom never made them. I think it I picked up … Read More
Creamy lemonade was all the rage on Tik Tok a few summers ago. It is still on the list of summer must haves in 2025. The recipe is really easy. I made some creamy lemonade and added it to ice cube trays and even popsicle molds. I’m all about getting the most bang for my buck! Keep Cool … Read More
Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect and remember those that sacrificed so that we could thrive. I was a full adult before I even knew what Juneteenth was all about. It was not a part of any social studies or history lesson found in my NYC classroom. Texas confirmed the holiday in 1980. People across the United States … Read More
If you’re looking for a warm, sweet way to wrap up your Mother’s Day meal, look no further than mini peach cobblers. These single-serve desserts are tasty and comforting. They also feel more personal and special—just like Mama deserves. While full-sized cobblers can feel a bit intimidating, the mini versions are the perfect “to-go” desserts and ideal for … Read More
Delicata is just how it sounds—delicate! Of all the squash varieties I’ve discovered over the past few years, Delicata squash has become a true favorite. What makes it especially amazing? You can roast and eat the entire thing—skin and all! Yes, I was shocked too. No peeling. No food waste. Just roast, season, and enjoy. It’s the perfect … Read More
I didn’t go looking for Fonio—Fonio found me. Pronounced phon-yo, this ancient grain wasn’t even on my radar until a last-minute online grocery run. My mission was simple: restock my pantry essentials. But the quinoa was out of stock. And if you’ve been leaning into plant-based eating like I have, you know that running out of quinoa is … Read More
Egg free cornbread? Yeah….the cost of eggs has caused lots of people to look for ways to reinvent their favorite dishes. Cornbread is a staple in our home so finding a new way to make it was both scary and fun. I seriously was expecting something dry and crumbly. But it did not come out that way. Whew! … Read More
Valentine’s Day comes once a year, but I could make these truffles every day! They are creamy and full of chocolate. I don’t know why they aren’t on my to-do list at least once a month. What’s really cool is that I only use used two ingredients to make them. Chocolate chips and coconut milk are all I … Read More
Caramel popcorn is just one of those snacks that makes me smile. I’m always excited about learning how to make something new. I’ve eaten lots of caramel popcorn but never tried to make it at home. Made with simple ingredients, I swapped out traditional butter for a vegan butter. If you are leaning away from dairy products, this … Read More
Mocktail beverages and January go hand in hand. If you are participating in the Dry January challenge, then this blog post is for you. Dry January began in the UK in 2013. The goal is to skip alcoholic beverages for all 31 days of the month. The holidays certainly encouraged us to eat, drink and be merry. Mocktails … Read More
Slow-roasted tomatoes. Sounds like a smooth R & B group right? Lol. Have you ever bought too many tomatoes? You are not alone! It happens to me all the time. Tomatoes that take a long nap in the oven are transformed from lovely to exciting! Slow-roasting is a simple process that unlocks a burst of flavor you never … Read More
Stress can lead to failing physical and mental health. Women may experience higher levels of stress than men because of the multiple hats we wear. We are more often than not juggling several roles including mom, caregiver and head of household. It’s well documented that African-Americans are more likely to experience stress due to discrimination, exposure to violence, … Read More
Grocery shopping now looks very different than it did just a few years ago. We used to be a family of full-fledged carnivores. Now it’s mostly plants. We are eating differently and our approach to grocery shopping has changed too. I live in the Bronx with a population of 1.4 million. The best day to shop for me? … Read More
Agua Fresca is exactly what it sounds like. Cool water or fresh water. And with summer temperatures gone wild, that is exactly what we need. What’s really cool (no pun intended-lol) is that you can make this refreshing drink with almost any fruit. I love the flexibility that comes from making agua fresca with whatever we have. Sometimes … Read More
Salmon lettuce wrap for breakfast? Who says you can’t start your day with protein and vegetables? I say go for it! That is exactly what this plant-based life is all about. We are breaking down the old school traditions. The first meal of the day can be more than just cereal and toast. These simple salmon lettuce wraps … Read More
Last minute gifts! I hope you find something you love. I have purchased quite a few of these items and I have curated this Father’s Day list all by myself. FYI, Black Girls Eat is an Amazon influencer and may be compensated from links on this page. What to get for the guy who has everything? What kind … Read More
Avocado ice cream. Yep, my brain still can’t understand it. It’s like when I first heard back to the future. Huh? If you have been hanging out with me then you know my story. If we are just meeting, let me give you the quick rundown. I am on a plant-based journey. I am a plant-based advocate. That … Read More
Plant-based cooking is not as hard as it sounds. It means that you are super focused on getting more nutrient rich foods on your plate. Once you decide that you want to add more fruits, grains and vegetables to your plate, it makes sense that you are shopping differently. What’s great about plant-based cooking is that you can … Read More
Spicy honey garlic tofu. Yeah baby! That is a mouthful. When I started leaning into plant-based nutrition, all I heard about was tofu. It was one of the first foods that everyone suggested that I try. The truth is, at first, I’d only been in contact with tofu in the bowls of miso soup I’ve enjoyed. Then I … Read More
Tomato cobbler is a savory cousin to the traditional sweet peach cobbler I make for the family. This time, tomatoes are the star. Why did I decide to make tomato cobbler? The honest truth is that we had too many tomatoes and I thought that they would spoil before we had a chance to eat them. I hate … Read More
Plant-based protein exists! People ask me all the time if they can get protein while choosing plant-based foods. My answer is of course! There are plenty of delicious and easy high protein plant-based recipes right here on the Black Girls Eat website. Many plant-based foods are delicious. You can mix it up with foods like beans, lentils, tofu, … Read More
Vitamin C is often the first thing we think of during the cold season. But does it really help with colds and flu? Not really. According to the experts, it actually may help shorten the time you are under the weather. It certainly won’t help you avoid catching a cold. But still, Vitamin C is important because of … Read More
Spicy maple acorn squash is a mouthful. A hot peppery one at that! At first, acorn squash looks hard and uninteresting but just you wait! Before I became a plant-based advocate, I used to walk past the squash section at the market. Acorn squash never got my attention. It just looked like large oddly shaped dark green and/or … Read More
Oven roasted tomatoes and peppers are what I mean when I say plant-powered punch. A true burst of color and antioxidants. This dish is proof that the side dish can be the star. Looking to impress your friends? This colorful dish always looks like it took more time to prepare than it really did. Did you know that … Read More
Toasted oats are easy to make and you will be surprised at how many ways you can use them. Another example of plant-based power in your hand. They are perfect when you want to add a little crunch to your yogurt. They are really great when you want to add more texture to your oatmeal cookies. Lately, I’ve … Read More
Galentine’s Day is Tuesday, February 13th. The holiday is all about girl power. It’s a day to let your girls know how much you love them. So shout out to your homegirls, your crew and the ride or die women in your life. This special day may have started off as a sit-com joke but now it’s a … Read More
Black owned businesses always get a spotlight during Black History Month. The reality is that these businesses deserve love all year long. So many operate with fewer than ten employees. They are the very definition of small business. As daunting as it might be, an estimated 161,031 Black or African American-owned businesses were in operation in 2022, with … Read More
Spaghetti Squash is not spaghetti. Let’s just get that out in the open right now. It’s not the cousin of linguine. Nor fettuccini’s sister. This squash gets it’s name from the fact that it looks stringy. Okay well, you have to cook it first. Once it’s done, you can use a fork to scrape it so that the … Read More
I fell in love. There it was, inside of one of my weekly CSA pick ups. The kohlrabi was green and oddly shaped. I was intrigued. I have shared in the past that a Community Supported Agriculture program is a great way to discover new fruits, grains and vegetables. It can really expand your plant-based vocabulary. Each week … Read More
Drink water and mind my business is more than just a hot song. Water bottles are trending as must have items for everyone. In my house, we have a cabinet full of them. There are glass ones, aluminum ones and plastic ones. Some of them have logos imprinted on them and some are generic. In truth, we are … Read More
Broccoli mash came into our lives by accident. We had a bag of frozen broccoli sitting in the back of the freezer. I’m gonna say it’s been there more than 6 months. No judgement please. A huge part of being a plant-based advocate means finding new ways to love classic foods that I grew up with. It ain’t … Read More
Sheet pans get a workout in this house. You may know them as bake pans or cookie sheets. A kitchen must have for roasting or baking anything. I remember trying to use just aluminum foil. That can work but I appreciate the sturdiness and support that comes from a sheet pan. In recent years, I’ve purchased all kinds … Read More
January is all about getting more plants on your plate. The Veganuary celebration runs from January 1st through January 31st and the commitment is easy. You have a whole month to go from plant-curious to plant-focused. That means a whole January without animal products. No meat, no cheese, seafood, nada! There’s a lot of pressure put on the … Read More
The best gifts are the ones that you wouldn’t mind receiving yourself. Am I right? The gift giving season is here and I’ve got you covered. From your favorite foodie to your home cooks, we have something for everyone. When I first started remixing my plate, I wasn’t too concerned about kitchen tools and appliances. I had the … Read More
Vegan Thanksgiving holiday meals are being delivered this season. Whaaaatttt??? It’s true. Get your holiday on without breaking a sweat. A lot of people are leaning into plant-based nutrition and leaning into letting someone else do the cooking. I have been a plant-based advocate for a few years now. It’s been great to introduce new fruits, grains and … Read More
Jerk spice instantly makes me think of bold flavor and bold people. Different than the hot that comes from hot sauce, it hits different. Technically, “jerk” is about how meats are seasoned, smoked and grilled. The process and the flavors are a true nod to the culture. You can find this flavor all over the globe from the … Read More
Roasted potato salad was born out of my desire to switch up an old classic. Potato salad is hands down one of our fave summer salads. Okay so when the temps go down, I switch from the traditional version to this roasted one. I discovered this recipe by accident. One night, we had roasted potatoes for dinner. A … Read More
The caramel apple is popular for about one month during the calendar year. October 31st just happens to be National Caramel Apple Day. Did you know it was invented by Dan Walker in the 1950s? It gets better. He was an employee at Kraft at the time. Yes Kraft, the same people that brought you the macaroni and … Read More
Sea moss can be found almost everywhere these days. There are pills, powders and gels. Straight from the ocean and sounds like a miracle. Foodies and non-foodies alike are touting it’s legendary ability to do everything from boosting your immune system to supporting weight loss. I just started adding sea moss to smoothies and teas after learning about … Read More
Organic cocktails is a thing right? Yes, you can absolutely find yourself some tasty cocktails made with organic fruits and veggies. I truly love “girls night out” and since getting leaning into plant-based nutrition, I am looking for healthier options everywhere. Even at the bar! lol. So what’s the deal with organic cocktails? Well, some say it’s a … Read More
Butternut squash and yams are absolutely one of my favorite dynamic duos. They are right up there with chips and hummus. Let me tell you why. Butternut squash is known for its high nutritional value including vitamins A & C along with magnesium and potassium. Yams are also rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins. That’s why the love … Read More
Miso soup is a favorite in my house. Right after she celebrated her 4th birthday, our daughter fell in love with Asian food and culture. A restaurant in our neighborhood still offers old school service. We love the comfy booths, hot tea and of course chop sticks. You actually have to ask for a fork and a knife. … Read More
Meal prep used to make me roll my eyes. The idea of being prepared for an entire week of meals was overwhelming. It could have just been me but people who raved about their meal prepping skills got on my nerves. It just felt like they were showing off. Lol. But things are different now. I am a … Read More
Apple is the one flavor that I can never walk away from. I love anything apple. This is true for everything from pie to cookies. Once fall begins, you can bet your last dollar that they are in my shopping cart. Do you believe that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well, the research doesn’t say … Read More
Vegetarian, Vegan and Plant-Based diets are at the center of almost every food convo I’ve had lately. I have to tell you that the labels never did anything for me. Yes, I absolutely consider myself a plant-based advocate. But no, I don’t like that the labels cause stress and anxiety for so many. My reality is that my … Read More
A picky eater can make any meal challenging. I find this to be most true when it comes to the first meal of the day. I used to spend a half hour asking my daughter if she wanted pancakes or quiche or toast and jelly. Not so bad on a weekend but a nightmare when we are trying … Read More
Santa Monica Pier is as iconic as the Statue of Liberty. It’s home to that can’t miss Pacific view. Lots of sunshine and food! My family spent a week in Santa Monica and our biggest decision every day? Where should we eat? There was no shortage of options and there was always something to make my plant-based taste … Read More
Blueberry oatmeal muffins make back to school mornings easier. These muffins help ensure that we all make a healthy start to the day. Made with ingredients that we already have at home, making them is always an easy choice. I just happen to love blueberries but I’m sure that you could add your favorite fruit and they will … Read More
Making a cheese free quesadilla may sound a little strange. If you love cheese, it may sound outright insane. Before I started leaning away from dairy products, a quesadilla without cheese would have been unheard of. But I’m a plant-based girl in a plant-based world so now anything is possible! There are many theories about the word quesadilla. … Read More
Spicy sweet potato hummus. I just love the sound of it. The actual recipe has been around for awhile but not for me. In my house, this twist on the traditional is truly the next best thing. The fact that I don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to use a sweet potato is even more fun. This hummus … Read More
VeganHood sounded like the perfect address for me on a recent sunny NYC afternoon. A plant-based restaurant in Harlem is just what I needed. You know your girl is always looking for new ways to add plants to her plate! What really inspired me was the fact that it was launched by two sisters from Harlem who were … Read More
The Farmers Market used to be where I shopped for apples. Seriously. I was not food curious so if I didn’t recognize it, I didn’t buy it. But, I had fallen in love with the honeycrisp apple and that’s the only way I knew how to get my hands on some. But the joke is that I would … Read More
White beans. Yep, I have tons of them in the pantry. My usual move is to warm them on the stove with a little garlic. It’s a simple strategy to add more plants to my plate and that is the goal. I always push myself to add more grains, legumes, fruits and veggies to every meal. Did you … Read More
Fast food did not magically disappear when I started leaning into plant-based nutrition. At first, it kind of faded into the background. I was learning about organic foods and superfoods. Cooking easy meals at home became the norm. That was all good until my first summer. Bouncing around with friends and family meant that a visit to a … Read More
Rice bowl, grain bowl, pasta bowl. You get the idea. Whenever I start planning a “bowl”, I have to decide what the foundation will be. I opened the fridge today and saw a huge pot of brown rice. I knew there was a rice bowl in my future. The Rice Bowl Supports a Plant-Based Lifestyle I grew up … Read More
Three plant-based and vegan restaurants to know in Brooklyn? Just three? Of course there so many to choose from. I’m outside but not really. It’s true. I am slowly making my way around NYC and feeling good about what I’m discovering. Save this post and share it with friends who might be visiting NYC. Go Plant-Based and Vegan … Read More
Trader Joe’s is not for the faint of heart. The 59th street location here in NYC was the Game of Thrones. It was crazy! There were hundreds of people racing around with and without shopping carts. I felt like I was on an Indy 500 race track except I was the only one not in a race car! … Read More
Chocolate hummus? I know, I couldn’t believe it either. Straight out the gate, I wanted to know if chocolate hummus would taste funny. Traditional hummus is made with chickpeas, tahini (sesame), olive oil and lemon juice. None of those sound like a good idea for a chocolate hummus. So imagine my surprise when I dipped my spoon into … Read More
Protein is the first thing that I thought about when I started leaning away from animal products. I didn’t even really know what protein was. But, I became very concerned about getting it. Then I became concerned about getting enough. The truth is, I grew up with one understanding of protein. I understood that it came from meat. … Read More
Flatbread pizza has been around for centuries. But it’s only been in my house for the past five years. Why? well, the answer is simple. I’m a Bronx girl and for me, pizza always starts out as a circle and then it becomes a triangle. Are you wondering if I had ever eaten flatbread pizza in a restaurant? … Read More
Cauliflower “mac” and cheese is a bit of a mind twist. As a plant-based advocate, I know that cauliflower is one of the good veggies. One cup is only about 25 calories and is fat and cholesterol free. You can get almost 100% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C from just one serving. And did I … Read More
Does anyone ever really have cabbage on their mind? I feel like it’s something that shows up like a friendly neighbor. Cabbage done well, doesn’t offend. It’s a quiet guest on the plate. But it’s not really a front of mind veggie for me. It’s only when I see it, that I’m reminded of what a great veggie … Read More
Breakfast boards will keep the bore-dom out of every breakfast in bed moment. Ha! It’s corny but so very true! What’s awesome about this magical food hack is that anyone can create one. It’s all about presentation. When looking for a lazy way to roll into the weekend, a breakfast board is definitely the way to go! Just … Read More
Black History month ain’t what it used to be. When I was in middle school, all of the information came out of a dusty textbook. Sometimes, there were specials on television that we watched in class. And there was always the Black History month celebration that wrapped up with each of us bringing a dish to school that … Read More
Valentine’s Day is one of the Big Kahunas of gift giving season. How much did we spend in 2022? 23.9 billion dollars! That’s a whole lot of expressions of love. Okay I’m sure there were other expressions as well. I’m thinking I love you, like you, need you, wanna know you, hope you like me too. Well you … Read More
Plant-based mylks have been popping up everywhere. Did you notice the spelling? Now you are one of the cool kids. Yes that’s the new way to describe a liquid made from nuts and plants. MYLK. Pretty cool huh? As a reminder, Veganuary is a great time to take a look at non-dairy alternatives. Why Are People Choosing Plant-Based … Read More
Veganuary begins on January 1st. You can celebrate plant-based nutrition for the entire month. Sign me up. I’m in! Perfect timing after the food friendly holiday season. It’s been a good two months of eat, drink and be merry. So maybe this challenge is for you. You can pledge to try a vegan option daily. You can even … Read More
Vegan coquito is here to save the holiday! The yummy blend of coconut, milk and spices has been remixed and tastes as good as ever. I grew up in the Bronx surrounded by masters of the mix. When I tell you, the race to win the crown for the best coquito was a serious one. Pronounced, Koh-Kee-Toh, vegan … Read More
Prosecco is always welcome at our house. It’s the official sparkling wine of Italy and we enjoy it year round. When it comes to the holiday season, I like to create new looks and flavors for our guests. I went to a party and they served a glass of sparkling wine with cranberries and cranberry juice. It was … Read More
Thanksgiving can feel like the make or break holiday for your family. We eat all year long but the last Thursday in November is a moment! Just look at all of magazine covers in the supermarket. And what about all of the glossy images online? There is so much pressure to make food that is both delicious and … Read More
Collard greens are one of the soul food dishes that you could get famous for if done right. And if it is done wrong–it is all the way wrong! Those that manage to season and cook down a delicious pot of greens for family gatherings will have guests show up early with a to-go plate in their hand. … Read More
Vegan hummus board sounds like some kind of transportation. You might not be able to travel on it but it’s worth the effort. This one is made with just five ingredients. What’s cool about making a vegan hummus board is that you call the shots. Whatever veggies you have at the ready are perfect. It’s a versatile appetizer … Read More
Plant-based breakfast is a pain point for a lot of people. After a lifetime of bowls of cereal, I understand. Just a few years ago, I had no problem grabbing a bacon, egg and cheese on the way to the office. But things have changed. Leaning away from animal products means leaning into toast! No matter what time … Read More
Pumpkins cookies make fall really fall. I mean come on. Nothing says after-school in October like a pumpkin cookie! And let’s not forget that the spiced pumpkin latte is also right up there with pumpkin cookies. I recently discovered a sale on pumpkin puree at the market and came home with one thing on my mind. Yes, you … Read More
Pepper jack cheese was always one of my faves. I truly loved the combination of spices. It was always like a nice surprise in my sandwich. This was especially true whenever I made a grilled cheese sandwich or if I melted it on a bagel. Those were the good old days. I was a cheesaholic so taking a … Read More
Tostones bring back so many memories of my childhood in the Bronx. I first discovered these fried crispy treats as an 11 year old. I used to visit my friend Elena and no matter what the meal, tostones were on the table. Her family was from the Dominican Republic. She told me that a meal was not a … Read More
Creamsicle pops taste like frozen sunshine. Who says that frozen treats jump off the menu in August? Not me! School is in session. We are back to work. So I say, let’s enjoy this summertime treat during the warm days of fall. What’s fun about the creamsicle pop is that it’s the best of two worlds. First, there’s … Read More
Bruschetta made with tomato and peaches is an easy and tasty way to get more plants on your plate. The traditional version has a tomato base. It’s often made with herbs like basil along with balsamic vinegar and garlic. In fact, did you know that bruschetta actually refers to the slices of bread and not the actual topping? … Read More
Pineapple Whip was all I heard the last time I was at Disney World. This cold, sweet and creamy treat was the number one request from the kids and the adults. It didn’t matter that the line was always long. No one asked for soda. No one asked for ice cream. It was all about the pineapple whip. … Read More
Elote salad is a fun take on the traditional elote that we love. It’s all at once sweet, sour, creamy and crunchy. If you have been to a street fair or food festival, you may have seen this delicious treat. Elote means corn cob. Made traditionally with roasted corn on the cob, cheese, mayo, lime and a kiss … Read More
Arugula brings a green and peppery taste to this salad. I have come a long way since the days of iceberg lettuce. No shade to iceberg lovers. Iceberg lettuce was all I knew for many years. As a teen, I landed a gig as a cashier at a fancy supermarket. That’s when I first discovered Arugula. I had … Read More
Golden beets never made it to my grocery list. Not when I had my first apartment and shopping was an olympic sport. Not even when I grew up and my palate had become what I considered sophisticated. Beets, both red and orange were on the no-go list along with asparagus and the Brussels sprout. They were pretty but … Read More
Strawberry Shortcake. Come on. Say it three times. I have always thought this was was a fun and easy dessert to make. June 14th is National Strawberry Shortcake Day and the perfect way to celebrate Strawberry season. What I really love about Strawberry Shortcake is that it’s messy. It’s really about putting it together in layers. I like … Read More
Diet. The very word is not appealing. A plant-based diet feels more kind. It feels more like a live-it when I hear that. It may well be that people lose weight when they start leaning into plant-based nutrition. But dieting is not what Black Girls Eat is all about. I became a plant-based advocate after making changes to … Read More
Learning how to shop for plant-based meals is not so different from the traditional visit to the grocery store. There’s just a shift in priorities. In my previous life, I would start in the meat section and then make my way over to produce. Now I start in the produce aisle with a laser like focus on adding … Read More
Butternut squash sauce popped up in my life a few months ago. I was staring at several packages of bucatini pasta and looking for ideas. I don’t know about you but, I get bored from time to time. As I am exploring plant-based nutrition, I’m expanding my food vocabulary. In the past, butternut was a rock hard veggie … Read More
Roasted mushrooms did not make it to my plate until I was a full grown adult. As a kid, roasting anything was not really the norm. Our oven worked over-time on cake, cornbread and baked meats but never for vegetables. It sounds silly now but I don’t ever remember anyone being excited about turning the oven on for … Read More
The very notion of making healthier food choices almost always cancels sweet treats like sugar cookies. But it really doesn’t have to be that way. I’m a real wife and mom with a real 11-year old. There are just times when we need and want a sweet treat. Full stop. When I first learned about inflammation in my … Read More
Pesto came into my life at just the right time. Of course I had the yummy green stuff on my plate for years before I started making it. But when I began looking for ways to get more plants on my plate, pesto was a great choice. So let me say upfront that this pesto recipe is far … Read More
Homemade. Yup. The very word makes me think of my family. There was a time in my life when almost everything I bought was pre-packaged. I was the Queen of just add water and stir. Once I started leaning into a plant-based lifestyle, it changed the way I cooked. I started looking at ingredients. Then, I really started … Read More
Purple sweet potatoes are just beautiful. I grew up with white potatoes in my potato salad. The orange version ruled my childhood. It wasn’t until I was a full grown adult that I discovered the purple sweet potato. I’ve been getting groceries delivered for a while but last week I went out to shop. I always get excited … Read More
I grew up eating grits but I was not familiar with polenta. Not sure which is which? Polenta is made from yellow corn and white grits are made from, yep, you guessed it…white corn. Breakfast used to stress me out. At least that’s how I felt when I started leaning away from animal products. So first went the … Read More
Like most college students, I survived on cup after cup of instant ramen noodles. It was just a way of life. We ate them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I cringe at the amount of sodium in those packages and I’m grateful that I graduated with a degree and not high blood pressure. My daughter loves ramen noodles. … Read More
Forgive me for being so late. I had no idea that there was a non-dairy nog on the market. Am I the only one? I went through the holiday season and totally missed this plant-based Oat Nog. Eggnog is almost always associated with the holiday season but people who love it drink it all year long. Eggnog has … Read More
Plant-based meals are being offered at 14% of school districts in the United States according to the School Nutrition Association. It looks like more school districts are getting on board. More young people having access to healthier food choices is what Black Girls Eat is all about! NYC public schools recently announced that Fridays are being remixed to … Read More
Liquid Gold Olive Oil. I love the sound of those words together. It just makes me feel like something magic is about to happen. In this case, the magic comes in the form of an organic golden olive oil. Olive oil is one of those condiments that make me think of great bread, good food and good times. … Read More
Noodles are so much fun. They compliment sauces and broths. Don’t you just love how perfect they are in a bowl filled with spices? Are you a chopstick fan? Do you make it happen with just a fork? It doesn’t really matter. A bowl of noodles is perfect on a cold winter day and a hot summer night. … Read More
Bologna sounds like Balonee right? Do you remember the song? My bologna has a first name. Come on! You know the words. That song took me all the way through elementary school! Earlier this month, the Oscar Mayer company launched a mask that in a weird way looks and feels like the real thing. But What About That … Read More
Mushrooms are the absolute go to in my house when I’m looking for a meaty taste without the meat. I love to add them to pizza and empanadas. I remember seeing them on the shelf in the supermarket as a kid. They were either in a can or a glass jar. Mushrooms would magically show up in our … Read More
Sisters? Yeah, but expand your mind here. Yes they call each other sister. They wear habits. But some habits aren’t what you would expect. Based in Northern California, these women are running a business that promotes the healing aspects of CBD. Owner, Sister Kate is a former consultant and single mother of three. In 2009, she founded a … Read More
Broccolini sounds like a cute baby broccoli. But it’s not. It is actually a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. Chinese broccoli is also known as Gai Lan. I became a fan of Gai Lan after spending time at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. You might recall that those folks inspired me to create a … Read More
Beyond sausage, burgers and now Beyond Fried Chicken. Whoa! This week, chicken enthusiasts are being offered a new food product. It’s a Kentucky Fried Miracle. Well, miracle seems appropriate when you consider how the company got started. Who is Colonel Sanders? Colonel Harland Sanders learned to cook from his mama. In the 1930’s he began selling his fried … Read More
Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with luxury and success. Count on first class materials. Luxurious. No doubt. Lots of bells and whistles. Next level for sure. Celebrities, executives and entrepreneurs adore the Benz. The United States sales numbers for 2021 were over 300,00. The Vision EQXX was unveiled this month at the Consumer Electronics Show. The new car offers a … Read More
Sidney Poitier came into my life as Walter from the ground breaking play, Raisin in the Sun. It was life changing. I remember seeing Mr. Poitier on the screen in black and white and it seemed like he was in technicolor. I felt so much pain for the Walter character who only wanted a chance to be his … Read More
Lasagna with pesto and cauliflower is a mouthful and well worth all of the vocabulary words. This is one must make plant forward dish. Thanks to guest blogger, Leslie Segar aka Big Lez, we have the full recipe for one of her favorite dishes. If you are looking for more ways to add veggies to your plate, this … Read More
Polenta. I like saying the word. PO-lenta sounds like poor lentils. Not too far fetched since this was originally a dish for the poor. This included the working class and farmers. Known as Italian grits, and made popular in Northern Italy, you can now find them around the world. Traditional polenta can cook slowly and for a long … Read More
Pizza is one of those foods that lives on the hit list at my house. No matter what we are doing, we are always down for pizza. I have become fascinated with the variety of ready made crusts now available in the supermarket. The fact that I don’t have to actually make pizza dough is what gets me … Read More
Candied yams on the table is a nod to soul food at its best. I have seen the battle for the yummy and it’s no joke! Everyone has their reason for loving this sugary side dish. For me, it’s the way the butter meets the brown sugar. This is one of those sides that can actually become the … Read More
Spinach is almost always in my fridge. It’s my favorite leafy green veggie and I like it hot or cold. I woke up late today and panicked. I went to bed and forgot to put lunch together. Can you relate? I just did not want to go to the office and order fast food. Thank goodness for spinach. One … Read More
Did you grow up with the cylinder of cranberry sauce on the table at Thanksgiving or Christmas? It wiggled like an older version of jello. I loved that it was all at once tangy and sweet. We used to slice it according to the lines on it from being in the can forever. It was tradition. We knew … Read More
Mayoral races in NYC run from cool to hot. Sometimes everyone really cares and sometimes no one is really paying attention. Well, I was definitely paying attention this year because NYC Mayor Eric Adams is all about that plant-based life. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mayor Adams has had a steady rise in NYC politics. He is former … Read More
Vegans unite! World vegan day is here so who’s having a meatless Monday? Yes, meatless monday is a real thing! Started in 1994, the global celebration is the perfect day to choose to add more plants to your plate. Not sure if you want to go vegan forever? So how about choosing one day during the week in … Read More
Do people say bow tie pasta because it’s easier to say than farfalle pasta? I love that farfalle means butterfly in Italian. This is one of my favorite pastas to use when making a salad. It’s just so pretty! I was inspired to create this dish while attending a birthday party. One of the guests arrived with a … Read More
After school is that block of time between pickup and putting our key in the door. Depending on NYC traffic, that can take up to an hour. When our daughter was younger, you could satisfy her with a juice box and a handful of saltines. Those days are over. She is growing up and as a result, she … Read More
Make this easy egg Frittata recipe and enjoy a lazy weekend with friends. Frittata might be tricky to spell but it is really easy to make. I got fancy! It sounds so fancy! I spent most of my life eating eggs scrambled or boiled.I’m told that frittata mostly translates from Italian to English as the word “fried.” Basically, … Read More
Was last Tuesday your final official Taco Tuesday night? Did you wake up on Wednesday promising to quit meat? Yes. I understand. After a summer of hot dogs, hamburgers and BBQ, lots of people choose to regroup. That means there is a new focus on adding more fruits, grains and veggies to their plates. Maybe it’s the whole … Read More
Watermelon is absolutely one of my all time favorite flavors. I love it in everything from grown up beverages to kid friendly treats. When thinking of hot childhood summers, every memory includes a flashback of the juicy redness. I remember when my friends in the south showed me how to add salt to it. I thought that was … Read More
Roasted carrots are on my plate at least twice a week. I love how the heat of the oven brings out all of the flavor with very little effort. Before I started exploring plant-based nutrition, I was a shredded carrot girl. There would be just enough added to a salad to make it look interesting. Learning how to … Read More
Joining a CSA is an awesome way to get more produce on your plate. You can eat fresh and support local farmers at the same time. Here’s the concept. You pay a fee for a share and receive a weekly or monthly basket of fresh in season produce. I recently planted a garden with support from The Stone … Read More
I’m always down to make a quick fruit parfait. It’s one of the easiest desserts to make. No heat, minimal measuring and great flavor. Anytime you don’t have to turn on the oven during the summer months, you are winning. What’s also great about a fruit parfait is that you get to decide what fruit goes in it. … Read More
When I want to learn how to make anything, I start out by asking friends and then searching the Internet. The Paloma recipe is an easy one. The truth is, a recipe is just a beginning. It is up to each of us to add our own genius. While it’s true that you shouldn’t skip out on actually … Read More
I first experienced Mexican street corn as a child at a food festival in the south Bronx. Dozens of people young and old waited on line. There were rows and rows of ears of corn spinning all at once on a huge grill. By the time I had the first one in my hand and of course my … Read More
Cake for breakfast? Of course there is story behind how and why I chose to make an Italian breakfast cake. It was all about the mascarpone. We found it in the back of the fridge after a no bake cheesecake Zoom party. You know how it goes. The kids couldn’t get together in person so the parents were … Read More
Why Organic Waffles? I love a weekend brunch with home made Belgian style waffles. I love to eat them even when it’s not the weekend. They are larger and offer deeper pockets than traditional waffles. That makes them perfect for holding onto maple syrup and fruit. Like a good pizza, good waffles come from a good mix. I … Read More
Plant-based and Memorial Weekend go together like sunshine and lemonade. Bet you never thought you would see those two ideas together! Don’t panic. Yes, Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer. There will be lots of burgers and hotdogs on the grills. Roll your eyes as your neighbors make a big deal out of getting a … Read More
Self care is more than just a buzz word these days. Before the pandemic, I had boundaries. Way back in 2019, we had rules about screen time. The day ended at five and weekends were meant for family activities. I made spa appointments and nights out with my girlfriends were always on the agenda. Since being locked down, … Read More
Cauliflower was always the boring colorless cousin of broccoli. That’s how I described it anytime someone asked me what I thought of it. But with age comes wisdom and after years of avoiding it, I finally took a good look at cauliflower. I found out that cauliflower is great source of fiber and b-vitamins. It also is a … Read More
Tostadas are popular in my house because we all have different personalities. My husband loves the savory. My daughter loves the sweet. I love to lay a bunch of toppings out on the table just to see what they will do. We are a house of snackers so making tostadas is a great way to satisfy everyone’s taste … Read More
There was a time when Easter meant a feast of meats. We decked out our annual dinner table with ham, roasted chicken and lamb chops. We were carnivores and the more meat dripping in butters, sugars and gravies the better. But things are different now. We don’t cook that way any more. When I started leaning into a … Read More
And just like that I discovered another national holiday. The Great American Meat Out was created by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) in an effort to encourage everyone to go vegan for a day. Oh yeah, it’s been thing since 1985 and since then people from all around the world have participated. Similar to Veganuary, which challenges … Read More
Red beans and rice is one of those side dishes that appears visually intricate but always tastes simple yet delicious. I am a recovering carnivore. I never imagined a time when my red beans would not be simmering with seasonings, peppers and lots of sausage. Remixing my plate means leaning away from animal products. I’m having fun and … Read More
Does the term plant-based have you thinking of cold salads and even colder smoothies this winter? Going green doesn’t just happen in summer. Brrrr….baby it’s cold outside and for many of us that means we are headed straight for the warmth of comfort food. Nothing says winter like a dish of something heavy in salt, cheese and sugar. … Read More
Do you wake up on New Year’s Day and cringe when you open the fridge? How much stuff falls out when you open the doors? Or is it over stuffed? Exactly how far back are the healthier food choices like yogurt and fruit? Once you push past the leftovers, what’s really in there? The first of the year … Read More
I’ve been transitioning to vegan snacks for the past year. In my former life, cheesy cheddar nachos and crispy chicken wings were my faves. Now that I’m moving from plant curious to plant focused, things are different. I love a good snack. Over the years, I have built quite a reputation for creating all kinds of yummy tidbits. … Read More
Right out of the gate, Noom looked different. The app had a vibe that said, “Hey…I’m fun and interesting.” It was sleek and colorful. Looking to get out of the usual dieting rut that I fall into every year, I kept an ear to the ground for any whispers of discontent. I had seen the commercials online and … Read More
Vegan sweet potato pie is not something that I thought I would ever make. When I first started eating more plants, I didn’t focus on dessert. I’m just being honest. For me, making healthier food choices was about breakfast, lunch and dinner. I was not sure that I could make a move to vegan desserts. I could not … Read More
Falafel is Fun to Make and Fun to Say My new Bae dish is falafel. I never imagined that it would be so easy to make. It is even more fun to say. Try saying it 3x fast. Add this recipe to your list and impress everyone. If you can make a patty or a meatball, you can … Read More
Coconut Quinoa Oatmeal is a mouthful. Luckily it’s a mouthful of healthy and nutritious yummy. And yes! It’s insanely easy to make right in your own kitchen. Packed with all the fiber and nutrients you need to get the day started. I hated oatmeal as a kid. It was always presented as soupy or too mushy. No matter … Read More
Right now, my home is in full renovation mode—which means no stove, no microwave, and a whole lot of dust. Thanks to my fridge and some planning, I’m feeling nourished, energized, and plant-based good! I did this without cooking. What saved me this month? Sakara salads. Sakara offers fully-prepared, organic, plant-based meals delivered straight to your door. Founded … Read More