Vegan New Orleans Travel Guide + Video: Where to Eat and Explore

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I’m excited to announce the pre-order of my cookbook, SWEET POTATO SOUL. Purchase your copy today at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Indie Bound, or iBooks.img 4244 1

On the morning of July 3 we left Memphis, TN and drove south to New Orleans—my spirit city. The drive through Mississippi was peaceful and scenic. We stopped in Jackson for lunch at The High Noon Cafe, one of the few vegan spots in the city. A few hours later we crossed LA 55 over the bayou and arrived in New Orleans.

New Orleans has long been one of my favorite cities, and this was Maxx’s first visit. We were excited to explore together, though we initially wondered how many vegan options we’d find. While vegan New Orleans might sound unlikely at first, a closer look reveals an encouraging variety. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to eat well in NOLA.

Watch the video below, then read on for highlights and vegan-friendly recommendations in New Orleans.

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Freeze-Drying Tomatoes at Home: Step-by-Step Guide for Peak Flavor

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Freeze-drying tomatoes is an excellent way to preserve the bright flavor of summer harvests. Properly freeze-dried tomatoes can keep for decades and are great for sauces, snacks, sandwiches, or turning into tomato powder. Freeze-drying is one of the most effective preservation methods for tomatoes. Any type—heirloom, cherry, roma or green tomatoes—can be freeze-dried successfully. Unlike … Read more

Vegan Holiday Afternoon Tea Menu & Festive Recipes

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Afternoon tea is a chance to pause, enjoy a warm cup, and nibble on a mix of sweet and savory bites. The holidays are an ideal time to host a seasonal vegan afternoon tea for friends and family—simple, cozy, and delicious. I’ve been to a few afternoon (or high) teas and always enjoy the relaxed … Read more

How to Use Cajun Seasoning: Flavor Tips, Recipes & Pairings

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Recipe Overview Why you’ll love it: Add a mildly spicy kick to many dishes with this homemade Cajun seasoning. It blends cayenne with paprika, black and white pepper, garlic and onion powders, thyme, oregano, and salt to create a versatile, savory mix you’ll reach for again and again. Use it on meats, seafood, pasta, vegetables, … Read more

Decadent Caramel Ice Cream Pie Recipe for Summer Dessert

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With the Midwest heatwave in full swing, here’s an easy, no-bake Ice Cream Pie recipe that’s perfect for hot summer nights. This dessert comes together quickly using store-bought components — no oven required — and feels a bit more special than scooping ice cream into a bowl. You can easily customize the ice cream flavor, … Read more

Champagne Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe for Dinner

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Champagne Chicken & Mushroom Pasta — an elegant, easy dinner perfect for New Year’s Eve or any special night, made with chicken, champagne, mushrooms, and pasta. Champagne Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is an uncomplicated yet refined recipe that began as a way to use leftover champagne from the holidays. The sauce is creamy without relying … Read more

Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe for Gooey, Pull-Apart Bread

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I love wrapping fillings in dough and baking them—think Turkeys in Sleeping Bags or Ham and Broccoli Pockets—so these Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks fit right in. A simple baking mix makes the dough quick to prepare, and wrapping string cheese in the dough is an easy, hands-on activity kids enjoy. I attempted a video tutorial for … Read more

Make-Ahead Freezer Breakfast Burritos for Busy Mornings

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Freezer breakfast burritos made with potatoes, bacon, eggs, and cheese are an ideal grab-and-go option for busy mornings. With school back in session, morning routines need to be simple. A protein-packed breakfast helps kids focus and stay fuller longer, which is why breakfast burritos are my go-to. I make a batch on the weekend and … Read more

Unique Personalized Gift Ideas for Kids: Custom Toys & Keepsakes

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Personalized gifts for kids are thoughtful, unique presents that create lasting memories. With the holidays approaching, now is the perfect time to start your gift search — and few options feel as special as a personalized item. Below are some of the best personalized gift ideas for children. Personalized gifts help a child feel recognized … Read more

Gluten-Free Fortune Cookies Recipe for Special Occasions

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Chinese New Year begins on the 19th of this month. To celebrate the year of the goat, try this Gluten Free Good Fortune Cookies recipe—an elegant twist on traditional almond cookies that symbolize coins and bring wishes of prosperity. These are not the folded fortune cookies with paper fortunes inside. Instead, they are sandwich-style almond … Read more