The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions

I picked up this cookbook the other day because the cover caught my eye. As a graduate of culinary school and a professional baker, I am often working with classic recipes, experimenting with ways to veganize them while keeping their integrity.

Turns out this book is a great resource for vegan newbies and veterans alike. For people new to the vegan diet, this book gives readers many traditional and simple ideas with easy-to-follow icons that take out all the guesswork involved. They use pre-made vegan substitutes like non-dairy yogurts or tofutti cream cheese.

But it is also great for vegan veterans. There are exciting new recipes varying in skill levels and sensitive to many alternative diets Check out these cheeses: Marinated Buffalo Tofu Mozzarella, Baked Macadamia Nut Brie, and Nutty Pepperjack.

 

And these Baby Back "Ribs" all made from scratch.

The book is organized neatly into chapters specific to each veganized animal products, including sections on replacing animal by-products, sugar, soy, and gluten.

So if you're looking to veganize it or learn what type of egg replacer to use when, if you are just looking for some good recipes, check out this book.

Portobello Vegan Trattoria

Portobello, 1125 SE Division St. Portland, Oregon, 97202

 Portobello Vegan Trattoria is one of the best vegan restaurants at which I've eaten.  It is a farm to table restaurant that changes the menu seasonal, relying on the vegetables grown in the Pacific Northwest. Rather than processed meat and dairy substitutes they create with vegetables and nuts for healthy and flavorful meals, like this amazing Bistro Beet Burger.

  

 But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Come hungry because you are going to want to try it all, starting with an amazing array of appetizers. You can check out their ever changing menu on their website and if they have it, make sure to try the Beet Tartare with cashew cheese. A creamy sweet and tangy spread with a rustic baguette.

 For dinner I recommend either the seasonal and fresh Potato Gnocchi, oh so good, 

 or Portobello's classic  Portobello Steak. A wonderfully meaty mushroom perfectly balanced to the changing accompaniments.

 Now, most importantly, DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT DESSERT. I have never had dessert like Portobello's. It defies the unfortunate vegan standards for dense, heavy desserts with the impossibly airy Chocolate Mousse, mouth-watering good Salted Caramel Ice Cream, and jaw-dropping, plate-liking, tear-jerking, so-good-I-think-I'll -order-another-piece Tiramisu. Seriously, if you don't live in Portland, come and visit just for the Tiramisu.

Marie Catrib's

1. Marie Catrib's,1001 Lake Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Center of the Universe.

Marie Catrib's is one of West Michigan's true beauties. The thriving business is run on principals of sustainability through environmental conservation and the supporting of local farmer.. They emphasis community within Grand Rapids and within the restaurant itself. And it is the cleanest place you'll ever eat. I know, I used to work there. And on top of all that, the food is delicious and award winning. Try the Sweet Potato Quinoa Burger, ranked by Peta one of the top vegan sandwiches of the year!

While Marie Catrib's caters to all of diets, there is a wide selection of vegan entrees, all clearly marked on the menu, as well as many options that can be veganized. Ask your server, they will always have tons of suggestions. Stop in for breakfast and try the KT Breakfast Special: a tofu/veggie scramble spiced perfectly with ginger and garlic, her almost world famous potatoes with her secret seasoning, and a choice from a variety of  fresh daily-made in house bread.

Don't leave without trying one of Marie's fantastic gluten free and vegan cakes or cookies.