Vegan Dinners

[*RaiN*]

Well now that I'm doing the cooking for both my dad and me, I'm already ridiculously lost. I know how to make like single dishes, like speghetti or beans n' rice, but I dont know how to do like whole meals. . . or deserts. Does anyone have any ideas for just dinner meals? Thanks alot!!

[mountain_mama]

Oh wow, where to start! Rain, there is a whole world of veggies out there screaming to be made into a delicious vegan dish for you and your dad :D. So many in fact it would be impossible to even start on just one thread. Here is my suggestion:

Go to your local libary or if you can afford it a bookstore and browse through the veggie cookbooks until you find one that suits you. I like ones that show pictures and break down the nutrients, calories, fat ect...My favorite vegetarian cookbook currently is cook's libary vegetarian published by paragon. The internet is also a good source for fun and easy reciepes but I have always perferred the satisfaction of a good old fashioned cookbook. If you are cooking vegan look for a book or website that offers sound advice on nutrition and vegan substitues.

Go to your nearest natural food store. I know this easier said than done. I drive over an hour each way once a week to go to Trader Joes. Often times they have cheaper prices than a regular grocery store on vegan products but not always. It pays to research! Try to stay away from using too many meat substitute products as often times they not only run your food bill sky high but thier fat content is very high and they contain soy protein isolates which is made through a chemical process that harms people and our enviroment.
For better health buy whole wheat pasta and seven grain sprouted breads (yum :) ). But most of all take the time to cruise slowly through the store, use your imagination and get inspired by all of the fresh produce. For a long time I pushed myself to try a new fruit or veggie at least once a week. This prevents you from falling into what I call the "spaggetti rut". ;)

Vegan eating can be fun and exciting. Try new things. Make huge salads each night to complement your dinner. Use lots of baby greens, berries, nuts, peppers and whatever else may suit your fancy. I always try to go by the rule of thumb that the greener the leaf of my salad and the more colorful I make the salad the better tasting and better for me it will be.

If you can afford it see a nutritionist. They have lots of ideas. It can be a bit pricey though. My husband and I just saw a vegan nutrionist and she was so helpful but it ran us a $100 for a one hour session (insurance would not cover).

My last bit of advice is to keep checking back into this forum. People are always posting yummy recipes or exploring food ideas. I have learned so much from just lurking around and reading what other people are doing in thier kitchens :D !

Good Luck to you! I hope this helps and that I did not ramble on too much!

[*RaiN*]

thank you so much, i appreciate all the info. . . i need it :p

[Pedata]

MountainMama gave some great advice :) Libraries are a good place, because they don't have just the books that are "best sellers". Gather up some recipes that you think you'll like.

Rain, you are on your way to learning an art :D Some advice I would offer is to plan plan plan. I cook five days a week usually. If I want the weekend off I have to double cook on two days. Casseroles are best for cooking ahead. I couldn't keep up with it if I didn't plan and write things down. It's fun tho, I feel like I have my own little restaurant. Move things around in your kitchen (well, what you can move, lol) to suit you. Enjoy yourself. Part of the art of cooking is truly enjoying it. Drag a comfortable chair in there if you like, then you'll have something to relax in while you're waiting for things to finish, or when you just want to sit down.

Look at some books on freezing, so you'll know what freezes well and what just turns to mush or rubber :eek:

If you make mistakes don't sweat it. Just act like it's supposed to be like that. Most men will eat anything, lol, as long as it's prepared and stuck in front of thier noses :p

I have a bunch of vegan recipes. I'll start posting some of them.

Peace,
Cassandra

[Herbmama]

ooo.......on the cook book front check out The New Farm Vegitarian Cookbook!
http://www.bookpubco.com/BPCSoyBooks/pages/NewFarmVeg.htm