Veggie Bits
The Festive Fig
Looking for a unique party food or a vegan host or hostess gift? Consider Hellenic Farms' Fig Salami as a one-of-a-kind treat certain to spark conversation. Made of dried Greek figs and a few other ingredients, this "salami" is not lacking in flavor. Fig salami makes a unique addition to a vegan "cheese" platter, or a chutney substitute for an appetizer. We enjoyed the Pistachio Cinnamon and Orange Zest & Aleppo Pepper varieties. The product resembles sausages visually, but not in texture or flavor, since you can clearly distinguish the tasty figs and the few other flavorful ingredients. This hors d'oeuvre is free of added sugar, GMOs, and gluten. Look online to buy at: www.specialtyfood.com/products/producer/115739/hellenic-farms-llc.
Written by Hannah Greene, VRG Intern
Coleslaw Dressing
Get ready for another addition to your grocery list. Follow Your Heart's new vegan Coleslaw Dressing has the perfect consistency and flavor to transform average slaw into a delicious side, regardless of the season. Its creamy texture tastes great with fresh veggies and will elevate any salad-like dish. The dressing is best kept refrigerated after opening and is ready to go—just toss the desired amount with your favorite coleslaw ingredients and serve at barbeques, family gatherings, or a friend's dinner party.
This product is organic and is available at many grocery stores. You can find a store locator at Follow Your Heart's website: www.followyourheart.com/store-locator/.
Written by Jamie Donohue, VRG Intern
Spice Up Your Lunchtime with These Microwave Meals
Loma Linda now offers delicious, healthy meals inspired by global cuisine, ready in just 60 seconds! Available in several vegan varieties, including Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Spaghetti, Southwest Chunky Stew, and Chipotle Bowl, these shelf-stable, on-the-go meals rejuvenate office lunches and busy dinners. The pouches can also be boiled, so they are a great option for vegan camping, and are easy to transport for any travel. Don't miss our favorites: Thai Green Curry, Tikka Masala, and Spicy Pad Thai. Each has a robust flavor with unique spices. The ingredient lists are easily understood, and these products lack the artificial junk many microwave meals contain. Plus, they offer plenty of plant-based protein. Be sure to stir the package contents before enjoying. These can be purchased online at www.amazon.com or at many major grocery stores and natural foods stores.
Written by Hannah Greene, VRG Intern
A Pizza Party in Every Bite!
Amy's Vegan Cheeze Pizza Snacks are sure to please any crowd, even nonvegans! These pizza pockets are tastier than the nonvegan versions.
This yummy treat has a comforting homemade taste. The vegan bites make an excellent party snack, and children will adore popping them in their mouths. Plus, they are almost entirely organic! Available at major grocery chains nationwide. For details see: www.amys.com/our-foods/vegan-cheeze-pizza-snacks.
Written by Hannah Greene, VRG Intern
Sweet & Savory... Garlic?
Not to be outdone, garlic is in on the fermented foods trend. ONYX Black Garlic has complex flavor with elements of sweet and savory, not unlike tamarind. There is no spicy or sharp bite like with raw garlic, though the aroma is decidedly garlicky. The texture reminds us of dried figs and it was equally sticky. To try it, we used the black garlic paste as a "sauce" layer on pizzas, both with and without vegan cheese. It held up well and maintained balanced flavor and moisture. Next we tried the cloves chopped in tacos with beans, lettuce, and salsa. The umami chunks of black garlic blended smoothly with the traditional taco fillings, actually enhancing the contrast between the refried beans and spicy salsa. The third experiment was loaded waffle fries topped with vegan cheese, vegan kimchi, and green onions. Pairing the ferments (black garlic and kimchi) resulted in sophisticated flavor depth that elevated the simplicity of usual fries. Because the ferment process makes the garlic so sweet, it's incredible how flexible this ingredient becomes with some creativity. Try it in salad dressing! Retails for $10-$12 per jar for paste, cloves, or full bulbs. For more information visit www.onyxblackgarlic.com.
Written by Rissa Miller, Senior Editor
Many Medleys of Millet
If you want to mix it up with your side dishes, try Hilary's Millet Medleys. A great "potluck cheat" if you don't have time to make anything yourself, these pouches microwave in just 3 minutes but look like you spent hours cooking. Generous portions, 6-7 grams of protein per serving, and powerful flavors are just a few of the things Hilary's Millet Medleys bring to the table. Serve them as a complete meal, on top of salad, or as a side to veggies and tofu. The combinations of beans, millet, and vegetables pack complex flavor profiles from real spices. The four flavor options offer completely different tastes, but they all still feel health and fresh. The Traditional Herb is perfect for picky kids or people who like flavor, but not spice. The Savory Mushroom tastes like mom's holiday stuffing. They are all gluten-, soy-, corn-, egg-, dairy-, and nut-free. To find Millet Medleys near you, visit www.hilaryseatwell.com/ or head to most Safeway, Whole Foods, or Sprouts.
Written by Amy Dell, VRG Intern
Hemp and Almond Liquors
Many hemp-based foods have a granola-grit vibe to them, but not so with Bom Bom's Fully Baked Hemp Liquor. Vegan and gluten-free, this new hemp milk liquor doesn't contain THC and goes down silky-smooth in drinks. The Fully Baked variety, which is flavored with chocolate chip cookie and brownie undertones, really shines in hot coffee. It assimilates perfectly with no curdling, and it's so creamy, you can't even taste alcohol. Our vegan bartender concocted a drink with chilled coffee, Fully Baked, almond milk and coffee liquor, naming it Breakfast Blend — try it! Bom Bom also makes Nilli Vanilli, a vanilla cookie-flavored almond milk liquor. We sampled it mixed with coconut water, which was luscious and had the malted kick of a Whopper-style candy, but everyone's favorite Nilli Vanilli drink was the Watermelon Freeze: frozen watermelon chunks blended with the almond liquor. Bom Bom is sold in 13 states and more information is online at www.drinkbombom.com.
Written by Rissa Miller, Senior Editor
