They think it's witty, I want to bang my head against a wall, and they are inevitably shocked that there really is such a thing as Tofurky. Since it's January, you can imagine that I am just about done with that line, so I wanted to share some of the fantastic meat alternative products that I do eat on a day to day basis.
For those of you just starting on the vegetarian journey (or for you frustrated, meat-eating parents trying to appeal to a suddenly vegetarian teenager), think of this as a gift: As a lifelong vegetarian, I've eaten a LOT of crappy fake meat in the last quarter of a century. And I mean a lot. Fortunately for you, I'm about to provide a little cheat sheet as to the best stuff out there. There are links to all of the products' websites, so you can check them out yourself.
You're welcome. :)
Best Veggie Chicken Patty: Boca Spicy Chik'n Patty
- There's only one thing you need to know about these: B hid from me for years when we were first together that he would ask the Bean to make him Chik'n patty sandwiches. I mean, he actually would have cravings for them he liked the flavour and texture so much!
- Also, Boca is endorsed by Weight Watchers, so that makes it super easy for those of you counting points. This is neither here nor there to me, but my mom lost a whole heap of weight on Weight Watchers, so I thought I'd point that out.
- I use this for everything: Lasagna, meatballs, meatloaf, tacos, Hamburger Helper - you name it, if it calls for ground beef, this is what I use. My sister prefers the Boca version, because I think it's closer to vegan (no egg whites, but it still has sugar).
Best Breakfast Line: MorningStar Farms
- I haven't really seen many other brands make a serious effort at a vegetarian breakfast line, and these sausage links and patties (the regular, not maple) are so delicious, I haven't been persuaded to try anything else.
- I think all vegetarian bacon is a bit of a joke, but their bacon strips are what I grew up on, so on the rare occasion that I'm in the mood for a BLT, this is what I use.
- These deli slices are almost paper thin, and loaded with flavour. I have been known to sit and eat half a package in one sitting without even realizing it. Because I like my sandwich fixings thinly sliced (I can hear my dad saying, "And cut the tomatoes and cucumbers reeeeally thin!"), these really appeal to me.
- Also, I have an unhealthy obsession with coarse ground black pepper, so it's like these were made for me!
- LightLife's Smart Deli Roast Turkey Style deli slices are also pretty awesome, but it breaks my heart that they stopped making the salami slices I'm convinced they used to make.
- I fill that void with Yves Meatless Deli Salami Slices when I can find them...
- The Veggie Patch hot dogs were a surprise to me. We always get the Jumbo Smart Dogs, but for some reason (probably because there was a sale and a coupon) I picked up a box of these one day. They are the perfect size for those cheap, standard hot dog buns because they are slimmer than the Smart Dogs. When I eat these, I feel like I'm getting a hot dog from a cart in New York.
- Note that it is best to microwave, boil or steam these (since they are so thin, grilling them makes them a bit too tough, unless you keep a close eye on them).
- The Jumbo Smart Dogs are perfect for your summer BBQ. Thick, juicy and big enough to fill out any bun or roll, these veggie dogs can withstand the heat from a grill, and are all the better because of it. They're also substantial enough to hold their own against the relish, tomatoes, pickles and sport peppers that make up my favourite dog: the Chicago Dog.
That's all for tonight! Tomorrow I'll go over the best burgers, sausages, chicken nuggets and other meatless meal starters.
