The truth is that being a vegan doesn’t cost much. Veganism is cheap.

Beneath their crunchy exteriors, these cranberry scones are soft and buttery, complemented by a tart, sweet lemon drizzle. Is anyone else in total spring mode right now? I know it’s more than a little preemptive, but lately all I want to do is drink green smoothies and wear t-shirts and go for long bike rides and runs (outside! in the sun!). The bright lemon and cranberry flavors in these scones make me feel like spring couldn’t possibly be that far away. I can practically hear the birds chirping! Oh, wait … that’s just the sound of my charming upstairs neighbors engaging in their weekly turn-up-the-Evanescence-and-scream-until-you-puke-and-then-fall-down-a-flight-of-stairs-and-puke-some-more tournament. My bad! (But you get the idea.) Anyway, there’s nothing to these. I particularly love that these aren’t just glorified biscuits: a good scone should be rolled out and cut into triangles, and should have a crust and a little heft. Slicing this dough into triangles is no more work than scooping dough out of a bowl with a spoon, and it makes for a more appetizing product, too! These are best eaten the day they’re baked — with plenty of fair trade coffee, of course. (I think it’s going to take a lot […]

Despite the occasional 50-degree day, Connecticut’s gotten a lot of snow this winter. After a cold day at work and a two-mile trudge home through the snow and ice, there’s nothing that makes me happier than coming home to a hot bowl of soup. Black bean soup is healthy, hearty fare that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.This recipe is extremely simple, but it does take time. Simmering dried black beans right in the stock is key to this soup’s full-bodied flavor. I’ve tried all kinds of shortcuts, but black bean soup thrown together in half an hour with canned beans just doesn’t hold a candle to this slow-cooked beauty. Give it a try some chilly weekend when you don’t mind cozying up to your stove for a couple of hours. It’s worth it! This soup is creamy and mild enough for folks with less adventurous palates, but you can easily adjust it to fit your tastes. I like topping my bowl with a healthy dose of smoky chipotle hot sauce. You can also go Tex-Mex: just add a cup and a half of cooked corn kernels during the last 20 minutes of simmering and garnish with […]

Time to cheer! The popular plant-based Veggie Grill is opening its 23rd location in Carlsbad.

As you flip the calendar on another year, perhaps you’re embarking on some of the standard New Year’s resolutions, e.g., weight loss, fitness, etc.. Of course, all noble pursuits. Here’s another you might consider that will take no more effort than being mindful of your posture. Not the straight-backed kind, though that’s a good idea […]