THE ART OF DISGUISE

Next step with Operation Vegan is introducing my friends to some Vegan fare without them necessarily realizing they are getting a healthier (although not always health-y alternative). Sunday I got together with my bestest and greatest friends, my college roommates. We’ve been through it all this group of awesome females and I: dating, marriages, births, divorces, and more than our fair share of adventures, triumphs, and just plain awesomeness. So I know they weren’t surprised to hear that I had taken up yet another new experiment, and simultaneously dropped my previous mission (running my first half marathon- It’s my ankles fault (!) I swear I will pick this one back up shortly).

So I decided to make a 7 layer bean dip for our little get together. Only I added “taco meat” to give it a little more substance. I layered it as follows:

1 can Vegetarian Refried Beans
1 cup Ground Smart meat seasoned with Taco Seasoning
1 cup Tofutti Sour Cream
1 can Fire Roasted Green Chilies
1 can sliced black olives
1.5 cups Guacamole
2 diced tomatoes
Vegan Cheddar Cheese

I even made a few extra individual portions for my Big Guy since he wasn’t able to come along. (pictured above). I promise you nobody would have known it was Vegan if I hadn’t of told them. Well, also if the cheese wasn’t so odd looking. The package said it would melt.. but it just looked like shredded burnt carrots on top- not the most appetizing. .. However, once you got past the look, it was still fantastic. In fact, the dip was the first thing to get eaten, devoured actually.

Next task: fool my father. This one may take a little more work.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT ...MEAT(?)

Surprisingly I’ve really been enjoying trying out the exotic meat alternatives out there in the market. I didn’t think I’d use them much, but kind of enjoy the whole – ‘can you believe that ISN’T meat?’ aspect of them. Even my Big Guy loves my Vegan meals, and has really supported me through my little adventure, bless him. Haven’t tried anything with tofu yet, but think that may be the next substance I conquer…

First attempt was tacos:
I used Field Roasts Mexican Chipotle “Sausage”. I crumbled it up and heated it with a shredded potato and a shredded carrot as the filling. (I’ve found shredding my vegetables is a great way of sneaking them into my foods- clearly I still have the pallet of a 5 year old )

A few minutes in the pan, and we had a nice ground meat like substance with some kick. Topped it with some lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and then I made guac with 1 avocado and two spoonfuls of roasted red pepper hummus. The tacos had an awesome kick to it from the meat- (not quite taco meat) but still had a good flavor. Next time I’ll probably use the Smart Ground with taco seasoning. But the potatos and carrots was a good filler, and the hummus in the quac was awesome. The leftovers were great in an omlett for the Big Guy, and I ate a taco for breakfast- delish.

A few nights later I was in the mood for some Asian fare, and really craving Lettuce Wraps from P.F. Changs. So I made my Mess Free – Meat Free Lettuce Bowl instead.

1/3 c Soy sauce
1 large clove garlic
2 tsp Sesame Oil
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp honey
¼ cup water
2 green onions
Some black pepper

Mixed it all up in a bowl, added some ground “meat” and let it soak for an hour.
Then I shredded a carrot, chopped up some leek and diced up some water chestnuts and cooked them in a little vegetable stock. Throw in the “meat” and cook over medium heat until hot and tender. I covered it while it cooked, but then had to cook it a little longer to burn off some of the liquid.

Then I cooked up some Garlic and Olive Oil wheat couscous and diced up some lettuce. Throw the lettuce in a bowl; add a heaping spoonful of couscous, top with the “meat”, and finish off with some peanut crumbs. Tasty and Filling. It received a true Gold Star Rating from the Man with a “make again please” half way through the meal. Success!