I like gadgets, don't get me wrong --- I look at an avocado peeler and think "that is so cool!" even though I don't have the need, space or budget for one. Sure it's only $10, but that $10 could be better spent...

Point is, I think people often get caught up in thinking they need fancy tools and gadgets to cook or to eat healthy... and you don't.

Maybe I was even a victim to this thinking, too --- …

A few weeks ago on Facebook, I asked people to share what "vegan" means to them -- to answer the question what is vegan? There were so many answers; so many different viewpoints. A real reminder that the vegan community is just as diverse as any other community.

What brought us to a vegan (or plant-based) diet is unique for each of us. What it means to us, how it is interwoven in our lives -- we all are walking …

Mountains, mountains, everywhere!

Innsbruck is such a pretty town with beautiful snow capped mountains in all directions! It also had a lot of veg options!

We got in late in the afternoon and settled into an Italian bistro for dinner. Scott ordered his classic cheeseless veg pizza while I was all over the vegetable soup and salad.

The next afternoon we wandered into a street fair and were over the moon to find a vegetarian stand with many vegan specialties. …

23 Quick, No-Fuss Meals: Still crave the ease and simplicity of a ham and cheese sandwich? No problem! Make any of these fast and almost instant meals!

Simple Stir-Fry: Combine equal parts soy sauce with sugar and set aside. Cook frozen mixed stir-fry vegetables according to packaging instructions (microwave!). Toss with soy sauce mixture and serve over a plate of cooked rice or quinoa. Edamame (soybeans) and/or tofu chunks make a nice addition.

Blissful Burrito: Spread a thin layer …

Bryant Terry's cookbook (not low fat) suggested pairing music with each dish so taking a page from him I suggest New Orleans Jazz.

This week's meal plan recipes are Cajun Chickpea Cakes, Soul Burgers, Cajun Meatloaf, Maque Choux, and Lower Alabama Cavier.