Mac N Cheese With So Delicious & gardein

"Hamburger" Helper macaroni.

gardein makes an impressive burger. Last week, I just tried out their Ultimate Beefless Burger and believe it is one of the best versions existing right now. It is also reasonably priced, at about one dollar and some change per patty, while others are astronomically higher. Also, on the product front, I'm absolutely enjoying So Delicious alternative cheeses more so than originally conceived. I wasn't sold on the idea, having been stuck on Field Roast Chao forever, claiming that as grocery store winner. Yet, my social media pals are singing the praises and I caved, attractive to the green packaged mozzarella.

gardein's ultimate beefless burger is amazing!

I first made the burgers piled with Field Roast Chao Tomato Cayenne, mushrooms, red onions, and lots of ketchup.

So Delicious Dairy Free Foods have stepped up the bat with this tasty cheese that truly does melt great.

It only made sense to blend these two products together in a sensational macaroni and cheese dish that reminds one of simple childhood pleasures-- mashing a pan seared patty to smithereens and joining it with creamy macaroni and cheese.

Mac N Cheese With So Delicious & gardein Ingredients and Preparation

1 1/2 cup macaroni
1 cup broccoli
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup So Delicious Mozzarella Style Shreds
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 gardein ultimate beefless burger, cooked and chopped
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian Seasonings
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Prepare macaroni to package directions.
Add cooked broccoli.
Mix in olive oil, So Delicious mozzarella, almond milk, and nutritional yeast until melting evenly.
Combine remainder of ingredients together and serve.

Merry Christmas Day With Gardein Turk'y Cutlets

Two for two holiday dinners with Gardein's delicious holiday accompaniment.

I hope everyone had the merriest Christmas ever. It's been a wonderful winter vacation thus far. Exactly one week in Ohio. No lingering thoughts on MFA critiques or reviews. Just relaxing and spending time with family and old friends.

Underneath beautiful holiday tree, a framed photograph of adorable Prince gifted to new father.

On this third vegan holiday, celebrating yummy traditions thanks to Daiya and So Delicious, another product has been added to usual festivities- Gardein's amazing cutlets. I introduced my family to this on Thanksgiving and they loved them, Mom especially.
"Are you sure no animals were harmed?" one of my brothers had asked.

Cover photo is drool worthy. Tasting better than imagined.

Gotta hand it to Gardein, they've made another excellent product. To be honest, I wasn't a turkey fan way back when. Baked for about 20 minutes, Gardein's crispy crusted breading is perfectly seasoned and textured. Hot juicy tenderness is moist and balances well against delicate crunch of a coating. How splendid to sink fork into such a savory piece of cruelty free protein! I loved that my family loved this too. Last year, the Trader Joe's meatless roast didn't score points. But Gardein. Well Gardein, you've made them into believers this year.

Amazing Ultimate Macaroni & Cheese. Daiya has become part of three Christmas feasts so far. Hope our delicious tradition continues.

Chocolate Chai Muffins With Cinnamon-Sugar Pecan Topping as a gift. Fresh batch made today.

Beautiful Celeste and her gift.

Hand drawn holiday card and Harry Potter socks were a slew of my wonderful holiday haul.

Harry Potter Marauder's Map backpack!

Starbucks gift basket.

And like a sweetly knocked out Celeste ends my holiday magic, but not the end of spending time with my Daytonian family and friends.

Product Review: Gardein's Crispy Chick' N Sliders

Gardein has done it again!

Compliments are hard to accept for me. It's a mental thing. Every time someone says the most wonderful sentiment, I get choked up and either respond with silence or sarcasm. Basically, that's what happens during critiques. The negatives come crashing out first. That's all I tend to remember. Positive, pleasant, uplifting endearments pass over my head, refusing to sink into rapt ears and seep into brain's memory compartment. Most artists must feel this way, especially during these mind numbing critiques, sitting up front with beside their works amongst a "firing squad" wishing to visualize better use of studio engagement.
Well, hre's hoping that Gardein isn't too upset over this very gushy post. Ha!
I love Gardein. Love them. Always been an overzealous fan of the way they have perfected the chick'n. It's not too chewy and artificial. They don't have that gluten-y texture that makes teeth so tired that they take little breaks between resuming chewing duty. Although it is highly recommended that one chews many times before swallowing, that annoying consistency Gardein lacks. Teeth don't doze off and fall asleep. I enjoy that. It's a commendable skill that makes a lot of vegans rejoice and wave victory flags.
Now Gardein has gotten in on the slider craze, making these microwavable (or heated in the oven) delights that folks in a hurry heat up and top with anything desired. I got their Chick'N version on sale at a store called Fresh for $4.99 with a bonus $1 off coupon. A definite steal because....
Oh. My. Heaven. They taste amazing. Like above and beyond the scope of amazing. The most delicious darn little hot sandwiches that can ever escape from the microwave. Directions are simple enough. Heat up patties first. Then heat them with the chic slider buns. Tender, moist interior and crispy outside promised from the lovely packaged box. Advertisement was not a lie. The buns are almost restaurant quality. Didn't get soggy or dried out. Flavors are outstanding here. I cannot get over the talents over at Gardein. They understand the science behind chick'n. Reminds one of the days of old. I think. I haven't eaten chicken the animal since 1996.. Beyond great. I would rather continue being friends with the chickens while eating these sandwiches from Gardein.
Now that's what I call the best of both worlds.
Going to try their beefless variety next....

Catchy pink and green colors surround epic little sandwiches of joy.

Who was happier- me or the smiley face potatoes?

One delicious bite and I was out! Added Daiya's provolone slices for the melted magic. Soooooo good!

Vegan Baked Lemon Gardein Chick'in

Baked lemon infused chick'in filets on a bed of ramen noodles & spinach.

Back in the chicken days- soooooo long ago at age 13, my family dinners occasionally featured fried greasy takeout buckets from That Must Not Be Named Colonel Sander's Murder Hut or from the grocery store deli once a week. Rarely had we actually baked this (which is considered "healthier").
Now I never was the biggest chicken fan. but the alternatives have been generally pleasing.
My salvation in disguise- Gardein once again became basis for perfect vegan meal. Lemon was the ingredient of choice to marinade. This yellow squeezed citrus fruit provides a light taste to tender filets and complement modest seasonings, especially that burst of crushed red pepper that gives a lovely flare and teasing red color.
This delicious lemon chick'in can be a side for any dish- brown rice, quinoa. Here I prepared Hakubaku's Organic Ramen Noodles and added fresh spinach and chopped white onion.

Vegan Baked Lemon Chicken

Ramen of choice.

2 slices Gardein Chick'in Filets
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease a baking sheet.
Mix lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper together.
Coat and soak both chick'in slices evenly.
Bake these for 30 minutes- 15 minutes each side.

Dinner is served.