About

Hi, I’m Connie, a wife, mom, home cook, blogger and creator of The Carrot Underground. My passions are sharing the goodness of vegan living, animals, art and my latest obsession, stand-up paddle boarding. If you’d like to learn a bit more about me, here’s my Cliffs Notes version about who is Connie Edwards McGaughy.

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Vegan Living

I began my journey toward vegan living four decades ago. At that time, dining out was darn near impossible. Even my friends were reluctant to invite me over for dinner as they had no clue what foods to serve. The only way I was going to maintain a social life was by creating meals my friends would enjoy. Fortunately, my beloved mom, aka “Mama Love”, was an amazing home cook. She taught me everything I needed to know to find my way around a kitchen. With her help, I learned to successfully replace animal-derived ingredients with entirely plant-based foods. 

Over the years, with the culinary wizardry of my husband and daughter, we’ve transformed oodles of traditional dishes into fabulous vegan recipes. We love preparing beautiful and deliciously satisfying meals everyone can enjoy – vegans and non-vegans alike. I can truly say that choosing to be vegan was the best decision I’ve ever made. Well, other than accepting my wonderful husband’s marriage proposal.

Animals

As an animal advocate, I’ve dedicated myself to be a voice for the voiceless. My volunteer work has involved the rescue of domestic, wild, and exotic animals, including hundreds of feral goats and burros. I’ve helped care for abused captive tigers, lions, and leopards. I’m extremely proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Nsefu Wildlife Conservation Foundation, an anti-poaching organization based in Zambia. Our programs are all about protecting elephants, lions and other endangered wildlife while helping the local community rise from poverty.

I believe the most effective way to protect animals begins with changing our attitudes and appetites for what we put on our plates. By replacing meat and dairy with plant-based foods we are helping animals, the planet and ourselves. It’s a win-win-win. I created The Carrot Underground to help others discover just how easy it is to enjoy delicious plant-based, cruelty-free food. Our recipes are tried and true, each one fine-tuned & taste-tested until we know it’s a winner.

Art

The majority of my professional career has been in the visual arts. I’ve worked as a commercial and fine artist, interior designer, art consultant and instructor. Over the years, I’ve owned and managed several art galleries. I’m blessed to be married to the most gifted artist I have ever known. Like art, I believe food should be beautiful and appealing. I love to share simple tips for creating eye-catching dishes from preparation to plating.

SUP

I grew up in coastal Southern California and live at the beach in sunny San Diego. It wasn’t until I was in my late 50’s that I discovered my all-time favorite recreational activity, stand-up paddle boarding (aka SUP). I guess it’s never too late to find a new passion! When I’m not busy creating a new blog post, you can often find me at the beach on my paddle board.

My favorite recipes are:

I’ve got to go with my sentimental favorites – these beloved family recipes I grew up with:

• Grandma’s Old Fashioned Vegan Potato Salad
• Rustic Vegetable Soup
• Mom’s Vegan Macaroni Salad
• Easy Homemade Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
• Velma’s Vegan Devil’s Food Cake
• Mom’s Vegan Carrot Cake

and last but not least, my all-time favorite – honestly, it’s to die for:

• World’s Best Vegan Lemon Meringue Pie 🍋

Here’s to you & your journey in vegan living! We all take different paths getting here. Whether you’ve enjoyed being vegan for a long time, or you’re just starting out, you are on the right path. I am sincerely happy for you, for the animals, and for the planet!​

If you would like to learn more about my journey to vegan living, visit:  My Story – Why I Became Vegan

I absolutely adore reading all of your wonderful comments. It means the world to me to know that you love the recipes! I’m deeply grateful for your continued enthusiasm and interest in The Carrot Underground🥕. I welcome you to share your stories with me in the comments or by emailing me connie@thecarrotunderground.com

Let’s keep in touch!