I love a good salty crunch in my salads, and these new “bacon” bits from Wayfare Foods are my latest obsession in that arena. I was skeptical, since I really like the soy-based products on the market, but this whole grain version has completely won me over. Their flavor is deeper and more smoky, they’re crunchier, and…
… the packaging is so much cuter! Try them on everything, y’all. My best use yet was sprinkling them in split pea soup. They didn’t even get soggy! Purchase, enjoy, and have a savory weekend. :)
-Sky
Pesto that is… I bought a basil plant for my windowsill with the idea that I was going to start to make some pesto. I did and it was awesome. I love that I could have my almost 2 year old pick the basil leaves and it would get him excited about eating the dish.
So I made a yummy pesto with the basil and some almonds, olive oil and nutritional yeast. Super simple, and so delicious. Then I mixed it with whole wheat pasta and some eggplant that I had cooked up. It was delicious and really simple to make for a quick supper.
-Shelley
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On Monday, I told you about my new favorite nut butter for snacking and meals… but I have one for dessert too, and it’ll knock your socks off. Jem‘s chocolate hazelnut spread is rich, creamy, and incredible.
In my never-ending search for the perfect vegan combo of chocolate and hazelnuts (ala that spread of my youth which shall not be named) this is the best contender so far. Truly. It is crave-worthy and decadent. Perfect right out of the jar or, if you’re in the Bay Area and lucky enough to have some of the incredible strawberries we have right now, I suggest dipping them. :) I think I may even try some on waffles this weekend. Jem also makes a kick-ass cinnamon almond butter with red maca that would be delicious in such a breakfasty situation.
All of Jem’s products taste amazing, but I love even more that they are all organic, raw, and use natural sweeteners like palm sugar. Try them all… and have a wonderful long weekend, everyone!
-Sky
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This past Sunday I had my son’s 2nd birthday party, not sure where the past 2 years have gone, but I have to say it’s been the fastest years, with the slowest days (probably because of lack of sleep). It’s been amazing to watch my vegan boy grow up big and strong, he amazes me every day. So what better way to celebrate and honor my boy than with a vegan birthday party?
Car Apple Pies, Brownies and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Spinach Artichoke Dip
We had a Busytown party because he loves cars and trucks and he loves the Cars and Trucks and Things That Go book. So I made some pendent birthday decorations with all his favorite cars from the book and some yummy food to go with it and it was a success! My son had a great time with his friends and family, and he loved his cake, which made me a happy Mom.
Busytown Cars Cake
I made a vanilla cake on top of chocolate cake and used dark and white chocolate to make the cars. He was so excited when he saw it and everyone started singing. Everything tasted good too and I heard no complaints from the omni’s. Great party for my amazing son. Now if I could only get him to sleep through the night….
-Shelley
I’ll keep this post short, folks. It’s Monday and, if you’re anything like me, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Well, here’s a plate and palate worthy item: Nuttzo nut butters. My personal fave?
I know it’s crazy, but I like their peanut-free variety the best. I mean, why would anyone eat plain peanut butter when they could have Omega-3 madness up in their mouth? Made with cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, chia, flax, and more, it is delicious, nutty as all get-out, and has great texture and nutrition to boot! Go get you some. It’ll bring a smile to your face (yes, the quirky jar IS upside down – NUTS!) and your belly.
-Sky
Or so the saying goes. After trying this fave, I believe it. Touted as Gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free and dairy free (with vegan on the label, not sure they needed the dairy free), Mom’s Munchies caught my eye. Being someone that loves the chocolate mint combo, I went for the Skinny Mint Cookie, and was blown away by the intense chocolate mint flavor.
via http://momsorganicmunchies.com/
Mom’s makes bars and cookies, and after trying the Chocolate Mint I will be going back for more. Not sure if you can get these outside the New England area yet, but you can order a few of their products from the website. For me, I’m happy to support this new local fave.
-Shelley
I love the refreshing taste of mint, and paired with chocolate it’s just perfect. Today’s fave puts those flavors together in a cooling yet decadent way, AND it also has the nutritional benefits of chlorella. These Rawkin Raw truffles by Raw Energy and Life are a sweet treat and some healthy goodness all in one bite.
I love that the truffles are raw, have all organic (and very few) ingredients, and are sweetened with only dates and agave. They have that classic minty chocolate taste I love but are pretty darn healthy to boot. They will definitely be a new staple in my fridge for when I’m wanting just one or two bites of something sweet, and I suggest you get some for your fridge too. Also, just a disclaimer: R.E.A.L makes a lot of other truffle varieties, and these are the only ones I found tasty. If you try some of the other flavors and actually enjoy them, make your case…. and have a happy Wednesday!
-Sky
Apparently these have been around for ever, but I just found them for the first time at my local WF. Viana Veggie Chickin Nuggets are dense and flavorful. I really liked the texture of these, they have both tofu and wheat protein which is probably what does it. I also love that all the ingredients are simple and I know exactly what is going into them.
Via viana.com
For a quick and easy dinner (think Meatless Monday) I cooked these up with some sweet potato fries and a side salad. Delicious! I’m hoping that more of their products will make it stateside. For now, I’ll have to be content with these and products from their sister company Soyatoo.
-Shelley
Very rarely does a product come along that makes me utter those ubiquitous three letters, but when I tasted today’s fave, OMG seemed totally appropriate. I mean, for real you guys, this is one of the most scrumptious new vegan items to hit the market, and my taste buds, in a LONG time. Please allow me to introduce you to Punk Rawk Labs and their over the top insanely good nut milk cheeses:
So unassuming from the outside, this little tin of wonder hides a delicious secret:
Smoked cashew cheese! Studded with peppercorns and having just a hint of smokyness, this spreadable wonder is good on everything – crackers, sandwiches, pizza, your finger… Seriously, it’ll blow your mind. I also love the plain cashew cheese as it’s the perfect compliment to an an everything bagel. Those are the only two varieties I’ve had the pleasure of trying, but I’m going to plow through them all in short order, no doubt. Herbed macadamia nut cheese? Yes, please!
I am lucky enough to have Punk Rawk Labs available in my local Rainbow Grocery, but if you don’t live in SF or near the two places you can get it in NYC, it’s available at Vegan Essentials in all varieties. I highly suggest trying some today. This weekend, smile big, and say “cheese”!!! 
-Sky
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We could ask for nothing more than a good cookie here at VF, and today I’m talking not only about a cookie that tastes good, but is (almost) good for you. Bonnievilles Power Cookie promises Gluten free goodness, with a low glycemic index due to the use of brown rice syrup and maple syrup as the only sweeteners. All of their flavors contain peanut butter for that protein boost, and simple ingredients so you know exactly what you are putting in your body.
via Bonnievilles.com
The Cocoa cookie was really good, but the standout for me was the Coconut Almond. A perfect combination of those flavors that make you feel like your eating a truly sinful cookie. A vegan fave indeed.
-Shelley
