A Few Vegan Dinners

To make it through work and the adventures of a toddler I like to feel light and springy. I do this by staying as close to a vegan diet as possible during weekdays. I do so by omitting dairy and meat mostly with the occasional Greek yogurt for a snack when mid-day hunger swoops in. I've been experimenting with various "alternative" products such as fake cheese and chicken. My husband calls them fake dinners. But they are very real, satisfying, and tasty. I must admit, there's something about the gooey melting factor that makes real cheese so addictive and delectable. This you cannot replicate with rice, soy, or veggie cheese. Interested in more? Here's a good read, brought to you by NPR Salt.

Chicken "Parm"

• 1 Quorn chicken patty
• spinkle of Daiya "mozzarella" style shreds
• 2 Tbs Nerman's Own Marinara
• 2 slices Wegmans multigrain organic bread

Toast bread lightly, spread sauce on each slice. Warm chicken in microwave or toaster oven with cheese overtop. Place between bread, eat, enjoy!



Grilled Ham and Cheese

Left - vegan version / Right - not

• 4 slices Yves deli style "ham"
• 2 slices "cheddar" style cheese
• Sprinkle of "mozzarella" shreds
• 1/2 slices fresh tomato, seasoned with salt and pepper
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 slices Wegmans multigrain organic bread
• 1 Tbs Earth Balance butter spread

Preheat oven to 375°F. Toast bread in melted butter spread until golden. Spread dijon on inside of bread. Layer the sliced cheese, ham, mozzarella, tomato, second slice of cheese, and bread. Warm in oven until cheese melts, about 10 minutes. Serve with tomato soup and a salad.