The Vegetarian Resource Group Blog

Are you looking for some vegan grilling ideas?

Posted on July 22, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor

Vegetarian Journal has ran two articles on vegan grilling that you might enjoy:

Gourmet Grilling by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD includes grilling tips as well as recipes for Grilled Eggplant, Mediterranean Grilled Portobellos with Pine Nuts, Curried Barbecue Tempeh, Roasted Pepper and Eggplant Dip, Pineapple Peach Salsa, Japanese-Style Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Sweet Peaches, and Roasted Corn. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/2002issue3/2002_issue3_gourmet.php

Nancy also wrote another article titled Outdoor Feast and it includes vegan recipes for the grill including Tofu and Potatoes Kebobs, Vietnamese “Beef” Salad, Lime and Chili “Steaks,” and Grilled Pineapple. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue2/2015_issue2_outdoor_feasts.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

Delicious Easy Vegan Recipes from “Conveniently Vegan”

Posted on July 22, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor

The Vegetarian Resource Group is publisher of Conveniently Vegan, by Debra Wasserman. In this book you will find 150 recipes using convenience foods along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are two summer-friendly recipes from this book:

CARROT/DATE/PEACH SALAD

(Serves 5)

Enjoy this delicious blend of ingredients.

6-7 carrots (1 pound), peeled and grated

4 medium ripe peaches, pitted and finely chopped

5 ounces pitted dates, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup peach or orange juice

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Total calories per serving: 158     Fat: <1 gram    Total Fat as % of Daily Value: <1% Protein: 2 grams    Iron: 1 mg    Carbohydrates: 40 grams    Calcium: 39 mg    Dietary fiber: 6 grams    Sodium: 33 mg

FRUIT PIZZA

(Serves 4)

Here’s a beautiful looking dessert that both children and adults will enjoy. You can also substitute several small pita breads for the large pita bread.

1 large 12-inch wide pita bread

1 cup unsweetened apple butter

1 kiwi, peeled and sliced

6 large strawberries, sliced

1 apple or pear — peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Spread apple butter over pita bread.  Arrange slices of fruit on top of apple butter.  Sprinkle with cinnamon.  Serve as is or heat in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes and serve warm.

Total calories per serving: 269    Fat: 1 gram    Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 2% Protein: 4 grams    Iron: 1 mg    Carbohydrates: 48 grams    Calcium: 48 mg    Dietary fiber: 2 grams    Sodium: 162 mg

In the USA only you can purchase this paperback book here: https://www.vrg.org/bookstore/index.php

Vegan Dress Shoes for Men

Posted on July 21, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor
Photo from Brave Gentle Men

Are you looking for non-leather vegan dress shoes for men? Below are some online stores in the USA, Europe, Canada, and Australia offering a wide range of men’s dress shoes.

USA

Brave Gentle Men is an American company that caters to men. They offer stylish dress shoes.

The American company Call it Spring offers dress shoes for men.

American company MooShoes offers a variety of men’s dress shoes online and in the NY City storefront.

American company Tastemaker Supply offers a variety of men’s dress shoes.

Unicorn Goods is an American company offering men’s dress shoes and oxfords.

Vegan Chic is an American company offering men’s dress shoes in various colors.

American online company and storefront The Vegan Outfitter offers men’s dress shoes.

American Company The Vegetarian Site offers men’s dress shoes.

EUROPE

The German company Avesu offers a variety of men’s dress shoes in several colors.

Ethical Wares is a company in Wales that sells a variety of men’s dress shoes.

French company Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather offers dressy derby-style shoes for men.

Portuguese company Nae offers men’s dress shoes.

No Harm offers men’s dress shoes in the United Kingdom.

German online company and storefront Noah Shoes Boutique offers men’s dress shoes in various styles and colors.

Vegetarian Shoes in the United Kingdom offers a variety of men’s dress shoes.

Wills Vegan Shoes in the United Kingdom offers men’s dress shoes.

CANADA

Nice Shoes is a Canadian company that sells men’s dress shoes.

AUSTRALIA

Australian company Vegan Wares offers men’s dress shoes in a variety of styles.

Getting Creative with Cauliflower!

Posted on July 21, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor

Are you looking for new ways to prepare cauliflower? Dina Gharib’s article “The Versatile Vegan” offers recipes for Pineapple Cauliflower Fried “Rice,” Cauliflower Crust Pizza, and Creamy Cauliflower Soup. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue3/2015_issue3_versatile_vegan.php

It’s Peach Season in America! Enjoy these vegan recipes featuring peaches.

Posted on July 20, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor
Peaches closeup background

Debra Daniels-Zeller’s previous Vegetarian Journal article “Peach Passion” features a wide range of vegan peach-based recipes. Enjoy Cinnamon-Peach Oatmeal with Toasted Walnuts; Creamy Peach Salad Dressing; Lime-Cilantro Peach Salsa; Coconut-Peach Soup; Tempeh Teriyaki with Peaches; Grilled Balsamic Peaches; Cardamom-Peach Upside-Down Cake; Peach Cashew Cream; and Lemon-Peach Jasmine Rice Pudding.

Read the entire article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2006issue2/2006_issue2_peach_passion.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

Save the Date: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week is August 1st-9th, 2020

Posted on July 20, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor

Support vegan restaurants in Maryland during Vegan Restaurant Week which runs August 1st through 9th in 2020. Details to come.

See: https://www.mdveganeats.com/ 

https://facebook.com/events/s/maryland-vegan-restaurant-week/307528703959792/?ti=ia

Vegan Restaurants Added to The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Guide to Veggie Restaurants in the USA and Canada

Posted on July 17, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor
Photo from The King’s Feet

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide (Note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic many are doing take-out and/or delivery now):

Café Organix, 420 E. Hospitality Ln., Ste. A10, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Aspiring to help evolve the expansion of veganism, Café Organix’s mission is to assist in ending food deserts in the Black and Brown communities. From breakfast sandwiches to burgers and tacos, Café Organix’s options will surely have your taste buds excited.

PB&J Bar, 554 Mill St., Danville, PA 17821

The PB&J Bar serves a variety of foods ranging from French toast and breakfast burritos to sandwiches and smoothies. Be sure to try their apple sweet potato pancakes for breakfast. These pancakes are topped with decadent sweetened apples. For lunch try the stuffed shells with mushroom, spinach, onion, and vegan cheese. To accompany your meal, try either the fresh pear citrus juice or tropical colada smoothie. The PB&J bar also serves many vegan treats like cupcakes and brownies. Be sure to ask about their weekly specials or check Facebook! Get ready for a delicious and satisfying vegan meal.

Plant Based Junkie, 1635½ E. 87th St., Chicago, IL 60617

Plant Based Junkie is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in tasty, meatless fast food. They offer a variety of vegan bar food options including nachos, burgers, brats, tacos, and fries- all made without any animals products! From vegan cheese to Impossible meat, Plant Based Junkie will be sure to satisfy your fast food cravings.

Rosita’s Yah, 203 Academy St., Jersey City, NJ 07306

Rosita’s Yah is a plant-based Smoothie & Juice Bar with a Latin influence inspired by the founder’s father’s bakery in Ecuador.  There is a variety of beverage options from an Iced Caramel Macchiato to Pitaya Smoothie to Carrot Juice.  In addition to serving fresh juices, smoothies, and coffee, Rosita’s Yah also serves up Latin cuisine.  Diners can choose from Soy Chorizo, Black Birth Seitan, or Soy Chicken to add to their burritos, tacos, and bowls.  Between the homemade Chia Seed Pudding and the BanaChoco Cupcake with Coffee Frosting, dessert should not be missed!

Shoals Sound & Service, 2614 Elm St. Dallas, TX 75226

Vegan Latin American street food paired with fresh crafted cocktails creates an excellent dining experience. From smoked jackfruit pineapple to mushroom picadillo to guava picadillo, their large selection of arepas and empanadas offers something for every palate. Don’t miss out on the cocktails, especially customer favorite Espresso Martini, vodka, kalhua, cold brew concentrate, and sea salt served up frothy. 

Taman, 1108 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10075

Nestled between East 77th and 78th street lies Taman, a restaurant that specializes in falafel. Taman features falafel, crispy eggplant (Sabich), and cauliflower shawarma. These can be served in a pita sandwich or platter. Another entrée option is a hummus bowl that is either served plain or with falafel, Sabich, or shawarma. This menu is simple, yet delicious and filled with mouthwatering spices. Be sure to order an extra side of falafel—trust me you will want one.

The King’s Feet, 1401 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702

Enjoy delicious vegan Italian dishes including many gluten-free options! To start, try the fried ravioli, a unique twist on pasta. The ravioli is stuffed with rosemary and cream cheese, then topped with marina sauce. Another fun appetizer is the calamari, consisting of mushrooms and banana blossoms in nori and shiitake seasoned panko. For your main dish, try the Cannolicchi Bolognese a vegan replacement to traditional Bolognese sauce. This pasta dish is made with beyond beef and features lots of vegetables and plant-based cheese. If pasta isn’t your favorite dish, try one of their delicious pizzas instead. The spicy sausage puttanesca pizza featuring olives, capers, red hot beyond sausage, and marina is highly recommended. The King’s Feet also features a build your own pizza option, allowing you to create the vegan pizza of your dreams! Be sure to save room for dessert. Order the tiramisu or New York cheesecake. Get ready for an Italian Vegan feast that will for sure be a treat!

Vegan Fresh, 24950 Redlands Blvd. K, Loma Linda, CA 92354

The Vegan Fresh is an entirely plant-based restaurant serving fresh and tasty food. A few favorite menu items include: the plantain platter and the sweet and sour tofu. The plantain plate features a delicious combination of fried plantains, black beans, rice, steamed kale, and fresh salsa. The sweet and sour tofu is a satisfying vegan take on the Chinese sweet and sour dish. Be sure to order a fresh juice or smoothie to go along with your meal. They also have an extensive catering menu that is perfect for any event. Get ready to eat delicious, healthy, and filling vegan food.

Vegan On The Go, 5552 NW 31st Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 and 1612 S. Cypress Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33060

Vegan On The Go offers delicious, hearty, and healthy options including nutrient packed smoothies, burgers, salads, and wraps. All of these meat-free items are perfect for a quick bite to eat and there are a variety of options to choose from, whether you are looking for a lighter snack or something with a few extra calories. Favorites include the Peaches & Cream smoothie and the Non Believer Burger, as well as the Impossible Tacos and the Vegan BLT. Check out this local vegan eatery that is sure to satisfy all of your taste buds!

What are some vegan snacks and lunches to bring to camp?

Posted on July 17, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor

By Clare Broud, VRG Intern

Editor’s Note: We realize that many camps have not opened this summer due to the pandemic. Neverthless, the information below may be helpful in other settings or during a future camp season.

Camp is a great experience for children. Whether it’s day camp, sport camp, religious camp, or sleep away camp, camp can help children build independence, disconnect from technology, and make meaningful memories and friendships that last a lifetime. As a former camper and camp counselor, I know firsthand that most camps are not tailored specifically to kids with vegan or vegetarian diets. Fortunately, there are plenty of camp friendly snacks and lunches vegan kids can bring with them.

Before Camp

There are some things parents or kids can do before getting to camp to help camp directors and counselors better accommodate vegan campers. When signing up for camps, there is often a section for allergies or special notes, and vegan campers should take advantage of these sections to note their dietary needs. Emailing or calling the camp director to figure out their food practices, such as whether they provide snacks and lunch, if there are vegan options, or if kids are allowed to bring their own food, is always a great idea. This advanced notice can allow the camp to prepare vegan options if needed. Chances are the camp has different food options that are allergen friendly, but letting the camp know in advance will make things easier on everyone.

Snacks

When packing snacks for camp, it is important to pack foods that will sustain kids, especially if the camp emphasizes physical activity. Trail mix is a classic camp snack, but the traditional version with M&M’s is not vegan. Making your own trail mix is a fun and interactive way to recreate this classic snack. Using either bulk bins at the grocery store or snacks already on hand, mix food items like nuts, dried fruits, cereal, pretzels, or nondairy chocolate chips to create a custom trail mix. Baby carrots are a great vessel for dips like hummus, vegan ranch, or peanut butter. If your camp is nut-free, carrots and Sun Butter are an easy nut alternative. Tortilla chips can be another good option for dips. Whether homemade or store-bought, salsa and guacamole are fresh and filling snacks.

Lunch

A balanced lunch should include a variety of food groups and nutrients, and this is especially true at camp. Packing lunches that are easy to eat is important in a camp setting. Wraps are an easy way to pack a lot of protein and nutrients into a neat package. What’s great about wraps is that everything can be customized. My personal favorite is a Mediterranean veggie wrap with hummus, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and falafel. Burritos are another great option. A tofu scramble burrito with peppers, onions, salsa, and guacamole is a nutritious and filling lunch that is easy to pack and eat at camp. Vegan quesadillas are another portable, delicious option. There is the classic quesadilla made with nondairy cheese and soy chorizo or beans. Peanut butter banana quesadilla is another great option. Take a tortilla, spread your nut butter of choice, place sliced banana on half of it, sprinkle on some cinnamon, fold it, and then grill like a normal quesadilla! Salads and bowls are another great option to bring to camp. Just follow the formula of base lettuce or grain, plant-based protein, chopped vegetables, and spread of choice to create a balanced and tasty salad or bowl.

Here are some other ideas.

https://www.vrg.org/teen/#camps

https://www.vrg.org/links/vacation.htm#camps

The contents of this posting, our website, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

Dairy-Free Pizzas & Calzones

Posted on July 16, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor

Vegan pizza and calzones are delicious! Thanks to Debra Daniels-Zeller, now you can prepare these delicious items in your own home. In her previous Vegetarian Journal article, Debra shares recipes for:

Read the article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2002issue4/2002_issue4_pizza.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

Join the Discussion with 500+ Families in The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Parents and Kids Facebook Group!

Posted on July 16, 2020 by The VRG Blog Editor

Recent topics brought up include:

– Which is the most versatile vegan milk out there? I have tried unsweetened almond, oats, soy, and flax milk. My favorite is oats as a standalone drink but it does not go well with any of my tea, coffee, etc. What is your favorite? And how do you use it in your recipes or daily life?

– Hi all! My family and myself are new to plant-based eating and have a toddler. While we are reading and watching his kids shows I’ve noticed that eating animal products is the “norm” so I’m curious about books and kids shows that talk about the alternative. Any things good to start the conversation early.

– Parents shared cooking videos they created.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids/ is intended to be a group that offers support for families raising children on vegan diets and for vegan kids. We envision it as a place to get advice about a wide-variety of topics: pregnancy, birthday parties, school lunches, Halloween, non-leather apparel, cruelty-free products, summer camps, and more. Please use it as a place to share your wisdom, seek advice, or just find a sympathetic ear. The goal is to offer support.

Consequently, any profane, defamatory, offensive, or violent language will be removed. Feel free to disagree, but do so respectfully. Hateful or discriminatory comments regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or political beliefs will not be tolerated. We expect that posts should relate to vegan diets and lifestyles. The Vegetarian Resource Group reserves the right to monitor all content and ban any user who posts in violation of the above rules, any law or regulation, SPAM, or anything otherwise off topic.

Please share this information with any veggie families that you know! Thanks.

  • Donate

  • Subscribe to the blog by RSS

  • VRG-NEWS

    Sign up for our newsletter to receive recipes, ingredient information, reviews of new products, announcements of new books, free samples of products, and other VRG materials.

    Your E-mail address:
    Your Name (optional):



↑ Top