Taste testing thread

[CarlaRant]

I thought I would start a thread dedicated to new veggie foods you've tried. These may be foods that aren't necessarily new on the market, but just new to you.

Recently I've tried Amy's Non-Dairy Rice Crust Cheeze Pizza. Pass.

The pesto adds an initial yummy factor, but the soy cheese does not melt. Also, the rice crust is a bit gritty. It doesn't reheat well either--it just gets soggy.

[linsee]

I had Tofurkey for the first time ever tonight, and it was delicious. We had vegan corn casserole, mashed potatoes, and green beans too. It was all mega yummy.

On a side note, I'm trying out vegetarianism for the week.

[CarlaRant]

Coolness Linsee! Good luck and ask plenty of questions!

Was it the roast? I think the Tofurkey deli slices are delicious. Try them on a sourdough sandwich with Veganaise and avocado or tomato!

Yummy taste test of the day: Cherry Bumble Bar. Vegan and gluten free!

[linsee]

Coolness Linsee! Good luck and ask plenty of questions!

Was it the roast? I think the Tofurkey deli slices are delicious. Try them on a sourdough sandwich with Veganaise and avocado or tomato!

Yummy taste test of the day: Cherry Bumble Bar. Vegan and gluten free!

It was the roast. It was super yum. Everyone tells me how good the slices are too, I need to get some.

I'm still vegetarian and I have not missed meat at all.

taste test of the day: Amy's Tofu Scramble. Sooo yum.

[CarlaRant]

New stuff:

Morningstar Chikn Grillers -vegan, soy based - They're okay. They pair up with rice pilaf and asparagus or broccoli perfectly, which makes me feel like I'm eating the South Beach Diet or something. They need to be microwaved more than what the box lists, otherwise they can get soggy.

Nate's Vegetarian Beef-Style Taquitos- vegetarian because of the casein in the soy cheese- Hmmm....well I picked these up without looking at the ingredients because they were 99 cents a box. The taste-the first few bites were pretty good. They were crunchy and captured the ground beef taste. Approximately three bites in, the texture changed to chewy and rubbery. Bleh. Thumbs down.

[easy]

ive been eating galaxy foods american soy slices for making grilled cheeses... im quite satisfied! going to the grocery today... will be trying a thing or two... i want to contribute to this thread its a great idea!

[linsee]

Carla, I tried the Tofurkey slices and loved them! I just had a sandwich for dinner consisting of that, Follow Your Heart vegan cheddar cheese, and Veganase. It was all delicious.

[easy]

i just got a vegan pizza from zpizza and enjoyed it tremendously!!! if anyone has one of these near them order one and give it a shot!!!

[CarlaRant]

Linsee & Easy-Yay! I'm glad you tried these items and found them delicious.

I've tried the zpizza (and posted about it) before, but an employee told me after the fact that the cheese wasn't vegan because it had casein in it. I see now that the company found a decent vegan cheese. YUM!

[Marion]

These stuffs sounds yummy! If I could, I'd definitely try some, but I live in the most non-vegan country you can find, so there's nothing like food already cooked or stuff (except for soy steak, but that's pretty much it). You guys should so enjoy it ;)

[linsee]

Tonight I made some stir fry, and I used Morningstar Chik'N Strips. They were yummy! Definitely liked the texture, and I love how they cooked in a little oil. Mega yum.

[CarlaRant]

These stuffs sounds yummy! If I could, I'd definitely try some, but I live in the most non-vegan country you can find, so there's nothing like food already cooked or stuff (except for soy steak, but that's pretty much it). You guys should so enjoy it ;)

I noticed that the majority of vegan foods in France was not "ethnic French" cuisine, but rather imported foods such as Indian dishes and Mediterranean (hummus and falafel).

I imagine that there's a way to make veganized version of your yummy pastries! :)

[Marion]

I've seen hummus for the first time on traditionnal market a few weeks ago (yuuuummy!) but I have no idea what falafel looks like lol
but yes, you're right, there's nothing veganized in France :( yesterday, I saw a pizza that was called "végétale" supposedgly meaning only stuffs from plants...how can I explain to them that cheese is not vegan? lol
I'll have to find some recipes for our delicious pastries, and I guess that'd be easy to veganize, I've already try and veganized the best cake ever (invented by myself, of course) yummy but it's not very "compact", it's kind of "sandy" (huhu, that's trnaslated directly from French, no idea is that means anything in English lol) even with egg replacer (which I had sooo much trouble finding, of course^^).
French food revolves only around meat, so I can't thing of anything traditonal to veganize easily... I'll find that someday ;)

[pryncessXxX]

Amy's is definitely awesome. The soup Thai coconut is vegan,its crazy good. Also can someone tell me if guava paste is any good? What about like health food stores. Where are one or two?

[CarlaRant]

Amy's is definitely awesome. The soup Thai coconut is vegan,its crazy good. Also can someone tell me if guava paste is any good? What about like health food stores. Where are one or two?

I like guava paste when baking. It's sweet, but not too sweet. I would use Google Maps to find local health food stores. Do you have a Whole Foods nearby?

[pryncessXxX]

I did actually check out a phone book to see,and there's one health food store in my town. Called richard's. I looked online to find out more about them and it seems awesome. Just that they seem not to have too many vegan choices. Although,eggplant burgers sounds good.

[linsee]

I just had a late lunch of wild rice and Lightlife Smart Tenders in Savory Chik'n. They were so ridiculously good, it was awesome. Not vegan though, just veggie.

[pryncessXxX]

Hey,I just picked some Tofurkey up earlier and tried that sandwich I read about here with tomato and avocado,and ohhhhhhhhhh myyyyyy gooooodness,yummmmm! Lol. Also,try the miso ginger dressing from follow your heart. Completely vegan and Awesome.

[CarlaRant]

I just had a late lunch of wild rice and Lightlife Smart Tenders in Savory Chik'n. They were so ridiculously good, it was awesome. Not vegan though, just veggie.

I know! I kept getting coupons for the Smart Tenders from Mambo Sprouts only to be disappointed. They looked yummy...

Anyway, you all should sign up for Mambo Sprouts coupons. They're so useful in cutting veggie costs, especially on the fake meat and Cliff/Luna/protein bars.

[linsee]

I know! I kept getting coupons for the Smart Tenders from Mambo Sprouts only to be disappointed. They looked yummy...

Anyway, you all should sign up for Mambo Sprouts coupons. They're so useful in cutting veggie costs, especially on the fake meat and Cliff/Luna/protein bars.

Oooh, I haven't heard of this. I googled though and am all signed up!

[pryncessXxX]

I was just wondering,is polenta vegan? I hear that is italian and hard to find? Vegan and organic too?

[Marion]

I was just wondering,is polenta vegan? I hear that is italian and hard to find? Vegan and organic too?

Well, polenta is basically like semolina, just wheat grains. So, if you do not add anything non-vegan to it, it is totally vegan (not knowing the habits of American producers, I'd say check on the box in case they add something to the wheat). And I guess you can find organic polenta, too.
And polenta is yuuuummy!

[xsecx]

Well, polenta is basically like semolina, just wheat grains. So, if you do not add anything non-vegan to it, it is totally vegan (not knowing the habits of American producers, I'd say check on the box in case they add something to the wheat). And I guess you can find organic polenta, too.
And polenta is yuuuummy!

polenta is made out of ground corn and I'd be really surprised if it wasn't vegan if you buy it dry. You can buy it already cooked and that probably won't be.

[straightXed]

polenta is made out of ground corn and I'd be really surprised if it wasn't vegan if you buy it dry. You can buy it already cooked and that probably won't be.

I love polenta.

[pryncessXxX]

Yeah I almost messed up today,I went to my local health food store and grabbed one until I got down the aisle and saw the "with bacon pieces" and got another. It said it only contains corn and wheat. Also grabbed bulk cornmeal and coconut flakes. I'm just glad I noticed before I bought that other polenta that it had bacon...ugh!

[Teratus]

I could never give up meat it is sooo nice lol

I do try to eat alot of Fruit and veg i love fruit and veg
its just soo exspencive here and takes a while to cook propperly

kinda doesnt help i have no recipies for meals to cook

I tend to live off frozen burgers and other junk :(
its not healthy and i really dont like it

[straightXed]

I could never give up meat it is sooo nice lol

I do try to eat alot of Fruit and veg i love fruit and veg
its just soo exspencive here and takes a while to cook propperly

kinda doesnt help i have no recipies for meals to cook

I tend to live off frozen burgers and other junk :(
its not healthy and i really dont like it


In contention with frozen burgers, vegetables don't really take that long!

[CarlaRant]

I could never give up meat it is sooo nice lol

I do try to eat alot of Fruit and veg i love fruit and veg
its just soo exspencive here and takes a while to cook propperly

kinda doesnt help i have no recipies for meals to cook

I tend to live off frozen burgers and other junk :(
its not healthy and i really dont like it

Have you tried shopping at a farmer's market? Buying directly from the growers is a way to cut cost and it's healthier. When I was in the UK, we found that most farmer's markets were cheaper than stopping by the store to buy our food.

Cooking veggies takes just as long, if not less time to properly cook than meat. You should really learn to cook basic meals; the food is so much better and it impresses people! Google "__________ recipes" and you will find a plethora from which to choose.

[Teratus]

Thanks Carla I will try and get some more veg in my diet as i am trying to get in shape

I just find due to having a psysically demanding job that im usually to tired to cook a propper meal when i get home

and there are no farmers markets by me either
I do my shopping at the local store because i have to carry it all home (not fun)
and i try and make 30 pound last about 3 weeks
its tough but managable if i dont eat very much per day

[straightXed]

Thanks Carla I will try and get some more veg in my diet as i am trying to get in shape

I just find due to having a psysically demanding job that im usually to tired to cook a propper meal when i get home

and there are no farmers markets by me either
I do my shopping at the local store because i have to carry it all home (not fun)
and i try and make 30 pound last about 3 weeks
its tough but managable if i dont eat very much per day


Where exactly are you in south wales?

You really need to eat more than £30 worth of food in 3 weeks.

[CarlaRant]

Thanks Carla I will try and get some more veg in my diet as i am trying to get in shape

I just find due to having a psysically demanding job that im usually to tired to cook a propper meal when i get home

and there are no farmers markets by me either
I do my shopping at the local store because i have to carry it all home (not fun)
and i try and make 30 pound last about 3 weeks
its tough but managable if i dont eat very much per day

Cook ahead! Spend a few hours on your day off and put the rest in the fridge a/o freezer. :D

[Teratus]

I work the graveyard shift so i get the whole day to myself anyway hehe

im from Swansea


30 pound will last me a while for food
but i only get 30 pound a week to live on as pretty much all my wages goes to pay for my bills and and flat

so if i make 30 pound of food last i can save a little money back for things like clothes and other things

truth is though i had a eating disorder a few years back so im used to eating small portions of food

so it kinda helps

as long as i eat at least one meal a day im fine :)

[straightXed]

I work the graveyard shift so i get the whole day to myself anyway hehe

im from Swansea


30 pound will last me a while for food
but i only get 30 pound a week to live on as pretty much all my wages goes to pay for my bills and and flat

so if i make 30 pound of food last i can save a little money back for things like clothes and other things

truth is though i had a eating disorder a few years back so im used to eating small portions of food

so it kinda helps

as long as i eat at least one meal a day im fine :)

Yeah but £30 for 3 weeks, you must be buying poor quality food. Seiously, in reference to our discussion on health, good food will be a much better way to avoid medical issues.

I have spent a fair amount of time in swansea, i'm sure there must be a farmers market near you. That said, if you are budgeting, farmers markets aren't always cheaper just get quality cheaper.

But eat better, frozen burgers will not serve you.

[CarlaRant]

We got stuck in Swansea in 2003! There was a great market there. Don't ask me where; we were just wandering. Sidenote: My husband has library card from Swansea because it was required to check our flight to Ireland on the computer.

[Teratus]

Ahh Carla you must mean the european market we get every now and again :)

thats pretty cool they sell different things every time they are here ^^


I think the closest farmers market to me is either the one in town which is a 1 hour walk
or the sunday market in clydach which again is about a hour walk away

since the busses cost nearly 5 pound to go anywhere these days i walk everywhere
so thats abit of a problem for me

[XDISENGAGEX]

Im very hungry and the worst place to come when like that....Is a food thread !!!! I am making vegan lasagna this week. Who wants some?

[CarlaRant]

Im very hungry and the worst place to come when like that....Is a food thread !!!! I am making vegan lasagna this week. Who wants some?

Me me me!!!

[pryncessXxX]

I haven't been here for awhile,so please forgive me for kind of popping in LOL. No,I just tried tofu crumbles,and I recommend it because WOW its good. Its made to look like ground meat and tastes yummy. Also,has anybody tried vegan tofu breakfast links? I'm a little skeptical but need some advice.

[linsee]

We made veggie philly cheese steaks last week, they were delish. no fake meat, just veggies with mozzarella, provolone, on french bread. super yum.

[CarlaRant]

I haven't been here for awhile,so please forgive me for kind of popping in LOL. No,I just tried tofu crumbles,and I recommend it because WOW its good. Its made to look like ground meat and tastes yummy. Also,has anybody tried vegan tofu breakfast links? I'm a little skeptical but need some advice.

You're talking about Boca right? They're tasty. I like the patties better though.

[Lifestyle_X]

I'm not a vegetarian/vegan. But it's been 5 days since I ate meat. I try to be healthy, and do this by eating a lot of vegetables and fruit. I should develop my cooking skills so I can deep myself into this kind of food-lifestyle because now it's really only pure fruit and vegetables (not prepared) like I said.

[XDISENGAGEX]

Me me me!!!

No worries. You want me to fly out with it to you, or are you gonna fly here?

[CarlaRant]

Newest adventure: Ezekiel bread. I've had it before, but didn't think much about it. I'm now eating with with home-ground almond butter and an orange with my decaf green tea for breakfast. It's not amazing, but it's definitely good for you--with plenty of fiber and protein.

I've also tried the other flavors of "We Can't Say It's Cheese." The cheddar spread wasn't good at all, but the Mexican dip was tasty tasty! Smoked Cheese dip is the best though.

I haven't been trying too many processed veganized versions of food since I'm focusing on eating more raw and whole foods. I'm going to lose these last 10lbs dangit!