Tag: roundup

Back To School Lunch

For anyone with an eye on the school calendar, the carefree days of summer vacation are rapidly winding down. As the familiar rhythm of early mornings and packed lunches is about to commence, now is the time to start a new routine. This year, banish the dreaded lunchbox blues with homemade meals and snacks your young scholars will relish even more than recess.


Family-Friendly Lunch Box Pasta Salad

What Makes The Best Back-To-School Foods?

These creations are the secret weapon for conquering the chaos of Fall. They prioritize simplicity, packability, and versatility, making busy days a breeze.

  • Quick prep and assembly is critical for those pre-dawn dashes out the door.
  • No-fuss portability ensures these meals survive the journey in a backpack without getting soggy, crushed, or bruised.
  • Whole, plant-based foods pack in nutrition without a fight, making what’s nutritious truly delicious.
  • Make-ahead, batch cooking potential allows for easy doubling or tripling to fuel after school activities or pack lunches for multiple days.

Lunch and Learn

Start with a free download of my old e-book, Lunchbox Bites, then find fresh inspiration below. Don’t think of this list merely as the kid’s menu. They’re smart selections even if you’ve long since mastered mathematics, and you’re destined for a desk at work, not in the classroom.

Continue reading “Back To School Lunch” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)4 Comments

Put A Spring In Your Step

Is it safe to come out yet? Have the icicles melted away, trickling into shallow streams through the dense underbrush? Has the ground thawed to make way for tender green shoots, reemerging after months of sleep? Does it feel like spring out there, or just another day?

No matter the current outlook, I promise, spring is imminent. With the promise of warmth and sunshine just on the horizon, there’s plenty to celebrate alongside the arrival of the vernal equinox. It may or may not seem like it right now, but the wheels are already turning to keep life moving forward, pushing fresh, tender greens back to the surface. From crisp asparagus spears to delicate pea shoots, these early harbingers of the season infuse our dishes with vibrancy that signals the end of winter’s monochrome.

As we stand on the cusp of a new season, our senses awaken to the possibilities that spring brings. From the earthy embrace of early vegetables to the sweet symphony of fruits, each ingredient tells a story of renewal and abundance. Start with a few of my favorite seasonal recipes to put a spring in your step, no matter the weather forecast.

Continue reading “Put A Spring In Your Step” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)5 Comments

Vegan Mac Smack Down

Untouched by passing trends, comfort food is always king. Across all ages, demographics, or dietary restrictions, this inalienable fact remains true. Of all the possible menu items that qualify for this distinction, mac and cheese ranks near the top for universal appeal. When you’ve got chewy noodles drenched in gooey golden cheese sauce, what’s not to like? And, that’s only the beginning.

Known for embracing the unconventional, Austin’s food scene has evolved to include a rich array of innovative plant-based mac and cheeses, spanning from simple to stupendous. If you don’t know what’s for dinner tonight, consider this your cheat sheet to instant gratification.

What Makes a Great Mac and Cheese?

To better appreciate art of making better mac and cheese, we need to examine exactly what can either add or detract from the eating experience. Every single element counts in a dish this simple. The best mac can be judged by the following facets:

  • Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Al dente pasta provides the ideal base, ensuring a satisfying texture and bite.
  • Consistency and Quantity of Sauce: Silky smooth, velvety bechamel or bust; lumps, clumps, or graininess are never acceptable. Furthermore, there needs to be enough sauce to comfortably envelope the pasta without turning into noodle soup.
  • Cheesiness: Yes, mac and cheese must be about the cheesy flavor, first and foremost. Some chefs may opt to start from scratch with nutritional yeast, while others might prefer the ease of melting plant-based shreds. Neither answer is wrong if the essence of cheddar rings out strong and clear.
  • Innovative Twists: From high-end add-ins like truffle oil to humble green peas, a touch of creativity sets outstanding mac and cheese apart. Unexpected flavor combinations, pairings, or platings are what make one mac more memorable than the next.

The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese in Austin, TX

Continue reading “Vegan Mac Smack Down” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)6 Comments

Another Year of Birthday Freebies

Whether you prefer a big blow-out party or a quiet celebration at home, it’s nice to get a little gift on your birthday. Especially when cash is tight, there’s nothing like treating yourself to a round of freebies every year, ranging from sweets to full meals, and even some cosmetics and other services. As one of my most popular posts, it’s my pleasure to update The Ultimate Vegan Birthday Freebies for 2024!

We’ve lost a few, as some businesses close and others restructure their rewards programs, but at the same time, there are also some new entries to get the party started.

We’ve got two more joining the list for nationwide freebies:

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

Refresh or recharge after your birthday festivities with any drink your heart desires. Sign up for SweetRewards to start sipping in style. All Sweetwaters locations have at least soy and almond milk to brighten your lattes, so don’t be afraid to ask about substitutions. If you’re craving a less caffeinated pick-me-up, their signature sodas and lemonades won’t disappoint.

Planet Smoothie

Not feeling so great about getting older? Shake it off and cash in on a $6 reward for your birthday, which can turn into one free kid’s shake. Make sure you sign up Planet VIP program at Planet Smoothie to get your name on the list. You’ll even have some value leftover, so go crazy, throw in one simple add-on, too! Stick with all-fruit combos to avoid potential dairy inclusions. Fresh really is best anyway.

Here’s the latest Austin-specific addition to the list this year:

Big Nonna’s/Li’l Nonna’s

Head north for the full sit-down restaurant experience or grab a slice to go from their trailer down south; either way, you’re in for some damn good pizza. When you join Nonna Rewards, you’ll get a nice $5 bonus for your birthday, which translates to a free plain Sicilian slice or NY slice. Given the size of these portions, that alone is plenty for a quick lunch!

Getting older isn’t exactly fun, but having some good eats to look forward to certainly helps the transition. Don’t forget to save the full list and make the most of it! Happy birthday to you too!

Hannah (BitterSweet)9 Comments

A Complete Guide To Vegan Ice Cream In Austin, Texas

Having written two cookbooks on the subject, my love of ice cream is no secret. No flavors are off limits, no combinations too wild. That’s a large part of the appeal; there’s something for everyone. You can find everything under the summer sun, from classic vanilla that’s a scoop of simple elegance in a cone, to bold chocolate that’s as dark and decadent as pure frozen ganache. After a sizable dinner or for a standalone snack, there’s always room for ice cream.

While ice cream makers have become remarkably more accessible and inexpensive over the years, it’s impossible to compete with the instant gratification of grabbing a scoop whenever cravings strike, while on the road, or as an excuse to meetup with friends. As a deeply entrenched part of any community, it’s no coincidence that ice cream socials were originally created as a way to make political gatherings more palatable. Here in Austin, TX, we certainly have a surfeit of frozen treats to chose from, despite many recent crushing losses.

Focusing in on shops that off genuinely custard-like treats without eggs or dairy uncovered a wealth of new options. While you can certainly find suitable sorbet, Italian ice, snow cones, and popsicles elsewhere, this list is dedicated only to frozen desserts with a creamy non-dairy base.

Continue reading “A Complete Guide To Vegan Ice Cream In Austin, Texas” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)10 Comments

Good Luck Potluck

Potlucks, both big and small, have the power to bring people together like nothing else. These communal feasts allow a true fusion of cultures, uniting culinary traditions to create a symphony of flavor on every plate. Unlike your average hosted dinner party or brunch gathering, it’s not just about the individual’s dining experience, but celebrating the full collective of flavors found within the community at large.

Beyond the food itself, potlucks allow an intangible magic to develop, fostering bonds and deepening relationships. These gatherings are not confined to rigid social structures or the formality of restaurant dining. Rather, they offer an intimate setting where the boundaries between host and guest blur into insignificance. It is within this egalitarian ambiance that strangers become friends, and acquaintances transform into confidants, all while savoring the fruits of their collective labor.

With that in mind, there are no wrong answers for the perennial question: What should I bring to a potluck? From the zesty chili that sets the palate ablaze to the velvety chocolate cake that seduces the sweet tooth, each dish tells a story, far more personal and revealing than a casual conversation. If you’re stumped, though, I do have a few foolproof suggestions.

What Makes a Good Potluck Dish?

To narrow down the options, my criteria for what goes on this list is more pragmatic than visionary. It’s always best to select a dish that:

  • Serves many, ideally 8 – 10 at minimum, or can be scaled up accordingly
  • Travels well, no matter the distance
  • Can sit at room temperature or is easy to reheat with minimal fuss
  • Quick and easy to prepare, because no one wants to spend any party stuck in the kitchen
  • Isn’t terribly messy to serve or eat

From snacks to desserts, here’s my cheat sheet for serving any group with style.

Continue reading “Good Luck Potluck” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)6 Comments