Thursday, February 24, 2011

Quick Spaghetti Dinner!

I saw these Tofu Shirataki Noodles from House Foods at Whole Foods the other day. Tofu noodles? How good can they be? Curiosity got the best of me so I bought a package to test out. I got it home and cut open the package. The first thing you will notice is that it smells FUNKY. Wow. Once you rinse and drain the noodles the smell goes away. Microwave the noodles for a minute and then you are ready for the sauce!

Muir Glen has been my pasta sauce of choice ever since I went Vegan. When I was growing up, my Mom would always buy Ragu. While talking about this with Veganette, we decided you were either in a Ragu or Prego household. As a kid I was told Prego was too runny and Ragu was thicker. So anyways, I still have a Ragu state of mind even though I don't buy it.

So here is the end result! I added one Amy's California Veggie Burger patty, which I crumbled up into the sauce. And for bonus points, I added a couple dashes of Parmazano on top. I thought it was delicious! The noodles were nice and moist and the sauce was wonderful as usual. All in all it was a very filling meal for a lazy one.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Vegan Friendly Trader Joe's

Having been to Trader Joe's in Oregon and California, I kind of knew what to expect when they came to Omaha this winter -- but it was still exciting. On my last trip, I noticed a big "V" on some items. I figured it meant Vegan but I had no idea it was on so many products! So this post is pretty much dedicated to my shopping trip where I found nuggets of Vegan gold.

Probably my greatest find and the answer to my prayers, these Trader Joe's Baked Onion Rings are delicious! In the 90's I was a Funyuns fiend. I would eat so many that my mouth hurt. Now I'm able to re-live the days of Tearjerkers, Girbauds and C&C Music Factory. The Baked Onion Rings are sweeter than Funyuns but that's not a bad thing. Also, they're a bit smaller than Funyuns so you can actually fit them in your mouth.


A close up picture of the "V" and the Vegan label on the back. If this blog post ended right now I'd be more than happy, but there's more...!!!

I saw this in the freezer section and froze. Trader Joe's Fruit Frenzy Bars = yum city! What a flavor combination! The lemony center is my favorite. I'll be stacking up on these when it gets hot this summer. Good stuff!

My next find is Trader Joe's Organic Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats. These were some tasty treats, but mine were a tad hard. I'm not sure if they are normally like that but if they are Trader Joe's should definitely soften them up a bit.

Holy crap, these Trader Joe's Soft-Baked Snickerdoodles are AMAZING! They are so moist and flavorful that I can say without a doubt that they are my favorite cookie right now. Totally a must have.


These Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Wheat Crisps are AMAZING! I'm more of a chip person than cracker person but damn these are good. They have a sweet taste and are excellent for dipping (tastes great with We Can't Say It's Cheese). Vegan power!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Laziest Vegans Top Ten Asks Jess Scone

If you don’t know who Jess Scone is you are clearly a Vegan without an internet connection. Her blog Get Sconed covers her kitchen adventures in Vegan heaven Portland, Oregon. When she’s not busy in her own kitchen, Jess is out sampling food from food carts and restaurants, and reviewing them on Stumptown Vegans. But her awesomeness doesn’t end there - Jess also organizes the Vegan Iron Chef Competition, a food battle to end all food battles. And this year she is one of the organizers of Vida Vegan Con, which I have been graciously asked to attend. Vida Vegan is shaping up to be THE Vegan event of the year. Now, after all these achievements, Jess answers the call of a lifetime...the Laziest Vegans Top Ten!
What is your favorite veggie burger?
Well, it’s been years and you can’t find them in the Northwest, but
Soy Boy Okarara Courage Burgers seriously used to be one of my food groups during my young vegan college days. I loved their dense, salty texture. I also have a soft spot for the original Sunshine Burgers - mostly because they’re green inside.


What is you favorite frozen dinner?
I have to be honest, frozen food that isn’t vegan ice cream usually creeps me out and this is very new to me, but baked Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders + some sweet and spicy mustard are sure tasty and easy to make (although pricey)!

What is your favorite ice cream?
So Delicious Cherry Nirvana is high up there.

What is your favorite chip or cracker?
It’s been a while, but I think the Eco Planet nooch crackers are great. Plus, they’re cutesy and probably made for children, and that’s what I really look for in a cracker.

What is your favorite cereal?
I can’t even remember the last time I ate cereal, so I’ll say Peanut Butter Panda Puffs, or anything else you can make into a marshmallow krispie bar.

What is your favorite candy?
Totally Sour Straws.

What is your favorite cookie?
Favorite Homemade = The chocolate chip cookie recipe from Vegan Cookies Take Over the World.
Favorite Store-bought = Peppermint Candy Cane Joe Joe’s.
Favorite Local Cookie = the giant white chocolate chip cookies from Back to Eden Bakery.

What three pre-packaged food items would you take to a desert island?
Wayfare Hickory Cheese spread, Lily’s Smoked Tomato hummus and a never-ending bag of tortilla chips.

Name a product you would like Veganized?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Wait? What? Then the bright green, mini chocolate chip filled Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream from Carvel.

What are your favorite local and/or online stores for Vegan products?
Food Fight! Vegan Grocery, New Seasons Market & Peoples Coop.

And that concludes The Laziest Vegans Top Ten. Thanks Jess!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Super Bowl of Nachos!

**Update 12/19/11**

It seems Nacho Mom's used some unethical business practices against Food For Lovers. Please think twice before purchasing Nacho Mom's. http://lazysmurf.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/did-nacho-mama-steal-food-for-lovers-queso-recipe/

Growing up in Nebraska, I was a hardcore Cornhuskers fan (which is pretty much law out here) and then in my teenage years I got into the Washington Redskins. I'm not into football these days and honestly I couldn't tell you the last Super Bowl I watched (I have a feeling it involved the Cowboys and it was the 90's). So I find myself in a strange situation where I'm having a Super Bowl party (thanks Veganette). I don't really care about the game but I do care about the food! Nacho Mom's generously sent 2 jars of their Vegan Queso for me to test drive. And since I had so much luck with Kettle Tias! Salsa Picante Chips, I decided to dip the Queso with Kettle Tias! Roasted Corn Chips. Let's get this Queso heated up and let the games begin!

So I warmed up Nacho Mom's Ultimate Vegan Queso and Fire Roasted Queso and did a little taste testing. The Ultimate Vegan Queso lives up to it's name! Rich Cheesy flavor with a kick. I only used it for dipping but I'm sure they would be great in tacos. The Fire Roasted Queso was delicious too but I'll give the Ultimate Vegan Queso the crown.

Kettle Brand Tias! Roasted Corn Tortilla Chips turned out to be the perfect Queso dip chip! They seem like a higher quality than your normal restaurant style nacho chip. I'm hoping they branch out and throw in some more Vegan flavors in there!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Vegan Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that can make you feel like a million bucks or a sad sack. I've been on both sides of the coin, currently on the million bucks side. But best believe I respect not being in love and not being in a relationship. So whether you have a sweetie or not, this blog post is for you! Here are some goodies from Natural Candy Store and Vegan Essentials that are Vegan and delicious!

Organic Chocolate Go Vegan Hearts from Boardwalk Chocolates

Sara delivers another classic! Sweet & Sara's Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mallows

Now how adorable is this? The 9 Piece Vegan Chocolate Assortment from Rose City Chocolatier

Allergy-Friendly Dark Chocolate Heart Lollipop from Indie Candy

Nomz! Crystal Clear Heart & Hot Lips Cinnamon Lolly pops from Strawberry Hill

Hearts of Cherry Valentine Truffle Box from Sjaak's

Pig-out and help Animal Rescue Groups at the same time! Wild At Heart Raspberry Truffles by Rescue Chocolate

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Justin's Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

In art class in Junior High we had to draw packaging of some kind. My fellow students drew things ranging from Pepsi cans to Cheetos bags. I chose to draw a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup package. I loved them to death and I still miss Reese's to this day. A couple months ago a friend suggested I try Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. I've tried Justin's stuff before so I had a good feeling it would be good.

Shocker: I loved them! It's nice to indulge in PB cups once again. The chocolate is dark so it's going to be slightly bitter compared to milk chocolate but I like the contrast with the sweet PB. Find these puppies at Whole Foods nationally and Caffeine Dreams if you are here in the OMA. On a side note Go Max Go is working on a PB cup so even more reason to be excited!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...