Hey guys,

Carleigh here from PlantYou with our weekly countertop catch-up.

First, I just want to say thank you. After sending my newsletter last week regarding the anniversary of my mom’s passing and “signs,” I must have received several hundred replies. I want you to know I read every single one, many of which made me cry, laugh, and feel so interconnected as we share the same feelings of grief and loss. Thank you.

This week, things already feel a bit lighter. My sister and I have spent the last five days testing a homemade vegan Reese’s egg recipe (hard job, I know, but someone’s gotta do it LOL).

If you’re plant-based or vegan, what was the ONE food that felt impossible to give up? When I first went vegan, there were two foods I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to never eat again. The first was poutine, specifically the Costco poutine (if you’re in Canada, you know the one with the BIG cheese curds). And the second, my absolute favorite chocolate bar: Reese’s.

The good news is, after several tests and sugar highs, I think we cracked the code. With just a handful of ingredients, we were able to make an absolutely incredible Reese’s egg recipe. It has that creamy, almost gritty peanut butter inside, and a silky, crackable chocolate shell. To me, these are a must-make recipe, especially with Easter around the corner.

This is my first easter with Wes, and I’m excited to spoil him, although I’m not sure with what yet. As a kid, I have fond memories of dyeing eggs and doing a hunt for chocolate around the house. I’m thinking of getting him a new bunny stuffed animal to mark the occasion, and in future years I’ll have to think of something to replace the egg dyeing tradition. I’d love to hear what you and your families do for Easter traditions!!!

What I’m Cooking 🍲

Other than a diet made of up 99% vegan reese’s eggs, we’ve been loving one pan meals I love to call QUICKIES….. This noodle dish is unreal and so easy to prepare.

​https://plantyou.com/ramen-noodle-bake/​

Speaking of Quickies, I might be spilling the beans on something very exciting soon…………………….

What I’m Loving 💕

I recently tried Japchae, the Korean noodle dish - and I think I have a new favorite takeout order! I am going to try my hand at making this at home but the sweet potato glass noodles are just SO good.

What I’m Learning 📚

Wes is now 8 ½ months, and it’s like overnight he is the most rolly-polly baby and, I think, about to crawl. I remember I was anxious about him not rolling, and now it would be easier to go back in time because he’s fighting every diaper change and getting his onesies on. ANYWAYS, Jesse and I had a slight heart attack this week when we saw Wes was sleeping on his stomach in his crib because he’s only ever slept flat on his back. After some research, I learned that after a certain age (if babies can roll themselves over), sleeping on their stomach can actually be good for building strength and for head shape, so we’re trying to relax. 😀

Hope you have a fantastic week.

Carleigh