If this wasn't a vegan blog, you'd probably guess this was a photo of chicken covered with dairy cheese. Right? But since y'all know I haven't turned to the dark side, I'm sure you assume it's fake meat and vegan cheeze. In fact, it's a Gardein Tuscan Breast covered in Daiya Cheddar Shreds served over brown rice with a side of sauteed cabbage. But isn't it crazy how meaty this meal looks?
I've professed my love for Gardein on this blog before, so I won't go and on. But I'm slowly discovering more flavors and textures of this magical meat substitute. Why couldn't this have been around back in my early veg days in the mid-90s? Veg meat has come so far! And so has vegan cheeze for that matter.What's your favorite faux meat? If it's Gardein, which flavor/style do you love the most?
I've only tried the crispy tenders so far and they are awesome! My 2 and 4 yr old really love them too. :) I just bought some of the scallopini though and can't wait to try them out.
ReplyDeleteIf you didn't tell us what that was, I definitely would have thought it was chicken. I want to try Gardein, but they're so expensive! Your picture makes it look worth the price though.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried Gatdein! I've only had a few fake meats, I like SmartLife hot dogs but I'm always scared to try fake chicken
ReplyDeleteWe don't have Gardein here and I bet it's the best but I really like Fry's Vegetarian "chicken" burger.
ReplyDeleteLove Gardein!
ReplyDeleteBeefless tips are my fav,they great for "Beef Stew" & "Steak & Cheese Subs". I love the Lighlty Seasoned Chicken Piccatta, Buffalo Wings & Crispy Chicken Tenders - pretty much in love with the whole product line...
I've never tried Gardein, but I love love love Quorn nuggets and patties. They're not made of soy, so for those of us who seem to be developing soy issues, they're great. Also love Yves ground "meat". My partner can't tell it's not ground beef and we have yummy tacos, pasta sauces, and other items with them!
ReplyDeleteIf you're ever out west in Cali, gotta hit up The Veggie Grill. It's a vegan fast food joint that uses Gardein to make some awesome sandwiches. Their Santa Fe chicken sandwich is like eating a McDnalds premium chicken sandwich without the guilt - although McDonald's probably doesn't use real chicken either :)
ReplyDeleteI love Quorn. It's got perfect texture and really subs well for chicken.
ReplyDeleteI love love love the crispy tenders. They are great on their own and as the meaty stand-in for chicken in a chick'n "parm" or other type of chick'n sandwich. Gardein is awesome!
ReplyDeleteWe love Gardein! I make lemon chicken with it. yum!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debra
Raw Vegan Diet
I LOVE Gardein!! I actually bought 2 different types last night so I could have that this week. I think I'm going to make some tonight after reading this post.
ReplyDeleteI eat Gardein's Thanksgiving loaf, but it seems very high in sodium. Are the other products also as high?
ReplyDeleteGardein is my favorite as well. i like the scallopini the best, its very versatile. one of my favorite things to do is to make a stuffed chick-un using 2 flattened scallopinis with home made veggie stuffing inside, browned, then smothered in gravy and put into the oven for a bit. served with rice and green beans! southern style all the way! =D
ReplyDeleteGardein is by far the best Vegan. The beef tips are great!
ReplyDeleteHere is my method for making them as FAKE-jitas
http://bit.ly/hGyxvm
My kids love the crispy tender.
Quorn is the best for Vegetarian, but contain Egg.
wow that really does look like chicken LOL... That's my favorite cheese i have to always have on hand!!
ReplyDeleteGardein creeps me out sometimes. I have one restaurant that serves it, and I've wondered before if they're swapping my order.
ReplyDeleteI like lightlife fakin bacon. It's good, but it's still fake enough for me to enjoy without question.
I love the beefless tips in "beef stew" as well! The texture is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love Gardein! I always feel confident serving it to nonvegan dinner guests because the flavor is great. My favorite is the scallopini because it's so versatile!
ReplyDeleteI also really love Field Roast sausages.
I'm always up for trying new products, but Gardein and Field Roast sausage (apple sage!) are the only two I've repurchased again and again.
My favorite cheese is also Daiya, but I think Follow Your Heart is pretty decent, and I like Sheese for its specialty cheeses.
ReplyDeleteI think Gardein is my favorite too. I've tried the chickn beast filles with marinara sauce and daiya, they were terrific. Also, the buffalo wings are pretty good, but very spicy. I usually like anything from Gardein that mocks chickn.
I love Gardein! Their chick'n stuff is awesome, but I think I love the beefless tips the most. Yummy!! Daiya is the ultimate vegan cheeze, and our local grocery store brought it in because I requested it! I felt so special and powerful... kind of in an evil way! :P
ReplyDeleteI've heard Gardein is good but the price has kept me from trying it. The best I've had the chance to try is Quorn (although this was back when I got gift cards, it is also too expensive).
ReplyDeleteyeah - gardein has changed my life. i feel ya on they 'why wasn't this around in the 90s?' so many months of no protein b/c fake meat tasted gross... i have heard a lot of people like quorn - but not me - too dry... and it's not vegan, so not a problem... my favorite gardein is the scallopinis - like everyone has said, they're so versatile!
ReplyDeleteHad me fooled for a second! As new to the no-meat diet i'd really like to try that out as well. Hope I can get my hands on some soon.
ReplyDeletei love gardein, but admit that it freaks me out just a little, because i still quite remember the texture of meat, and this is about as close as it gets. i'm waiting for the big scandal to break to find out that this stuff is really soylent green ;)
ReplyDelete