How Natural Hair Started Our Vegan Journey | Our Vegan Story

It’s funny how that happens…
I decided to get rid of the chemical relaxer (aka creamy crack lol) and embrace my natural texture in 2008.

I still remember that aha moment….

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“Why do I care what I put in my hair if I don’t care what I put into my body?”
 
I truly feel as though natural hair opened it up for me to explore a more natural life overall.

In my latest video, I talk about that and how our family transitioned to a vegan lifestyle 4 years ago.

It was a very gradual process but well worth it.

We went from going into the grocery store without a plan to planning and enjoying delicious meals as a family.
 
Share your own experiences with transitioning to a vegan (or vegetarian) lifestyle below or on Facebook

Queso Recipe | Yeah, It's VEGAN

Like most people, I'm always looking for ways to save time and money when it comes to meal planning and cooking....especially time. 

I made this macaroni & cheese recipe the other night and decided to double the cheese sauce to save for nachos.

I placed the leftover cheese in a container and warmed it on the stove the next day with cumin, chili powder and a little more salt & garlic.

Since the original cheese sauce called for a lot more ingredients than what I wanted to use next time, I spent the last couple of days modifying it.

The result: A simple & delicious queso that your family will not question. Guaranteed!

Vegan Queso

by Brown Vegan

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 1/4 cups of water
• 1 medium yellow or red potato, peeled & chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours in water
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Instructions

In a saucepan, bring water, potato, carrot and onion to a boil.

Cover and reduce heat to medium, cooking until vegetables are soft (about 10-12 mins).

Transfer the potato mixture (including the remaining liquid) to a blender and add in all the remaining ingredients.

Blend together until smooth.

Season to taste.

Serve with chips or raw veggies.

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What's on the nachos? I used Alton Brown's guacamole recipe, canned black beans, tomato, green onion & cilantro

Yummy!

Let me know what you think once you try this recipe!

How do you eat your nachos?

Beyond Meat is Coming to Target *Doing the Cabbage Patch*

From their Facebook....

“Beyond Meat is proud to announce the newest member of the Beyond Meat distribution family, Target! We even have all of these fan sightings to prove it! Check with your local Target Store today! ”

— https://www.facebook.com/beyondmeat

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This is HUGE! I always get excited when good vegan substitutes are accessible.

I love that vegan options are becoming more mainstream and don't require health food store.

Let's normalize this movement, baby!

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I think their products are perfect for Meatless Mondays or a family interested in dabbling in quick vegan meals.

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I haven't had their chicken strips yet, but their feisty crumble is on point for tacos.

Beyond Meat said their products should be available at "all" Target stores by the end of the month.

Have your seen Beyond Meat at your Target yet?

Other Brown Vegan: Samuel L. Jackson

Here's a clip of Jackson telling Letterman about his plant-based diet....

He talks about eating oatmeal for breakfast with mango & banana and how much he misses "meat" lol

I'm sure a lot of people can relate but he'll be just fine. :-)

I holler every. single. time. I see this meme.....

Gardein Crispy Chick'n Sliders Review

I saw these on clearance at Target and figured I would test it out on the fam. You know being that the price was right.

These Gardein sliders are a blend of soy, wheat and organic grains & vegetables. Since we don't own a microwave, I popped them in the oven for 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway. I also toasted the buns during the last 3 minutes or so.

Then I used Vegenaise, mustard and spring mix to serve it.

They're delicious!

Crispy on the outside and tender (of course not as tender as chicken but it has a nice bite) on the inside. It reminded us of a regular chicken patty.

The fam approved!

Even though there are microwave directions on the box, I have a feeling these wouldn't be very good in the microwave. Skip it if you can!

I think this is an awesome last minute meal and would definitely make it again.

Even though products like these aren't good to eat every day, I appreciate that this option is available. It can definitely take care of a chicken craving!

Store locator for Gardein products in your area -----> here

Have you tried these chick'n sliders?