These 4 Brides Will Make You Want to Go Vegan for Your Wedding

Jun 29, 2015

Wedding planning can make any girl want to run off and elope. Throw your vegan lifestyle into the mix, and there is a lot more to consider beyond the cutest wedding favors ever. If you’re wondering how you’ll have the best cake tastings if your local bakery has no idea what a vegan cake is, have no fear. Four vegan brides (two of them are sisters!) share their best advice for celebrating a cruelty-free ceremony in style. From dealing with your strictly carnivore parents to finding the right vegan-friendly makeup, you’ll be strutting down the aisle with animal-friendly flair.

(Vegan bride Heather Goldberg and her husband Joshua Bell. Photo via Klose Up Photography)

Creating a Delicious Vegan Menu

If you’re worried about what your non-vegan friends, family or crazy uncle will say about your meat-free bash, vegan bride Jaya Bhumitra says, “You may hear competing opinions from your friends and family about whether or not the menu should be vegan. Some may suggest that you offer non-veg options for your guests. But this is your day, and it should be a celebration of love and compassion — the love you share with your partner and the compassion you extend to all animals. It’s not too much to ask your guests to eat vegan for one meal. Especially when vegan food can be so decadent and delicious!”

(Jaya and Chris’s vegan artichoke tortellini. Photo via The Long Haul)

Jaya and her husband Christopher wanted to showcase their favorite foods on their wedding day, so rather than choosing a venue first, they picked out the food first, designing a menu from The Conscious Cook cookbook and then finding a venue willing to make the menu. Says Jaya, “Chef Larry at La Venta Inn was open minded about using our recipes and eager for the challenge.” The wedding day menu included artichoke tortellini with saffron cream sauce and pine-nut-and-basil-seared Gardein chick’n breast with lobster mushroom beurre blanc. The cocktails were also a big hit: Happy Daze (Maker’s Mark and Virgil’s cream soda) and Tickled Pink (Veuve champagne and guava juice).

(Jaya Bhumitra and Christopher Locke’s vegan appetizers. Photo via The Long Haul)

Sisters Heather Goldberg and Jenny Engel are experts at creating amazing vegan dishes as the co-owners of Spork Foods, a plant-based cooking class company. Spork Foods launched a partnership with Eco Caters, “who create all-organic and local dishes in LA, San Diego and Washington DC,” says Heather. For Heather’s wedding, Eco Caters created her ideal comfort food menu complete with vegan mac and cheese, grilled corn with whipped maple herb butter and a fully loaded Cobb salad. Any LA-based vegan or vegetarian bride and groom interested in working with Eco Caters can check out this blog post the Spork sisters put together of venues that partner with Eco Caters (plus a ton of other great wedding advice!).

(Heather Goldberg’s appetizers. Photo via Klose Up Photography)

The sisters suggest choosing vegan dishes that appeal to a large crowd. Says Jenny, “If you want your cuisine to blend well with a non-veg crowd, go for bean or veggie-based dishes and leave out the tempeh or seitan. We always love pushing the boundaries a bit, so if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in just one super interesting item like jackfruit that people haven’t tried before but will love at your wedding. It will help to open their eyes to new ways of thinking about food.”

For Jenny, the highlight of her menu was the tofu feta croquettes with a cashew herb cream that the caterer made from her and her sister’s cookbook, Spork-Fed. “It was so much fun to see all of our friends and family at the buffet, all enjoying this beautiful vegan meal together. What is better than that?”

Selecting a Vegan-Friendly Venue and Vendors

If you’re worried that your ideal venue won’t be willing to go all vegan for your big day, get creative, suggests Laura Beck, who recently married her best friend in Los Angeles. “You don’t necessarily need to get married in a hotel and use their caterers. What about getting married in your favorite restaurant? Or do a rec hall and a food truck? Or a backyard shindig that you and your friends cater? Any vendor worth their salt will be able to work with you. The wedding industry in an enormous behemoth. There will be someone even more awesome who will beg to work with you.”

(Laura’s vegan Bananas Foster wedding cake by Bramble Bakeshop. Photo via @IsaChandra)

Laura and her husband Jonas made a list of their best-loved places to eat and worked with those vendors to create their ideal wedding weekend. Says Laura, “We chose a vegan-friendly food truck for the Friday-night welcome party (and asked them to do all vegan), a vegan-friendly brewery for the actual event (who worked with our custom menu) and brunch at a favorite vegan restaurant (who were happy to work within my budget).” Laura suggests making a list of what you love and work off that list. “Maybe your cousin makes amazing vegan cupcakes and she would do a couple hundred for your wedding if you paid for ingredients. Or maybe your friend makes amazing vegan deviled eggs and she’d love to make some for your reception. People WANT to help you with your wedding (and if they don’t want to, they’ll politely decline), so let them.”

Suggests Jenny, “If you’re planning to use a venue that already comes with a caterer, just see if they’re open to creating vegan dishes or if they see it as a thorn in their side. As long as they have an open mind, they will put in the time and effort needed to make your food great. If that seems like too much trouble, go with a caterer that already knows about vegan food and can make it well. Often times, if you know which caterer you like, they can lead you to a venue that they partner with — so it can work both ways.”

The Wedding Dress and More

For gals who abstain from wearing animal products, such as silk, wool and leather, finding the ideal dress for the big day can seem like a challenge. Laura went to a boutique and explained what she meant by a “vegan” wedding dress, and they were able to show her some styles. For inspiration, Laura suggests the Ethical Bride’s Pinterest board, which is full of gorgeous vegan-approved gowns and tons of other eco-friendly options for shoes, invitations and bouquets.

(Heather Goldberg and Jenny Engel. Photo via Klose Up Photography)

Says Heather, “Finding a dress can be a huge challenge for someone who wants to avoid wearing silk (silk is made from silkworms that are boiled alive.) The good news is that vegan materials are cheaper than silk and still look and feel amazing.” Her sister Jenny purchased a vintage-inspired dress from Dolly Couture (prices range from $300–$800) in Los Angeles for a non-traditional looking dress. Heather opted for a custom vegan dress (around $600) from Shareen in downtown LA.

Or try non-traditional wedding dress options. Jaya bought her gown from RueLaLa, a discount clothing website. Her husband Chris “wore a beautiful non-wool suit from Indochino (just ask them to leave off the bull horn buttons and have a local tailor replace them with plastic) and a Jaan J. tie.”

If you’re still struggling to find the right dress, Laura suggests Nordstrom (“There are some surprisingly cute vegan-friendly dresses”), having a friend make it or going the vintage route.

Vegan makeup — meaning the product was not tested on animals and contains no animal ingredients — can easily be found through brands such as Pacifica, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and 100% Pure. If you want to try out some cosmetics before the wedding, vegan beauty box subscription service Petit Vour has a plethora of choices.

Best Vegan-Friendly Wedding Blogs and Websites

While many wedding websites and blogs exist, these four vegan brides turned to different resources to get inspired. Laura loved using A Practical Wedding (search vegan) and Vegan Weddings HQ. Heather and Jenny rave about No Wedding Debt. Says Heather, “Weddings can be really insane and costly, but if you’re willing to do some research and make it a little bit DIY, you can save a ton of cashola.”

(Jaya Bhumitra and Christopher Locke. Photo via The Long Haul)

Jaya turned to vegan lifestyle magazine VegNews for the annual weddings issue. The happy couple was featured in the magazine for their beautiful wedding. Says Jaya, “I enjoyed seeing the variety of ways loving couples integrated their values into their celebrations. Budgets big or small, every story was special.”

Dealing With Non-Vegans Who Gripe

Of course, some well-meaning friend or your future mother-in-law might chime in with their suggestions or complaints about an all-vegan wedding. Laura says, “The people who matter will know, and everyone else will enjoy a delicious vegan meal and cake and not be any wiser. Just have amazing food, and when your goofy uncle who likes to make fun of your food choices chows down into a cupcake and is all, ‘Mmmm, so good!,’ you can be all, ‘Yeah, right? And it’s all vegan! BAM!'”

Jaya and Chris respectfully requested their guests attend in cruelty-free clothing. “We listed our favorite purveyors from MooShoes for shoes, belts and purses to Jaan J. for ties on our wedding website. So many people were so proud to show us the new items they had purchased!”

Says Jenny and Heather, “We strongly believe that you and your partner know what is best for you — so just trust yourself and do what makes you happy. Many family members love to dole out their opinions, whether solicited or not, but it’s important to stand firm and keep your ideal vision in mind. Just remember that this whole thing is about you and your partner celebrating your love. You two are the center of your big day.”

Did you have a vegan wedding? If yes, share your tips and advice with us in the comments!

(Feature image via The Long Haul)

This Winter, Stay Cozy With 23 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

The chilly weather sparks serious comfort food cravings, and vegans don't have to be left out in the cold. With a slew of meat alternatives, convincing vegan cheese, and a lot of creativity from vegan cooks, eating a vegan meal can be every bit as satisfying as traditional comfort food fare. Whether you’re craving filling pot pie or rich mac and cheese, these 23 vegan comfort food recipes will deliver when you need something a little more indulgent.

Minimalist Baker

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Jackfruit is that magical produce that seems to perfectly replicate meat in almost any dish. Thanks to its growing popularity, it's become relatively easy to find in grocery stores. Just make sure you buy a young green jackfruit in water, not brine or syrup. This is the key to achieving proper flavor and texture. Then all you need to do is sauté and add A LOT of barbecue sauce. (via Minimalist Baker)

Natural Girl, Modern World

Mushroom Stroganoff

Balance cozy carbs with nourishing vegetables in this mushroom stroganoff and you get the best of both worlds.

Ela Vegan

Vegan Chickpea Curry

When you mix chickpeas with eggplant, coconut milk, Indian spices, and rice you'll end up with the most satisfying vegan curry. When spicing your curry, be sure to select a blend that incorporates fresh spices to give you the maximum amount of health benefits and flavor.

Nutritional Foodie

Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos

It can be difficult to cut back on carbs when you’re vegan (or for anybody, really). Thankfully, sweet potato tortilla chips are here to solve that problem. Things get serious when you coat them in vegan cheese sauce and then pile them high with your favorite nacho toppings.

Hot for Food

Roasted Corn Chowder

Calling all ambitious chefs with leftover corn on the cob: This corn chowder is a bit involved to make but the results are 100 percent worth it. Corn kernels thicken the chowder that's scented with smoked paprika and thyme for a soothing bite with every spoonful.

Vegan in the Freezer

Dairy-Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes

Potatoes baked into a casserole that's covered in a creamy white sauce is comfort food at its best. All you need to do is sprinkle a few herbs on top for a little somethin' extra.

Pinch of Yum

Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea Glow Bowl

This spiced bowl will soon be your new go-to for an ultra comforting, super nutritious, plant-based meal. There's so much deliciousness packed into this recipe that it'll be hard to pick your favorite part. Moroccan-spiced chickpeas are simmered in a sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and then spooned atop couscous that's cooked and fluffed to perfection. Oh yeah, and there’s cucumber salad, some lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs to the max.

Vegetarian Ventures

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili

By this point in winter you probably want soup for every meal, and that's where this white chili comes in. It’s warm, filling, tasty, and not average in any way. Pro tip: Add lots of toppings for a wide variety of texture in your bowl.

This Savory Vegan

Vegan White Mac and Cheese

If you dream about a mac and cheese without the taste of nutritional yeast, this recipe will make your dreams come true. It turns out that the answer is vegan cream cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Who knew?! Now that the secret is out, feel free to share — and don’t forget to make seconds!

Fooduzzi

Buffalo Chickpea Pizza

Buffalo sauce and chicken is a match made in heaven. Buffalo sauce with roasted chickpeas is pretty darn good too. With a buffalo hummus base that incorporates just the right amount of spice, and a crispy cheesy topping, this recipe is about to be your new obsession.

Lazy Cat Kitchen

Vegan Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of the easiest dishes to veganize because it already comes layered with an array of crunchy vegetables and cubes of tofu. The tricky part is substituting the fish sauce, but this is actually easier than it seems. You can either buy a non-fish-based fish sauce, or simply prepare your own by infusing soy sauce (or tamari) with a bit of seaweed and dried mushrooms.

Feasting on Fruit

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recreate a comforting, nostalgic childhood favorite with these gluten-free, vegan treats. You may even find you like them better than the original.

Veggies Don't Bite

Vegan Pizza Burrito

You’ll thank us later when you realize that this vegan pizza burrito is pretty much heaven wrapped in a burrito and placed on a plate. It’s also handy to grab when you have to eat on the run.

Munaty Cooking

Baked Aloo Samosas

Indian food is great because so much of it is already vegan. And samosas might be the ultimate choice because they can be an appetizer, a finger food, or a meal. Plus, they're concocted with a host of spices and dipping sauces that will keep your taste buds intrigued and wanting more.

Minimalist Baker

Vegan Sloppy Joes

If you never had sloppy joes growing up, there's no time like the present to give them a try. This warm sandwich is sweet, smokey, and savory all at once, and it can be made with everyday pantry items. This vegan version uses lentils instead of beef and is no less satisfying for it.

The Fitchen

Vegan Pot Pies With Cornbread Crust

Creamy veggies hide beneath a crispy cornbread crust in this quintessential comfort food dish. There will be nothing more satisfying than breaking through the cornbread with a spoon to enjoy that perfect filling-to-crust ratio.

The Works of Life

General Tso’s Cauliflower

Just when you think that everyone and their mother is tired of cauliflower recipes, General Tso’s cauliflower is here to revive the obsession. The cauliflower is marinated and then dusted in cornstarch and sesame seeds to form that crispy crust we all love. Now vegans and carnivores alike can get in on some of that General Tso’s action.

No Recipes

Vegan Spinach Dip

A blend of soft tofu with raw cashew nuts creates a satiny texture that's complemented by the spinach for an appetizer that tastes indulgent but won't have you regretting your snack choices.

Peas & Crayons

Vegan Grilled Cheese

Something about that ooey-gooey yumminess of grilled cheese is simply unbeatable. But the best part of this sandwich isn't even the cheese; it's the ability to be a blank canvas onto which you can add an array of herbs, spices, chutneys, pickles, and jellies. The world is your oyster here — go wild!

Karissa's Vegan Kitchen

Vegan Meatball Subs

When you wrap chickpea meatballs in carbs, smother them with marinara sauce, and top with a sprinkle of vegan Parm, the result is irresistible. If you make a huge batch of meatballs and then freeze them, this recipe becomes so simple that there's a high probability it will become your fave Friday night staple.

Gluten-Free Vegan Pantry

Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

There's almost nothing better than veganized mac and cheese. This cheesy delight is a hug in a bowl and the exact thing you require on those days when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

Minimalist Baker

One-Hour Vegan Pot Pies

This blogger says it all: “Delicious, flaky, veggie-packed vegan pot pies in less than one hour. That’s all you need to know."

Ambitious Kitchen

Lemon Blueberry Pistachio Cupcakes

Comfort food includes cupcakes. Opt for a magical combination like lemon, blueberry, and pistachio and watch the sparks fly.

If you can't get enough vegan comfort food in your life, follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!

This post has been updated.

26 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers Guests Will Love

Since cooking a Thanksgiving dinner takes a hot minute, it's not a bad idea to have some appetizerson-hand to serve your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving guests. Of course, you don’t want to have to spend a ton of time making snacks when you’re also preparing a feast – but that’s where these last-minute bites come in! These Thanksgiving appetizers will keep your guests satisfied until dinner, and they’re so easy to make, you won’t have to deal with any extra kitchen drama.

Without further ado, let's dive into these quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizers!

Fresh Eggs Daily

Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings

Yummy Thanksgiving Appetizers can be as cute as they are scrumptious — like these Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings recipe form Lisa Steele, author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook. Here's how you make it:

Ingredients:

1 large butternut squash
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh sage for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the squash and cut crosswise into six 3/4- to 1-inch slices. Scoop out the seeds and hollow out the middle of each slice to allow room for an egg.
Arrange the squash on the baking sheet and brush each ring with olive oil inside and out, then season with salt and pepper. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes, until the squash has softened. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently crack and slide 1 egg into the center of each squash ring. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and return to the oven. Bake about 8 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are firm but not fully set.
Use a spatula to slide the squash rings onto plates. Top with Parmesan, garnish with fresh sage, and drizzle with olive oil.

Sarah Anderson

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are such a reliable crowd-pleaser when it comes to Thanksgiving appetizer, or starters for any occasion, really! These 'shrooms in particular take inspiration from Greek cuisine and include tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, feta cheese, and salami.

Plant Provisions

Italian Savory Hand Pies

These hand pies are 100% vegan, so you can confidently serve them to a party of all diets. They're meaty, cheesy, herby, and definitely filling if you need to prep a decent snack ahead of your fancy Thanksgiving feast.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites

Chocolate and cheese work surprisingly well together, and these creative dipped bites will certainly have all the foodies at the function buzzing.

Snixy Kitchen

Butternut Squash and Bacon Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are such a classic snack, but they can easily become yummy Thanksgiving appetizers when you add butternut squash and bacon to the centers!

The Pioneer Woman

Perfect Fall Cheese Board

Transform your famous charcuterie board with fall accents to make a Thanksgivingappetizer that'll hit all the right taste buds.

Nutmeg Nanny

Sausage, Spinach and Mushroom Phyllo Cups

Don't you just love a bite-sized snack that's super quick to make?

The Home Cook's Kitchen

Mushroom Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Should your guests craves something that's creamy and crunchy, serve them these bready Thanksgiving appetizers.

Half Baked Harvest

Baked French Onion Meatballs

What do you get when you combine the savory flavors of French onion soup and meatballs? We'll give you a hint — it has something to do with being irresistible.

Half Baked Harvest

Cheesy Bacon Holiday Crack

Warning: biting into these sweet, spicy, crispy, and cheesy chips is the point of no return, but it's so worth it.

Savory Tooth

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Two-ingredient appetizers are always a winner in our book, and this one is extra hearty.

Pizzazzerie

Candied Walnut Bruschetta

Candied walnuts are excellent on their own, so imagine how they taste with pears and goat cheese on toast.

The Blond Cook

Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Little Smokies

Soy sauce and brown sugar coat these mini hot dogs, and a touch of Sriracha makes them even more spice-tastic.

Sunkissed Kitchen

Roasted Carrot Hummus

Carrots and cinnamon are blended with classic hummus ingredients for a healthy dip to pair with pita chips. The pomegranate and pumpkin seed garnish really ups the presentation of this Thanksgiving appetizer.

Recipe Tin Eats

Caesar Salad Wonton Cups

Keep a package of wonton wrappers in the fridge, and you’ll never have to worry about what snacks to prep next for your party guests! This recipe stuffs the wraps with Caesar salad fixings, but the options are endless.

The Real Food Dietitians

Chili and Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Even if you don’t have a ton of time, you can easily roast up a batch of these smoky mixed nuts before your guests arrive.

Tara's Multicultural Table

French Onion Soup Toasts

Turn French onion soup into a convenient appetizer with crusty bread, sautéed onions, and smoky cheese! Yummm.

The Recipe Critic

Raspberry Baked Brie

Smooth goat cheese and tart raspberry preserves are a match made in snack heaven. The crispy puff pastry layer makes it all worth it.

Lavender and Lovage

Smoked Cheese and Onion Straws

If you have cheese lingering in your deli drawer, it’s the beginning of a tasty appetizer. Sprinkle it into some puff pastry for a twisty "straw" you'll reach for again and again.

The Seasoned Mom

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

The combo of chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce results in a Thanksgiving appetizer that's almost impossible to stop eating.

Savory Tooth

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Bacon and Cheddar

Smokey bacon and salty, nutty cheddar top some earthy mushrooms for a new version of this classic stuffed app.

The Baking Fairy

Garlic-Stuffed Olives-in-a-Blanket

If you have vegetarian guests coming to your party, you’ll want to have a tasty option for them. These olives in a "blanket" do the trick nicely! As a bonus, most store-bought crescent roll dough is vegan.

The Cookie Rookie

Best Cheese Ball

There's a reason why sharp cheddar cheese balls are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. Serve them with buttery Ritz crackers to reach total snack nirvana.

Half Baked Harvest

Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates

Sweet and savory, this goat cheese dip is perfect for dipping crostini and vegetables in.

Live Eat Learn

Savory Roasted Cranberry Salsa

Top a cracker with sour cream (or brie or goat cheese) and spread on this cranberry salsa for a light, yet spicy-sweet bite.

Amanda Wilens

Pear and Gouda Puff Pastry

Pear really finds its life's purpose when it's tucked into a square of puff pastry and topped with salty gouda cheese.

Get more ideas and inspiration for your Thanksgiving appetizers and other festive holiday entertaining tips by following us on Pinterest or joining our newsletter.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sara Cagle,Jasmine Williams, and Meredith Holser.

appetizer recipes holiday party holiday recipes thanksgiving thanksgiving recipes

35 Easy Soup Recipes Perfect For A Rainy Day

It's raining and you forgot all of your umbrella. And your rain boots. And your rain jacket. (Hey, we've all been there). This evening you're going to need something warm and incredibly simple that you can whip up in less than half an hour so that you can get cozier faster than you can blink. Well, maybe not that fast.

The point is, we know the feeling so we've come up with amazing quick and easy soup recipesor a tasty dinner. From creamy chickendumpling to a light, lemony vegetable, the 35 soups below will comfort you from the inside out on the most blustery of days.

via The Real Food Dietitians

The Best Loaded Cauliflower Soup

Kick off your fall soup season with tender cauliflower, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and kale with this satisfying bowl of soup.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

30-Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, peanut butter, chicken, mushrooms, and bell peppers unite to create the most delicious base for this ramen soup.

via Averie Cooks

Sausage Tortellini Soup

Warm up on cool days with this easy Italian sausage tortellini soup made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes!

via The Girl on Bloor

Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup

Add this easy recipe to your fall soup rotation with coconut milk, canned pumpkin and curry paste.

via Completely Delicious

Turkey and Dumplings Soup

Bookmark this recipe for your turkey leftovers! Fluffy buttermilk dumplings make this soup so comforting and delicious.

via The Original Dish

Creamy Tahini Carrot Soup

Flavored with peppers, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, tahini, and lime, this flavorful soup will keep you warm and cozy all week long.

via Kathryn's Kitchen

Easy French Onion Soup

Binge on Emily in Paris while slurping this delicious soup.

via Pink Owl Kitchen

Creamy Cajun Potato Soup

Add a touch of heat to your soup routine with this cheesy, creamy soup that combines tender russet potatoes, veggies, and sausage in a creamy, spicy broth.

Image via Brit + Co

Lemony Greens Soup

Plenty of lemon juice and fresh herbs take this simple, vegetable-forward soup to the next level.

via Bowl of Delicious

Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef And Rice

This one-pot, freezable meal also happens to be gluten free and dairy free. It's hearty and so tasty!

via Vanilla and Bean

Coconut Curried French Lentil Soup

Vegan recipe lovers will enjoy this rich, creamy soup with French lentils, coconut milk and warming curry spices.

Image via Brit + Co

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing recipe that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right place.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea and Lentil Soup

You can serve this immediately or let it simmer while you do other chores.

Image via Brit + Co

3-Ingredient Tortilla Soup

There is nothing better than one-pot dinners. We're always a fan of having just a couple of dishes to wash after we've fallen into a warm soup coma.

Image via Brit + Co

Roasted Tomato Soup

Way tastier than the canned stuff and almost as quick, this recipe is a twist on the classic tomato soup with roasted tomatoes and a grilled cheese on the side.

via Crowded Kitchen

Super Green Sheet Pan Soup

Satisfy your need for greens with this nutritious soup made with leeks, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes and peas, topped with pesto grilled cheese croutons.

Image via Brit + Co

Ginger Butternut Squash Soup

Even if you’re the slowest chopper in the world, you can have this soup on the table in under 30 and feel pretty good about how healthy it is.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea Stew with Pesto

This weeknight stew will help you eat your vegetables.

Image via Brit + Co

Vegan Sriracha Chili

Yes, you can have a totally flavorful chili with one pot, and yes it will warm your soul.

Image via Brit + Co

Homemade Ramen Cup

This homemade version is the adult version of our dorm room favorite. Make it when you need something to mindlessly graze on while you come down from the day.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea and Lime Soup

Adding crispy, spiced chickpeas as a soup topper is any easy way to “beef” up this quick, simple, and delicious soup.

Image via Brit + Co

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Instead of waiting 40 minutes to bake a potato, whip up a bowl of this cheesy soup in half the time via your Instant Pot. Garnish it with bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, and whatever else your heart desires.

Image via Brit + Co

Easy Blender Pea Soup

If you're starting to feel guilty about those winter month calories, try this healthy pea soup. We definitely won't judge if you end up adding some garlic bread to the meal.

Image via Brit + Co

Spring Onion Soup

Get your greens and warm up at the same time with this creamy dish. It can be eaten warm or cold, which makes it the perfect recipe for unexpected spring weather.

Image via Culinary Hill

White Bean and Kale Soup

With just five ingredients, plus salt and pepper, you can whip up this healthy, warming soup in no time.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

30-Minute Creamy Chicken and Parmesan-Sage Dumplings

Parmesan and sage take the dumplings in this easy chicken soup to a whole other level.

Image via Salt and Lavender

Easy Black Bean Soup

Made with inexpensive ingredients like canned black beans, tomatoes, and green chiles, this soup is as easy as chopping one onion and two garlic gloves and tossing everything in a pot.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Easy Taco Soup

Taco Tuesdays just got cozier with this easy taco soup recipe. All it takes is 28 minutes to cook this yummy blend of wholesome ingredients for a meal that'll hit the spot every time you cook it in your Instant Pot.

Image via The Edgy Veg

Easy Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

This easy crock pot soup recipe is for all my lasagna and baked ziti lovers. It's hearty and filled with flavors that'll make your taste buds tingle with excitement.

Image via Clean Cuisine

Sweet Potato Curry

For a different burst of flavor, cook this flavorful sweet potato curry soup. It has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the turmeric found in it so you'll get a tasty meal that's beneficial to your body.

via Feel Good Foodie

Vegan Broccoli Soup

Made with only four ingredients and perfect with frozen vegetables, this recipe comes from Sarah Copeland’s cookbook Instant Family Meals is perfect for busy weeknights.

Image via Give Recipe

Old-Fashioned Cabbage Soup

Just in time for fall, Give Recipe's take on the old-fashioned cabbage soup recipe is one worth making tonight. It's filled with Mediterranean flavors you won't be able to resist!

via Munching with Mariyah

Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup

This healthy soup is a mix of spicy miso broth, packed with edamame, tofu, ginger, and garlic, poured over comforting soba noodles.

via Two Peas and Their Pod

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This is a delicious twist on chicken noodle soup and so easy to make!

Image via Vikalinka

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Looking for something that has a little kick to it? Try making this stuffed pepper soup!

Which easy soup recipe will you try tonight? Share with us @BritandCo!

This article has been updated.

Lead image via Vikalinka.

homemade soup recipes rainy day healthy recipes fall recipes vegan recipes vegetarian recipes noodle soup ramen comfort food recipes

Maisy Stella & Megan Park On Working With Aubrey Plaza And The Justin Bieber Of It All

If there's one movie that will make you consider the advice you'd give your younger self, it's My Old Ass. The movie, streaming on Prime Video November 7, follows Elliot (Maisy Stella), who comes face-to-face with an older version of herself (Aubrey Plaza) during a mushroom trip. Throughout their time together, they share heartfelt advice, and, apparently, a lot of laughter.

"I feel like we absolutely [laughed while filming], but honestly the breaks worked for the scene," Maisy Stella tells Brit + Co's Chloe Williams. "So I feel like even when we're laughing, it's like not technically like, 'Oh cut, we have to go again.' You just keep going. But I think there was some real genuine laughter shared between between us two."

Maisy Stella And Megan Park Loved Working With Aubrey Plaza

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"I just remember there was a YouTube video of her that you showed me," says director Megan Park. "I don't know which one it was, but...this is, I think, where the kiss idea of the touching the ass [the scene that mentions the movie's title] came in because you were like 'God, she's so hot.'"

"Working with Aubrey was truly the coolest thing I'll ever get to do," Maisy adds. "I'm such a huge fan of her and have been forever. And so when I found out it was her doing it, I think I did a standing backflip."

Even though Aubrey Plaza was only on set for a week or two, she was able to form a real connection with Maisy, which is the mark of "the most genius actors" for Megan. "They didn't have a lot of time together, but they were so good at the time they did have together, just really being open and vulnerable and building that chemistry really quickly," she says. "Maisy has an older sister, Aubrey has younger sisters. So there was a kind of a natural dynamic that they fell into and you have really similar energies and similar senses of humor that just were such a great match."

During their conversation, Aubrey Plaza's Elliot gives Maisy Stella some serious life advice, and the movie really got Maisy and Megan to consider what advice they would give their younger selves. (They both adamantly express they don't want to know the future).

"Just to be a little more like alert and more present," Maisy says. "I think as a kid, I was like super unaware and in a way that was like beautiful but also like, I wasn't really seeing, I was kind of just looking around. Honestly I would tell my younger self what Aubrey told [my] Elliott in the movie."

"The message of the movie and that time goes by so quickly — it's not forever, everything changes all the time," Megan says. "Just a gentle reminder. But also I think it would be beautiful to go back and meet your younger self. That's such a therapeutic thing and just be reminded of the pace of your life back then."

"Not to be a monster, but I would definitely be like 'invest in Apple!'" she jokingly adds. Megan's sense of humor totally shines through the movie, and it can be summed up in the scene that shows us Elliot's youngest brother has a wall completely covered in photos of Saoirse Ronan.

Maisy Stella And Megan Park Spill On That Justin Bieber Dance Sequence

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"You know, it's funny, now I'm like, 'I want to put pictures of my kids,'" Megan says. "I have a new baby so I'm in very mom mode. Just obsessed with my children. I've been away from them a lot for work, so I could gladly live in a bedroom just smothered of photos of my children all over every square."

"Maddie Ziegler," Maisy says when I ask who she'd dedicate a wall to. "Maddie Ziegler is literally my answer...Yeah, I could go into who I would have on my wall, but I'm going to keep it at that." (ICYMI, Maisy seemingly went Instagram official with The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey in September).

Another hilarious moment comes when Elliot starts imagining a Justin Bieber concert...with herself as Justin. But has the global sensation seen the video?! "I've been waiting for my phone to ring and it hasn't yet," Maisy jokes. "I actually, like, never want him to see it. Ever. I know his team had to approve of it, but I don't know if he approved of it. It could have been them on his behalf, he's a busy man."

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But with moments of levity comes serious and relatable issues that mark this movie as a coming of age film: family pressure, financial stress, and devastating relationships. The story is impactful as a viewer, but even more so for the team involved in making it.

"The months after [filming] my whole life had just kind of shifted and everything kind of rose to the top," Maisy says. "It changed so much of how I think and how I actively live, and I feel like it kind of did that for a lot of the people that were on the set honestly, just because it was such a like specific experience with such a loud message and so much nostalgia that I really took it all and kept it inside."

"It set the bar pretty high, both personally and creatively, in terms of what I want that next set experience to be like," Megan adds. "Working with people that you really care about that [become] like family. It really was a beautiful, hopefully not rare, but it was a really therapeutic, wonderful, just like ego-less environment that was so creative and so fun and healing."

Check out the other New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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Brittany Mahomes Celebrates Patrick's Still Undefeated Season Alongside BFF Taylor Swift

I didn't think it was possible, but Patrick and Brittany Mahomes may have restored my faith in high school sweethearts. It's been 12 years since they first started dating and they're still going strong as a married couple! They've also recently announced they're expecting baby no. 3 — which is no small feat when their lives are already so full.

Here's everything we know about this stunning football couple that's setting the tone for everyone else.

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March 2012: Patrick & Brittany Mahomes Become High School Sweethearts

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes started dating while they attended Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, TX which makes them high school sweethearts! During an appearance on the TODAY show, Patrick talked about the beginning of their relationship. "I think at that point we had been dating for a couple months," he said before admitting he was "just a normal teenage kid showing up at the family dinner."

May 2013: Patrick & Brittany Go To Prom

The cute teens were still going strong a year later because they went to prom together! Patrick posted a pic on Instagram the day they were set to go and it perfectly captured the early 2010s (i.e. collage instead of carousel pictures). He wrote, "
Best prom date a guy could ask for," in his caption and I think we can agree they both felt that way.

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2013-2014: Patrick & Brittany Enter A Long Distance Relationship

Interestingly enough, Brittany went to college at the University of Texas at Tyler (via University of Texas at Tyler) while Patrick played football at Texas Tech University (via NCAA). It seems they were committed to stay together no matter what!

February 2, 2020: Brittany Supports Patrick After His Super Bowl Win

After Patrick was drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017 (via Chiefs), the team won the Super Bowl in 2020 (via PEOPLE). They played against the San Francisco 49ers where the final scores were 31-20.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

September 2, 2020: Patrick Proposes To Brittany

Later that year, Patrick and Brittany got engaged! PEOPLE managed to grab the cute BTS screenshots of the special moments shared on the couple's individual Instagram stories and I think I've found the perfect ring replacement to send to my fiancé. JK!

September 29, 2020: Patrick & Brittany Announce Their First Pregnancy

The couple surprised everyone with their pregnancy announcement towards the end of September 2020 with Brittany writing, "Mom & Dad, taking a small detour to the wedding❤️," on Instagram. The couple looked cute as Brittany held her sonogram picture and Patrick held her tiny baby bump.

Patrick's pale pink shirt may have been a nod to their baby's gender because their daughter was born a few months later!

February 20, 2021: Patrick & Brittany Welcome Their Baby

Patrick & Brittany's daughter, Sterling Skye Mahomes, was born February 20, 2021. Not only did Brittany share the news of her birth on Instagram, but Patrick also shared the same picture on his page. Though they didn't show baby Sterling's face, they shared she weighed 6 lbs, 11 oz.

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March 20, 2021: Patrick & Brittany Share The First Photo Of Sterling

The closest baby reveal fans of Patrick & Brittany received is one where the NFL star held her in an adorable pic the month after Sterling was born. He posted it on Instagram to seemingly celebrate her being alive for a full month and it was a sweet gesture.

May 9, 2021: Brittany Gets Excited For Her First Mother's Day

On Mother's Day in 2021, Brittany expressed her excitement about celebrating the holiday as a new mom. PEOPLE reports she wrote on Instagram, "Dear Sterling, thank you for making me a mommy and being the biggest blessing EVER, Mommy & Daddy love you more than you will ever understand."

June 20, 2021: Brittany Celebrates Patrick's First Father's Day

Brittany also made sure Patrick was celebrated on Father's Day by sharing the cutest carousel of pictures featuring their family on Instagram. "Happy 1st Fathers Day!!! We love you❤️," she wrote. Fans were able to see Sterling's full face in most of the pictures and it's clear that she felt content in her dad's arms.

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March 12, 2022: Patrick & Brittany Make It Down The Aisle

Despite their baby detour, Patrick & Brittany got married in March 2022. They got married in Maui, HI and made sure little Sterling had a role as flower girl in their wedding (via PEOPLE). Brittany wasn't shy about posting candid moments from the couple's big day and seemed thrill to have their daughter there! "Having your daughter apart of your wedding, just hits different🥺💕 I love you sister girl💖," she wrote.

March 2022: Patrick & Brittany Enjoyed A Romantic Honeymoon

The couple celebrated a romantic honeymoon in St. Barts (via PEOPLE) and enjoyed time in nature. Brittany concluded they had "a perfect honeymoon" on her Instagram stories which seems like it was true!

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May 29, 2022: Patrick & Brittany Announce They're Expecting Again

The couple enjoyed being parents so much they made another surprise pregnancy announcement with baby Sterling's help on May 29, 2022. Patrick wrote, "Round 2! 🤍" on Instagram and was met with congratulatory messages from fans! Sterling even held a sign that read, "Big sister duties coming soon."

June 26, 2022: Patrick & Brittany Reveal Baby No. 2's Gender

The couple were riding the high of preparing for their second baby because they couldn't wait to reveal the gender to PEOPLE. They both wore the cutest blue hoodies that said, "Baby Mahomes, boy or girl" with 'boy' circled in blue. Even Baby Sterling was all smiles in the first photo.

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August 31, 2022: Brittany Celebrates Her Birthday With Patrick & Sterling

The couple then celebrated Brittany's 27th birthday which she documented on Instagram. She wore a cute navy blue set that complemented her baby bump while Patrick kept it cool and casual in a Fendi t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and sneakers. "Cheers to 27✨," Brittany wrote.

November 28, 2022: Patrick & Brittany Welcome Their Second Child

Shortly after Thanksgiving, Patrick & Brittany gave birth to their son, "Patrick 'Bronze' Lavon Mahomes III" who weighed "7lbs 8oz," according to the athlete's Instagram caption. Similar to Sterling's birth announcement, the couple didn't show little Patrick's face, just his feet in the cutest onesie I've ever seen. A diamond bracelet or necklace with their son's nickname was also placed right under his little body.

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January 11, 2023: Patrick Becomes Co-Owner Of Women's Soccer Team With Brittany

This is one couple who isn't afraid of doing business together because Patrick joined Brittany as the co-owner of Kansas City Currents! He shared the following message on Instagram, "I am thankful for the chance to join @brittanylynne as part of the Kansas City Current's ownership team. She and the Longs have done an incredible job building a world-class organization and I am excited to join another championship-caliber club as it continues to make history."

January 29, 2023: Brittany Supports Patrick's Return To The Super Bowl

Brittany didn't waste time supporting Patrick heading back to the Super Bowl with the Chiefs again and brought along Sterling. She shared the cutest BTS video of Patrick running over to give them both a kiss before heading back on the field. She wrote, "So. Dang. Proud. OF YOUUUU❤️" as her caption.

February 9, 2023: Patrick Praises Brittany In His NFL MVP Speech

PEOPLE got the inside scoop on Patrick's MVP speech and he had nothing but kind words for his wife. "To my wife Brittany, my baby girl Sterling and my son Bronze, this crazy life that we are living means nothing without y'all, keeping me balanced, and making me appreciate every single day. No matter how I feel coming home, y'all bring me joy and make me appreciate the time that I get to spend with y'all. Thank you for always being there for me, through my good times and my bad. Love y'all," he said.

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February 12, 2023: Patrick and Brittany celebrate his Super Bowl win

When Patrick and the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in 2023, Brittany made it known she continues to be his biggest supporter. She wasn't shy about heading to Instagram to let the world know just how proud she was of him. PEOPLE reports she screamed, "He did it," without hesitation.

May 1, 2023: Patrick and Brittany attend the Met Gala

The coupled attend 2023's Met Gala together in classic looks that showed they know how to dress to impress. The only thing that wasn't traditional about Brittany's look were here sky high metallic heels and sequin bardot neckline.

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February 11, 2024: Brittany and Patrick celebrate his 2024 Super Bowl win

It shouldn't come as a surprise, but Brittany was front and center when Patrick, along with the Chiefs, won this year's Super Bowl. PEOPLEreports she made sure to carry their kids onto the field to see their dad before the game kicked off, making everyone swoon with admiration.

And when she posted the stylish photo of them holding Patrick's MVP trophy, it made me understand why being a WAG wife may not be such a bad thing.

Brittany brought Sterling and Bronze onto the field before Patrick's fourth Super Bowl game and the couple celebrated together after the quarterback led his team to victory. When Patrick accepted the MVP trophy, his third in total, he expressed his gratitude for Brittany and their kids.

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July 12, 2024: Baby No. 3 Is On The Way

Baby No. 3 is officially on the way as the couple have announced their family is getting bigger. Brittany and Patrick look closer than even in this carousel, making me thinking have three kids isn't so bad! "Family of 5 coming soon🥹 blessings on blessings🙏🏻🤍," says Brittany's caption.

September 8, 2024 Patrick & Brittany Mahomes Attend The US Open With Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

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October 28, 2024: Patrick & Brittany Step Out At Charity Gala

The couple stepped out on the red carpet for their 15 and Mahomes Foundation Gala in honor of their charity. They couldn't stop smiling in these pictures from the charity's Instagram story — and I can see why! Aside from the fact they're getting ready to welcome their third child, they genuinely looked excited to be celebrating their charity.

October 31, 2024: Patrick & Brittany Celebrate Halloween With Their Kids

Patrick & Brittany Mahomes had the best family Halloween costumes this year! They shared a super cute photo of them posed with their kids and let's just say the Mahomes zoo was open for business. Patrick took on the role as a zookeeper while Brittany donned a mommy kangaroo costume that featured a joey in her pouch. It was a cute nod to their growing family, but we can't forget about Sterling and Bronze! Sterling wore a pretty pink flamingo costume while Bronze looked precious as a little lion.

There's no way the Mahomes can get any cuter!

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November 4, 2024 — Brittany Celebrates Patrick's 8th Chiefs Win Of The Season

Brittany reported for WAG duties at the Chiefs vs. Buccaneers game on Monday, November 4, 2024 — and cheered alongside her BFF Taylor Swift throughout the game! This TikTok shows the two celebrating one of Patrick's touchdown passes, but it appears Brittany quickly realizes and tells Taylor that "Patrick's hurt." Luckily, it seems Pat was fine after all, but it can be scary business being a WAG!

Meanwhile, Brittany posted a video later of their daughter, Sterling, sharing her own football commentary. PEOPLEreported that in an Instagram story, Brittany asks Sterling, "What's so rude?" Sterling then responds, "If they take the ball from daddy and score a touchdown by theirselves, that means they're so rude." Clearly the Chiefs love — and loyalty — runs deep in this family! 😂

Injuries aside and interesting football takes aside (I'm looking at you, Sterling!), Brittany posted to Instagram, celebrating Patrick's big win. As the only team left with an undefeated record in the NFL this year, her caption is incredibly appropriate: "8 & ZERO😎" We love to see these two winning together!

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This post has been updated.

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