She can sing. She can perform. And she can cook! She is the fabulous Laura Theodore (aka, the Jazzy Vegetarian)! Laura is a widely recognized television personality, and her current show–the Jazzy Vegetarian–airs on PBS nationwide, with an accompanying podcast. I was lucky to have the chance to talk to Laura about the show, building such an amazing career, and of course, living in the Big Apple!

Allison Rivers Samson: First of all, congratulations on being inducted into the...

If you love spices and bold flavors as much as I do, you have to try Richa Hingle's recipes! A cookbook author and popular blogger, Richa has been sharing delicious vegan Indian food recipes for years. I talked with Richa about her social media techniques (she has over 320,000 followers!), her cooking, and who she would most like to share a vegan dinner with!

Allison Rivers Samson: You’ve talked about your love for fostering rescue dogs and how that led you to living...

Ambitious and filled with a passion for helping others go vegan, Dianne Wenz is simply extraordinary. Dianne runs the website Chic Vegan, along with coaching, hosting cooking classes, and offering nutrition counseling—all with the goal of inspiring and helping others go vegan. Hailed as the original "VeggieGirl," Diane is clearly making the world a much more compassionate place. I am so glad I had the opportunity to talk with Dianne about past work and some exciting new projects in...

From managing spas, logging hours of culinary classes, and even spending a summer making fresh pasta for a restaurant, Kristina Sloggett's broad range of experiences have brought her to where she is today -- running a successful food website! Kristina's bright personality comes through in her cooking and writing. I caught up with her recently to talk about her passions and love of Portland!

Allison Rivers Samson: How did you conjure up the catchy name “spabettie?”

Kristina...

Sayward Rebhal, the creative mind behind the blog Bonzai Aphrodite, is one fun, truth-telling, loving mama. Author of The Vegan Pregnancy Survival Guide, Sayward provides support, guidance and community to other vegan mothers.

Allison Rivers Samson: From food to cruelty-free fashion and chicken-rescue, your blog covers so many important veg topics! When did you start blogging, and what is your mission with your blog?

Sayward Rebhal: I started my blog at the very beginning of 2009 –...

A few months ago, word of New York's first 100% vegetarian school made its way around the internet, vegan communities, and even the nation and world! Amie Hamlin was at the helm of this inspired action–she is the Executive Director of the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food, a coalition of parents and activists who worked with the school to make this a reality. I'm so honored to have had the chance to speak with Amie about school lunch policies, her vegan journey,...

Braised in an oceany broth, these pan-seared King Trumpet mushroom stems are the perfect flavor and texture for vegan scallops. Tossed with spinach, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce brightened with lemon zest, this classic pasta dish is every bit as fulfilling as the original, Coquilles St. Jacques, while keeping the sea creatures in their rightful place—off the menu and in their habitats.

Creamy Garlic Scallops
By Allison Rivers Samson

Serves 6

Ingredients
Scallops
4 sheets...

Horchata (pronounce it with a silent "h") is a sweet traditional Spanish drink made with rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. You can drink it hot or over ice, depending on the season. This version is warmed.

Spiced Vegan Horchata
By Allison Rivers Samson

Serves 6

Ingredients
6 cups plain rice milk
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup coconut sugar (or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon clear liquid stevia) 
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

Directions
1. In a...

Get ready for the most epic of Mexican comfort food—the burrito mojado—or "wet burrito." Filled with garlicky pinto beans and quinoa, this loaded burrito is smothered with two fragrant sauces: cocoa-infused molé and chipotle-lime cashew cheese. Oh yeah, I've got this baby co.vered!

Burritos Mojados
By Allison Rivers Samson

Serves 6

Ingredients
Pinto Quinoa Filling
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons ground...

Tired of hearing "But I could never give up bacon"? Feed 'em this recipe!

Whether for breakfast, as bacon bits on a loaded potato, or in a vegan BLT, this delicious vegan bacon really satisfies!

Smoky Fried Tofu Bacon
By Allison Rivers Samson

Serves 4

Ingredients
10 ounces extra-firm vacuum-packed tofu
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons brown rice syrup
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon tamari
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon natural smoke liquid (hickory or...