Even though I was excited to start our vegan journey back in 2010...I was also a bit hesitant.

I wanted us to live a more healthy and cruelty-free life but I was also concerned that I would lose some of my favorite dishes and all of those meals that remind me of my childhood.

I haven't been able to veganize my mom's meatloaf recipe (*tears*) but l still enjoy many of the dishes from my omnivore life.

It will be a bit of an adjustment but I promise you will also enjoy many of your favorite meals! 

This red beans and rice recipe is an example of that...

The smell of red beans & rice reminds me of summers in the country with my grandmother.

Fortunately it was very easy to veganize a classic version of this recipe (I got the original recipe from Chef John).

Just a couple of adjustments to veganize this recipe...

• Instead of beef/pork/chicken sausage,  I used a vegan sausage by Field Roast.
• Instead of ham hocks, I used liquid smoke (usually found in the same aisle as BBQ sauce or you can order it online).
• Instead of a meat-based broth (like beef), I used vegetable broth

Start thinking about some of your favorite vegan recipes and how you can make them vegan-friendly.

Get in the kitchen and start experimenting! You got this!

Song playing while I cooked.... "Tell Me" Groove Theory