Category Archives:plant-based

17
Feb

Product Review: Upton’s Natural Seitan Bacon

Picture 5

More and more studies show that humans, animals and the ecosystem will benefit from eating more plants and less meat. But for many, this seems like a big sacrifice. Giving up favorite meats and animal products and replacing with vegetables is not something that everyone likes to tackle, but there are a lots of delicious vegan and vegetarian options out there to help make the transition to plant-based diets more appealing. Faux meats are one of the foods that make it easy to swap out traditional meat-based meals into one that is plant-based and planet-friendly. I finally tried some Upton's Naturals Bacon Seitan, and was pretty impressed with the deliciousness of it all.

Upton's Naturals has cute, sustainable packaging and a clever, hipster look on all their products. Like many faux meat foods, Upton's is made with wheat gluten. Gluten, while allergenic to some, is a great option for vegans and omnivores alike. Gluten is the protein found in wheat (also in rye, barley and spelt), and it's gluten that gives bread it's chewy, springy texture. It's about 80% protein, which means it's a great protein-rich alternative to actual meat. With multiple flavors like chorizo, chicken and crumbles, Upton's can be an option for your meatless meals.

More reasons to like Upton's? Here's the description of their products: "We keep our ingredients simple and clean – absolutely no artificial or "natural" flavors and no GMOs. Wheat, water, soy sauce, and spices are the only ingredients we need to make our seitan unique and delicious."

The bacon seitan was easy to cook: just a bit of coconut oil in my new non-toxic, non-stick pan and grilled until slightly browned. I served it simply with some healthy fried rice and a squeeze of lime. But it would also be delish in some wraps, chopped into chili or beans, or with a tofu scramble!

If you can't eat gluten, my other favorite options for fake bacon are Turtle Islands Smokey Maple Bacon Tempeh, or making homemade tempeh bacon, which is easier than you'd think! There are lots of other brands out there, but these are often made with lots of gunk that you don't really want in your body. Stick to the super natural stuff!

IMG_2187
Upton's Bacon Seitan, grilled to perfection

IMG_2189
Bacon seitan with fried rice! Yums!

Posted:   |   Categories: Food+Drink, healthy meals, plant-based, product review, vegan
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17
Feb

Product Review: Upton’s Natural Seitan Bacon

Picture 5

More and more studies show that humans, animals and the ecosystem will benefit when we start eating more plants and less meat. But for many, this seems like a big sacrifice. Giving up favorite meats and animal products and replacing with vegetables is not something that everyone likes to tackle, but there are a lots of delicious vegan and vegetarian options out there to help make the transition to plant-based diets more appealing. Faux meats are one of the foods that make it easy to swap out traditional meat-based meals into one that is plant-based and planet-friendly. I finally tried some Upton's Naturals Bacon Seitan, and was pretty impressed with the deliciousness of it all.

Upton's Naturals has cute, sustainable packaging and a clever, hipster look on all their products. Like many faux meat foods, Upton's is made with wheat gluten. Gluten, while allergenic to some, is a great option for vegans and omnivores alike. Gluten is the protein found in wheat (also in rye, barley and spelt), and it's gluten that gives bread it's chewy, springy texture. It's about 80% protein, which means it's a great protein-rich alternative to actual meat. With multiple flavors like chorizo, chicken and crumbles, Upton's can be an option for your meatless meals.

More reasons to like Upton's? Here's the description of their products: "We keep our ingredients simple and clean – absolutely no artificial or "natural" flavors and no GMOs. Wheat, water, soy sauce, and spices are the only ingredients we need to make our seitan unique and delicious."

The bacon seitan was easy to cook: just a bit of coconut oil in my new non-toxic, non-stick pan and grilled until slightly browned. I served it simply with some healthy fried rice and a squeeze of lime. But it would also be delish in some wraps, chopped into chili or beans, or with a tofu scramble!

If you can't eat gluten, my other favorite options for fake bacon are Turtle Islands Smokey Maple Bacon Tempeh, or making homemade tempeh bacon, which is easier than you'd think! There are lots of other brands out there, but these are often made with lots of gunk that you don't really want in your body. Stick to the super natural stuff!

IMG_2187
Upton's Bacon Seitan, grilled to perfection

IMG_2189
Bacon seitan with fried rice! Yums!

Posted:   |   Categories: Food+Drink, healthy meals, plant-based, product review, vegan
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11
Nov

3 Simple, Healthy Holiday Snacks

vegan chocolate mousseThough the holidays are a great joy for those of us that love to cook, it can be a decidedly unpleasant time for those that get stressed out in the kitchen. Whether you are planning a party or headed to a potluck, these simple, healthy holiday desserts will find a happy home at a Thanksgiving dinner, a Hanukkah celebration or a Christmas meal.

All of these recipes feature natural, plant-based ingredients, which means that you are also making an effort towards celebrating a healthy lifestyle, too. More and more studies show that eating a plant-based diet is the most healthful for our bodies and for the planet. This is especially important during the holiday season, when people are tempted to indulge all their cravings! But don't worry– these healthy holiday desserts are nutritious and delicious!

Chocolate Spice Pudding

This is a super decadent dessert hiding healthy secret ingredients– avocado, dates and coconut! The creaminess in this pudding comes not from dairy or tofu, but from the natural, healthy fats in avocado and coconut butter. You can use more or less dates for a less sweet pudding, and add any holiday spices you might like: ginger, cardamom, clove or even chili powder! Shown in photo above.

1 avocado
¼ cup dates, pitted
1 Tablespoon vanilla or almond extract
½ cup coconut butter
½ cup raw cacao powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch sea salt
Honey or agave, as needed

  1. Blend all ingredients together until totally smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more dates or spices as you like. If it is not sweet enough, add some honey or agave as needed. Enjoy at room temperature or cold. Makes 2 cups pudding.

vegan caramel cornHomemade Vegan Caramel Corn

Who doesn't love caramel corn? It's salty, sweet and totally snackable! These recipe uses a homemade caramel sauce that can be used on other desserts too: use as a sauce for ice cream, brownies or on apples.

1 Tablespoon coconut oil
½ cup popcorn kernels
½ cup dark brown sugar
¼ cup Earth Balance vegan margarine
¼ cup plant-based milk
½ teaspoon salt (optional)

  1. To make popcorn: Heat 1 Tablespoon coconut oil in a large stockpot. When oil is warm, add popcorn kernels. Cover, shake cook on medium-low until most popcorn has popped. Shake pan gently to ensure even popping- but don’t open the lid or your popcorn will escape! Remove from heat after popping noise slows down- be careful not to burn the popcorn.
  2. To make the caramel: Add brown sugar, Earth Balance and milk to a small saucepan. Simmer on very low heat for five minutes, stirring once or twice. Mixture will be very bubbly. Remove from heat after five minutes and stir in salt if using. Hot sugar is very dangerous- please be careful!
  3. Add popped popcorn into a large cookie sheet and drizzle with caramel. Toss to coat, and let set for five minute to set and dry. Makes about 8 cups caramel corn.

Carob Spiced Nuts & Seeds

These sweet and spicy nuts and seeds make great toppings for puddings or pie, but they are also a great snack in between meals. Choose whichever nuts are your favorite: pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are the best options. If you are not familiar with carob powder, this is the perfect place to enjoy its earthy, malty flavor. Find carob powder (raw or toasted, both will work here) in the baking aisle or bulk section of your natural grocery store. 

3 cups nuts or seeds
¼ cup coconut sugar (can substitute brown sugar)
2 Tablespoons coconut oil
2 Tablespoons carob powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Pinch salt

  1. In a large skillet, dry toast the nuts/seeds over medium heat until fragrant.
  2. Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, coconut oil, carob powder, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl.
  3. When nuts are finished toasting, add coconut oil mixture and toss to coat. Let cool completely before serving. Makes 3 cups.

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Posted:   |   Categories: chocolate, easy vegan recipes, Food+Drink, holiday, plant-based
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