Vegan Victory!

[granolagirl97]

Ooo, I'm so happy (it's the little things in life don't ya know!)!!! We are vegetarian - my 2dd's, dh, and me. I have been one for 15 years and my girls since day one. But I have tried for some time - and with some success - to move toward a more vegan diet. I do enjoy the benefits of yogurt tho (please see my other thread if you can help with this)...

ANYWAY, I just love that tastebuds change and develop! I have found this to be true for my kids; if there is a recipe that I really enjoy and don't want to trash because they didn't like it the first time around, I save it and try it out on them again later. Well, today was one of those days with a yummy mac & "cheez" recipe that I just love that I got off of Mango Mama's old website (gosh, I miss that place!!) a few years ago. So today they had it and ate it all up! Yay, yay, yay!!

They just looked at me like, "Mama,what's the big deal?" And I just said, "Oh, it just makes me SO HAPPY when you like something that is so good for your body!!" Then I explained that it was a cheesy sauce, but not real cheese, because that's not as good for them. Sometimes I don't tell them what it is I'm giving them initially so they'll try it ("These are noodles with a cheesy sauce"), but then I always tell them what it really is so that they'll know that there are yummy things out there that some people might SAY are yucky because they have never tried them.

Ah, well. Anyway, just one step closer. A highlight of the day for a good-food lover like me!

edited for typo

[Girl Named Sandoz]

YAAAYYY!!!

I've been vegan for 5 years now and am LOVIN' it!

Ds is a life-long vegan. I'm happy for you!! About the yoghurt... I eat organic soy yoghurt every day. It has the same beneficial bacteria without the dairy. there are lots of different brands and flavours to choose from!

[bellamama]

hey granolagirl~
I would love your recipe for mac and "cheez" please????? sounds yummy!

[Chi-Chi Mama]

we're not vegetarian (or vegan obviously), but I am trying to steer us in the direction of being more healthy

I'd also love to have that recipe!!!! please

dd has been loving broccoli the past few days. I am so happy every time she eats a piece -- she probably thinks i've lost it

[granolagirl97]

I will get that recipe to you all as soon as I can... I am at a homeschool conference this weekend and don't have time to dig it up, but will try to get it on here Sunday or Monday.

[MamaMonica]

What does a vegan with soy allergy do? That is my prolem. I eat lots of whole foods, but yogurt and cheese are the only quick, non-nut protein I can find in my fridge.

[reilly's momma]

MamaMonica, mushrooms are also good for protein, & bean dips, such as hummus, are quick, unless you make them yourself, & then just make a big batch at a time. If you still want yogurt, I've heard there is a rice yogurt, haven't seen it tho. You could probably ask your store to order for you? HTH

[MamaMonica]

I'll have to check for rice yogurt- thanks! I already use Rice Dream- so that would be great. I do eat lots of beans every day. There are only so many beans you can eat though...: Mushrooms are a good idea, too- hadn't thought of that.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[granolagirl97]

Melty Nutritional Yeast "Cheese" Recipe

Okay, here it is. The name of the book this was taken from was not mentioned on that post way back in December 2000 on Mango Mama's board.

1/2 c nutritional yeast flakes
1/2 c flour
1 t salt
1/2 t garlic powder
2 c water
1/4 c soy (or other) margarine
1 t wet mustard

Mix dry ing. in a saucepan. Whisk in water. Cook over med. heat, whisking, until it thickens and bubbles. Cook 30 more seconds, then remove from heat, whip in margarine and mustard. It will thicken as it cools but will thin when heated, or add water to thin.

Variation: For a richer, stretchier sauce that's good on veggie pizza (I have not tried this; I am quoting her post) substitute for the flour: 1/4 c cornstarch and 2 T flour. Instead of margarine, whip in 1/2 c oil after the "cheese" cooks, and add as much as 1 c water at the end or as needed to make a thick, smooth sauce that pours easily. Pour on pizza and for the last few minutes of baking, put under broiler to form a stretchy, golden brown skin.

Other menu suggestions were to use it:

Over a layer of rice and then a layer of broccoli. Pour on the cheese and bake for 15 min at 350, then broil for less than 5 min. to get it brown and bubbly.

For lassagna and potatoes au gratin.

They all sound yummy to me! I am going to eat supper right now!! Hope you all enjoy it. Let me know how it turns out for you!

[Chi-Chi Mama]

thanks! i can' t wait to try this!