Say [Vegan] Cheese!

Some people don't care one way or another about cheese. I am not some people. Meat was way easier for me to give up than cheese, so in going vegan for a week, I learned all about substitutions. Here's the down-low on vegan cheese options:

Brands of Vegan Cheese: You can try Tofutti or Galaxy Nutritional Foods (which is a whole line of vegan foods). Need more? Here you can find more vegan cheese brands.

Where Can You Find It In The Store?Vegan cheese is generally found in the produce area of the store (near the tofu and other vegan products). Finding at least one brand in any store shouldn’t be too difficult since stores becoming more eco/vegetarian-friendly. They may not have a huge selection, but it's most likely available. Any health food store would have products like this as well.

More Info: Get more info on vegan cheese and its nutritional benefits.

Bon appetit!

Day 1: Vicki Goes Vegan

I thought this challenge was going to be hard but so far it's been alright. Very easy for me to say, though, since it's only been a few hours! By the end of the week you might catch me in the corner unwrapping sticks of butter and eating them like candy bars, but for now I feel like I've found some healthy alternatives to meat and dairy.

I highlighted these two recipes on the FunnyScoop blog as part of our FunnySpoon Challenge:

Teriyaki Salmon Burgers



Yogurt Poppy Slaw



It was easier than I thought to go vegan - I just substituted the following ingredients in the recipes:

MorningStar Farms Grillers Vegan Burger

Silk Plain Soy Yogurt

Vegenaise Vegan Mayonnaise

Delish! I really didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, plus I got that "feel-good" feeling that I was being more eco-friendly and eating a little healthier. (Plus I was thinking this is "what Ellen would eat" and got a little excited that she might give me a gold star or a pat on the back. Fingers crossed!)

Day 1: Carrie Goes Vegan!

I'm thinking it won't be too hard to do this vegan thing. I mean, I was a strict vegetarian for 10+ years so this should be easy, right? Right. Sure, I'll miss my rich, creamy cheese & dairy products, but I won't miss the meat. I really only eat meat now because a) my husband nags me to eat it ALL THE TIME and b) I really do feel more satisfied salads, pasta, rice and pretzels by the pound.

So, for the first night of my challenge I'm making tacos. Since this isn't an entire household challenge I'm making Tacos Two Ways: Meatless Tacos for me and my 1 year old daughter and Turkey Tacos for my hubby and 3 year old son. Tacos are a favorite around my house for a host of reasons: they're simple, everyone can have them 'their way', I can make them spicy for me and mild for the husband and kids, very minimal clean up. That's a perfect meal in my book. And these vegan tacos were absolutely delicious!



Day 1's a success. Whew!