SIGN UP FOR FREE WEEKLY RECIPES

Ligia Lugo

Hello! I'm Ligia Riley, and I love everything about plant-based eating. I studied at the Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and eCornell University, and I'm also certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates. My expertise is in vegan nutrition, which means I know a lot about eating food that doesn't come from animals. Going vegan isn't just about not eating meat or dairy; it's about living in a way that's good for you and the planet. I teach people how to eat a variety of plant foods so they get all the important stuff like Vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3s, which are usually found in meat, without missing out. Throughout my career I've learned a ton about how plant foods are great for our health, kind to animals, and better for the environment. Choosing to be vegan shows you care about animals and the earth. I help my clients pick a mix of fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, and seeds for their meals. This way, they support animal welfare and help the planet by using less water, land, and energy. Plus, eating plants can lower your chance of getting heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers. It's not just about living longer; it's about living better. With my cooking background, I prove that vegan food is yummy and exciting. I bust the myth that vegan meals are boring. I love showing off how colorful and tasty plant-based food can be. Choosing to be vegan is a big statement of caring—for your own health, for animals, and for the world. I'm here to teach and inspire others to try this kind and sustainable lifestyle. I believe with the right info and tools, anyone can enjoy eating plants and make the world a nicer place.

Apple-Carrot Brussels Sprout Bake

by

This roasted vegetable side is the perfect addition to a cozy winter dinner.  It combines brussels sprouts, carrots and onions with the sweet tartness of apples; all of which are roasted in a sweet and spicy garlic glaze.  I was going to include some new fact I learned about brussels sprouts and how good they are, however the more surprising … Read more

Chocolate Candy Cane Pretzel Bark

by

With the first day of December comes the first holiday recipe; vegan chocolate candy cane pretzel bark!  Think of it of as a salted caramel hot chocolate getting together with a peppermint mocha…a chocolaty, heavenly marriage of salty and sweet!  I seriously recommend making this over the holidays to share with your family and friends…otherwise … Read more

50+ Vegan holiday recipes by finding vegan bloggers

by

Since I started this blog I’ve been honoured to be featured on Finding Vegan and today I am beyond excited to share over 50 amazing holiday recipes from fellow Finding Vegan bloggers.  I can’t wait to try  Vicky and Ruth’s  Vegan Tiramisu and Ginny’s Spiced Rum Balls.. let the countdown to Christmas begin!   Vegan Link Round-up! There … Read more

Cinnamon Okra Masala

by

Okra is such a beautiful vegetable. I always stop for a moment and marvel at how these unassuming plants are filled with such hidden beauty.  Okra is also a bit of an undiscovered superfood.  It’s low in calorie and nutrient-dense with high levels of vitamin K, manganese, vitamin C and folate.   When you chop up … Read more

Thai Coconut Squash Soup

by

This creamy rich soup combines butternut squash with coconut milk and thai red curry.  It’s perfect for fall (and all this cold rainy weather we are getting!). The soup is sweet with a touch of spice from ginger and cayenne changing up the traditional butternut squash soup. I have to confess this is the first slowcooker recipe I … Read more

Cranberry-Lemon Kale Salad With Pinenuts

by

This salad is simple yet fancy at the same time.  The combination of cranberries, pinenuts and lemons sometimes make me dream about this salad.  I know….dreaming about salad = crazy! Pinenuts are perfect for when you want to fancy up your salad, especially if your entertaining or if you just need a midweek pick-me-up.  They are … Read more

One-Pot Mexican Quinoa

by

We made One Pot Mexican Quinoa for dinner last night and fell in love!!  This is one of the best recipes we have tried in a long time so I felt I had to share it here.   Our dinner conversation sounded something like “Omg this is so good”… “This is literally so good”  “I love … Read more

Easy Tomato Chickpea Curry

by

This vegan chickpea curry is one our favourite go-to dinner recipes. Chickpeas, tomato paste, onions and indian spices make a simple but flavourful plant-based dinner packed with protein and fiber.   We often make this curry as a weekday dinner and pair it with sauteed green veggies like spinach or bok choy (when we are feeling healthy) … Read more

Simple Red Lentil Soup

by

I’m not sure if I ever had lentils before I met Mr. Pea.  Now lentil soup is one of my favourite weekday meals.   This dairy-free soup spiced with cumin, turmeric and garam masala is a surprisingly hearty lunch or dinner and pairs perfectly with naan, roti or even baguette.  It also has a bit of … Read more

Lemon-Blueberry Cornmeal Muffins

by

It’s the kick-off of the holiday season today: the Toronto Santa Claus Parade + decorating our Christmas Tree.  It was also extremely cold when I woke up with the tiniest bit of snow outside.  All these factors combined I decided some decadent baking was in order!  Cornmeal lemon-blueberry muffins perhaps aren’t the most holiday-like recipe but … Read more

Multigrain Tomato Rosemary Focaccia

by

I can’t believe we are sharing this recipe! I’m so excited because it is one of my favourites.  Over the past year Mr. Pea has become somewhat of an expert bread-maker.  This fits him perfectly since he is also an early riser. Waking up to fresh-baked bread?  Definitely not complaining! This multigrain tomato rosemary focaccia is perfect dipped in … Read more

Rutabaga vs Turnip: What’s the Difference?

by

When temperatures drop and winter sets in, the go-to for every homebody is a steaming hot bowl of something delicious and enriching. While potatoes are the default ingredient for any creamy soup or hearty stew worth its salt, there are plenty of other vegetables that make the cut if given a chance. The most underrated … Read more

Cilantro Mushroom Soup

by

I’m struggling a bit with what to write in this post; so I’m just going to focus on the soup!!  This vegan cilantro soup recipe combines onions, portabello mushrooms caps and garlic with tons of cilantro and a hint of lime juice and spice. It turns out a beautiful green with all the cilantro, which … Read more

Smoky Harvest Apple Chips

by

This recipe combines sweet and savoury flavors; making it the perfect autumn snack food. The best part is that no dehydrator is necessary! This recipe just requires a bit of time and a regular oven. You simply chop up the apples, season with smoked paprika, salt and pepper and pop in the oven. Then it’s … Read more

Vegan Gingerbread House Extravaganza

by

Decorating homemade gingerbread houses is a holiday tradition in my family.  I think we made them every single year when I was little. My mom would bake copious amounts of gingerbread and my Dad would play amateur architect constructing the houses with melted sugar. My sister and I went crazy decorating with candy oblivious to all … Read more

Spicy Potato Hash With Avocado

by

This potato hash recipe is a favorite weekend brunch of ours.  It’s perfect for when you feel like something hearty and savory in the morning but can also make a good simple option for last-minute dinners. Nicely browned potatoes are the star of this dish and are combined with tons of fresh veggies, fresh rosemary, avocado and … Read more

AS SEEN IN