A twist on Sloppy Joes

My daughter and I were talking about what to make for dinner, going around and around because  nothing appealed. She found this recipe for Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, and I was intrigued.  It needed veganizing, of course, and we did, with delicious results!

I substituted Gardein Beefless Grounds for the hamburger, vegan butter and vegan Worcestershire sauce, vegetable broth for the beef broth, and Follow Your Heart Provolone for the cheese.  The cheese melted beautifully in the mixture and the taste was divine! Seriously, we all had two sandwiches, we just couldn't get enough! We will definitely make this again.

National Cheese Day

Today is National Cheese Day. I know for many, every day is cheese day. I can't even count how many times I've heard people say how cheese makes everything better! And, I also know all too well how difficult it is to give up cheese when you become vegan. The vegan alternatives do a pretty good job, though, especially when made into sauces or baked into something. This is one of those.

Hot Garlic Cheese Puffs

One package vegan shredded cheddar
1/2 c. vegan butter
1 c. all purpose flour
1 t. chives
1/2 t. garlic powder

Mix cheese into softened butter, and stir in the flour, chives, and garlic powder. Make sure it is mixed well. Shape this mixture into 1" balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready, bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes, until a light golden brown. Serve. Enjoy!

Here's another cheese recipe, if you want something more than a nibble: Beer and Cheese Potato Chowder. And if you want something more in the casserole category: Cheeseburger Rice (think Hamburger Helper for vegans).

Beer and Cheese Potato Chowder

It has been one rollercoaster of a year so far. Health issues, the death of my beloved Siamese, Fergus, and just general mayhem. I am determined that this second half will be better. My daughter is getting married, so it most definitely will be grand!

With all that has been happening, I have sorely neglected my blogs. That ends today. I have had several friends asking for this recipe, so here it is!

Beer and Cheese Potato Chowder

2-3 lbs. potatoes, diced
One onion, diced
One stalk of celery, diced
One clove garlic, minced
1/4 t. pepper
16 oz. vegetable broth
One can of beer
2 c. shredded vegan cheddar cheese
1/2 c. vegan sour cream

Add all ingredients except for cheese and sour cream to a crockpot. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Stir in the cheese and sour cream and cover until it melts. Serve. Enjoy!

I added garlic and onion croutons, but it didn't really need it.

National Cheese Day

June 4 is National Cheese Day. As a vegan, I don't eat anything made with or from animals, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy cheesy goodness! There are so many varieties and brands on the market now for vegans, it's hard not to want to try them all!

Cheeseburger Rice

One package vegan grounds
One onion, chopped
2/3 c. catsup
2 T. mustard
1/2 t. salt
Daiya shredded cheddar
Cooked rice

Saute the grounds and onion until onion is softened. Stir in the rice, catsup, mustard and salt and mix well. Sprinkle the cheese on top and let start to melt, then stir and mix it well. Serve. Enjoy!

This was such a simple dish and really quite yummy. Reminded me of a dish I made as a young Girl Scout when we were working on our cooking badge. I remember coming home and cooking it for my parents and siblings with success. I wonder if I can find that recipe somewhere and compare?