Veganism is a way of life. It’s not just a diet; it’s an ovation to living beings and has been shown to benefit the human body in more ways than one. When practiced right, proper nutrition can be attained and the risk for illness, such as cardiovascular disease, can even be minimized. You may think being a vegan is hard. You may think meals lack flavor and sustenance. Well, Ashley Ridgway is here to show you that you are wrong.
Meet Ashley.
Food creator, animal lover, and a vegan who inspires people regularly to eat and live better by exposing her friends to meals they may have not thought to consume otherwise. When asked what inspired her to go vegan, this was her response:
"Food has been an important part of my life since my parents opened a restaurant when I was three. There, I began eating buffalo chicken wings and dipping fries in buffalo sauce. I guess that started my addiction to spice. Since going vegan, I strive to create meals that are just as good as, if not better than, the foods I ate as an omnivore. Although I still get a craving for wings once in a while, I can kick it by whipping up a batch of buffalo cauliflower or Gardein vegan Chick'n fingers tossed in buffalo sauce. My body and my conscience thank me!
I’ve always been obsessed with food, and that’s something veganism hasn’t changed.
It’s not about sacrifice.
I still thoroughly enjoy every single meal I eat, and typically don’t long for anything animal-derived."
Ashley is a prime example in regards to showing others that you're not "missing out" by going vegan. Her creations have helped me aspire to eat better and have proven that vegan meals can be filled with flavor and creation as long as you’re willing to be innovative and familiarize yourself with the kitchen. And don’t worry, because no experience is necessary!
So without further ado, here are some of her favorite meals that she has been kind enough to share:
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Buffalo Jackfruit “Chicken Dip”
Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
Looking for a quick and easy dinner as well? Check out Ashley’s Buffalo Chick’n Wraps recipe below:
Ingredients:
Gardein Chick'n Strips
Redhot, or desired buffalo sauce
Trader Joe’s Habanero Lime Flour Tortillas
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Chao Tomato Cayenne Slices (vegan cheese; optional)
Just Mayo (vegan mayo available at Walmart)
Non-dairy milk
Apple cider vinegar
Dried dill
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Directions:
Sauté chick'n strips until they’re heated and slightly browned. Meanwhile, make vegan ranch by mixing 1 tablespoon of vegan mayo with 1-2 tablespoons (dependent upon how thick you like your ranch) of non-dairy milk. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the ranch mix, as well as generous amounts of dried dill, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Toss chick'n in Franks Redhot, or desired buffalo sauce. Place chick'n on a Trader Joe’s Habanero Lime wrap, topped with tomatoes and lettuce. Add some vegan cheese if you’d like, and enjoy!
Photo Credit: Ashley Ridgway