XP: Vegan "Cheese" options/Vegan blog recs?

beyimage

DH and I are  toying with the idea of transitioning to a vegan diet, and I'm trying to gather info on substitutes and alternatives.

From what I recall from a previous, long-ago thread on vegan cheeses, there really is no great alternative, but some brands are better than others.  What is your favorite brand?  Least favorite?

Also, can anyone recommend their favorite vegan blog?  There are so many out there, I'd love a direct recommendation.

Thanks!

fakrissyw

Daiya is a great vegan cheese, but it only has a few options so far.

As far as blogs go, I read:

http://www.thekindlife.com/ (Alicia's website and book is how I started my vegan diet/lifestyle)

http://www.theppk.com/ (authors of a few really great vegan cookbooks!)

http://oddcoupleeats.blogspot.com/

It's a good idea to try and find a vegan blogger in your area, because they tend to recommend a lot of stores/restaurants that could be helpful! 

I am currently in the process of swapping out products/clothing for vegan options, but since it's so expensive I'm trying to find things when they are on sale. Pure Citizen is a great website for this.

I hope this helps! Sorry it's lacking a clicky option, I'm not sure how to do that. 

fakrissyw

I just found this website thanks to a pinterest pin! The recipes looked delicious, so I thought I'd pass it on!

http://ohsheglows.com/

beyimage

Thanks so much!  I'm bookmarking these blogs (and some recommended by WC and PCE boards) for a weekend when I can really go through them and pull out recipes that I want to try.

CDMay2006

thinkI don't have a vegan cheese rec... though i think TJ's has a semi-decent "mozzerella" i haven't tried enough others to know how it compares.

I did want to rec field roast brand sausages (the apple-something-or-other flavor is best).  Really good, and non-sketchy ingredients.  http://www.fieldroast.com/

Lucyboo25

Ditto all the PPs on Daiya brand being the best substitute.

Also, if you google "jain recipies" there are some really good ones out there. Jainism is an Indian religion, similar to Buddhism, that is built around peace and compassion for all living things. So any recipes labeled Jain are full of flavor and nutrition, but devoid of any animal by-products and some specific types of root vegetables.

Just FYI if you get bored with standard vegan recipes.

apples09

Another vote for ohsheglows.com

www.choosingraw.com is also fantastic. It has mostly raw, vegan recipes, but some really wonderfully tasty meals.

I will say, I have yet to find a vegan cheese that tastes remotely good. I'd rather make a dish with other savory plant-based ingredients and leave out 'fake' cheese. Or enjoy regular cheese on a rare, 'treat', basis.

I'm not vegan, but I eat 90% vegan and avoid the fake substitutes- I'd rather sprinkle some nutritional yeast on a salad/meal for a cheesy flavor- it's a nice alternative if you are craving a cheesy taste.

karma007

If you're looking for vegan blogs, you're in luck! It happens to be the Vegan Month of Food blogging event- look up 'vegan mofo', and it'll take you to some of the best vegan info on the web. From cookbook reviews to the best recipes, October rocks in vegan-land!

magpie1127

PLEASE check out ohsheglows...I absolutely love her recipes! DH is a total carnivore, and he can't find anything to complain about when I use her recipes

knoxvillegirl311

I love the Daiya shredded cheeses, we use it for pizzas and sandwiches.  it's best when melted IMO.

 Also Rice Vegan has sliced cheese.  I did NOT like their american cheese, but their pepperjack is amazing.  make sure when looking at cheeses you check ingredients.  "Veggie Slices" brand has milk protein in it. 

 I also follow http://www.thekindlife.com/ blog, and http://hipsterfood.tumblr.com/ is also great.  I've found quite a few recipes on hipsterfood that i really enjoy.  The Kind Life blog has a forum i reference often,  you can get answers to a million vegan questions!  Alicia's book has some great recipes in it too. good luck!