Field Roast Frankfurters

One of the most fun things about being a vegan these days is that it seems like every couple of months, a new vegan product comes out on to the market!  Such is the case with Field Roast’s new Frankfurter.

As Field Roast produces my favorite vegan italian sausage, it was exciting to hear that they were coming out with a dog.  Field Roast’s products are made from “grain meat” – grain meat (its origins are from waaaaaay back in 7th century China) is formed by the kneading of wheat flour dough until the starch totally comes out (known as Mien Ching – Buddha’s Food).   I’m sure there’s a more scientific way of explaining this, but I think that description serves our purpose.  Its kind of in the seitan family, if you’re familiar with that.  Anyway, Field Roast has mastered the grain meat and their products are full of flavor and are honest to goodness deliciousness.

I have tried other vegan dogs before, most reminding me of the “soft” hot dogs that you get from the hot dog vendor.  Those are all well and good, but I used to LOVE those really chewy ones, the kosher ones, the ones that popped when you bit into them (you know the ones!)… and the rest of the dogs always just fell flat.  Enter, Field Roast Frankfurters.

Vegan Chili Cheese Dogs with Daiya Cheese and an unremarkable canned vegan chili.

So they might not have the pop, but the texture is there.  They are hearty, you can really sink your teeth into them, and taste really yummy.  The texture was one that if I didn’t know it was vegan, would probably worry once I took my first bite.  It was that similar!  These would be a killer addition to the pantry of someone transitioning into a plant-based diet.  I wish I had thought to take a photo of the dog after having taken a bite, but alas I didn’t — next time I eat one I will try to remember to do that.  I am excited to see how these guys fare on the open flame and summer is just around the corner to give them the ultimate test — the grill!

All in all, I would definitely buy these again (they run around $7-8 bucks in my area) and recommend them to fellow vegans.  Have you tried these doggies?  What did you think?

The Vegg! (W/French Toast recipe)

The Vegg is the world’s first vegan egg – and a product I’ve been excited about ever since I heard about it!  I knew it was something that we’d want to try, particularly because Melissa loves to cook weekend breakfasts for us.  I purchased a packet at the Vegetarian Food Festival last weekend from the Vegan Bodega, excited to see what was in store for us.

The Vegg is completely cholesterol free, gluten-free, no trans fats, ten calories per serving and 10% of the proceeds from each purchase goes straight to Compassion Over Killing, a great animal advocacy group.  You can use The Vegg in any recipe that calls for eggs.

Yesterday was the day!  We were going to try the Vegg!  Melissa decided to make french toast, as that is one breakfast dish that we both love and have missed (french toast with just soy milk is not the same).

The makings for a delish Saturday morning breakfast

Here is what you will need:

Melissa’s Vegg French Toast

• 2 tsp Vegg*
• 1/2 c. water*
• 1/2 c. soy milk (or other nut milk of your preference)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• Cinnamon to taste (a few shakes)

*as per Vegg’s website, 1 tsp Vegg powder + 1/4 c. water = 2-3 yolks

Inside the packet of Vegg

Combine the Vegg and water in a mixing bowl until smooth (10-15 seconds)

Measure out The Vegg!

It even SMELLED like eggs!

In a separate, shallow bowl, combine soy milk, vanilla, & cinnamon and mix thoroughly.  Add Vegg mixture.

Voila! French toast mixture that looks just like the real thing!

Coat both sides of your favorite kind of bread with the french toast mixture.

Dunk!

It even coats like eggs.

Coat your pan with your favorite vegan butter (we love Earth Balance) on medium-high and place your french toast in the pan to cook.

Cook til golden brown

Cook for a few minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Looking delicious.

Serve with real maple syrup and your favorite vegan sausage.

Blueberry smoothies, french toast & vegan sausage - a yummy Saturday brekkie.

Perfect french toast crust.

This product has revolutionized the vegan breakfast!  Now we can enjoy our french toast the way we did when we were kids, a beautiful french toast crust with NONE of the guilt about supporting the egg industry.  Hats off to you, Vegg, for creating such a fantastic product.