Meatless Monday: Veggie Burgers Galore

Quorn is reported to be the top-selling frozen meat-free brand in natural stores across the country - and it's no surprise to me, as I think they offer the best tasting meat alternatives on the market. Recently, Quorn introduced two new meatless options to their line of vegetarian fare: the classic hamburger and the cheeseburger. Like other Quorn products, these burgers are made of mycoprotein, a soy-free blend of fungi rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and fiber.

The stats are pretty impressive! A Quorn Cheeseburger patty has 100 calories, 4 grams of fat, 8 carbs, 3 grams of fiber, and 11 grams of protein. The Classic burger's nutritional content contains all of the above, with ones less gram of fat.

These burgers are delicious! Meaty and dense with a much more realistic texture than most other veggieburgers. With enough toppings, I bet these could even fool most meat lovers.

Here's how I'll be serving them this meatless Monday:

Quorn Cheeseburgers with Sweet and Spicy Onion Compote

One Quorn hamburger or cheeseburger patty per person

Soft buns such as challah or potato rolls

2 tbs. sweet and spicy onion compote

Slice of your favorite cheese or soy cheese (I used soy cheddar)

Lettuce, tomato, onion

Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, or even some Chipotle Pimenton Tartar Sauce if you have some left over

Sweet and Spicy Onion Compote

2 medium sweet onions, sliced thin

3-4 canned jalapenos, finely chopped and seeded (you can find a can in the Mexican/Spanish section of your grocery store) OR if you'd prefer less spice, substitute about 1/8th cup mild canned chiles

2 tbs. brown sugar

1-2 cloves garlic, minced OR 1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. cumin powder

Squeeze of fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime's worth)

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

1 tbs. canola or olive oil for sauteing

Heat oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes until just tender and beginning to brown. Add the garlic, jalapenos, cumin, and brown sugar. Cook an additional 5 minutes or so until onions are brown and caramelized. Add lime juice and cook another minute until liquid is absorbed. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Let cool and use as a topping for Quorn burgers. Will keep in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, so it's always good to make extra!

For those in the Princeton area looking for a meatless option, I recently discovered that Chuck's Spring Street Cafe has a pretty good homemade veggie burger! This was unexpected, since this sort of divey hole in the wall is best known for it's chicken wings and foot-long hot dogs. And while we're still on the topic of veggie burgers, here's Melyssa with a note about one of her favorites in Philadelphia:

For any Philadelphians reading, I urge vegetarians and carnivores alike to try the veggie burger at Mac's Tavern, a gastropub in Old City that opened less than a year ago. I would have never even noticed the place, with it's nondescript facade and small, very understated sign, but my friend decided to hold her birthday party here after learning that two of the actors from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia are part-owners. Boy am I happy about this discovery! For only $7.99 you can get a piping hot homemade veggie burger and a pile of nicely-seasoned fries with aoli dipping sauce. While some veggie burgers strive to mimic meat, Mac's patty is distinctively verdant, with whole green peas and fresh herbs throughout. Served with a huge slice of tomato and a pile of lettuce and onion, it can be a little (ok a lot) messy to eat, but it's worth the effort.

Seasons Eatings!

Seasons Eatings!

Tis the season for giving and receiving - for us foodies, that means gourmet gifts! Here are some of my personal favorite gourmet treats; perfect little presents to send to your foodie friends/family or to include as part of your own gift basket creation.

Chocolates

There are so many wonderful chocolate companies out there, but here are my recommendations:

Vosges Chocolates - Amazing and even unusual chocolate treats. Try the Naga Bar, a deep chocolate with Indian curry spices and coconut milk. Mo's Bacon Chocolate Bar has the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The Barcelona Bar is another one of my favorites, featuring sea salt and hickory smoked almonds. Vosges also has a line of unique truffles and other filled chocolates. Check out their website for pre-made gift packages, or you can find them in your favorite specialty food store and some grocery stores such as Whole Foods.

Lindt Chocolates - Always delicious with a wonderful creamy mouth-feel, Lindt is an old stand-by worth having for the first time or the hundredth time. I've been to many food shows featuring expensive chocolates from all over the world, and Lindt, while inexpensive, still stands up to the competition. I personally love the 70% dark chocolate bar with sea salt. For those of you who are nostalgic for "Chunky" candy bars, Lindt makes a similar (and much more upscale) chocolate bar with hazelnuts and raisins. You can find Lindt nearly everywhere: in grocery stores, or one of their stand-alone shops. You can also order online - check out their array of pre-made gift boxes and baskets.

Fran's Chocolates and Caramels - It's no wonder this company has won so many awards for their chocolate sea-salt caramels, they are to die for! I have not personally eaten their chocolate dipped figs, but they look delicious and I cannot wait to try them. Fran's has beautiful gift sets and a variety of seasonal treats for the holidays including milk and dark chocolate Santas.

Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier - Delicious handmade chocolates in every price range. I especially love their chocolate dipped sea-salted caramels. You can find these in some specialty food stores (check the site for locations) or order online.

Green and Black's - If you're looking for delicious organic chocolate treats that melt in your mouth (I've found that some organic chocolates are a bit chalky), Green and Black's is one of the best. This socially-responsible company offers delicious, relatively affordable chocolate bars with interesting additions such as toffee, mint, ginger, espresso, and hazelnut/currant (one of my personal favorites).

Sjaak's Organic Chocolates - For any vegans on your gift list, Sjaak's makes milk-free dark chocolate treats in a range of flavors such as mint, ginger, and raspberry. They also offer chocolate dipped nuts and toffee. These delights are all ethically made and reasonably priced - plus they can gift wrap your purchase when you order online.

Condiments

I'll admit it, I'm a condiment junkie. My pantry is overloaded with an astonishing array of jams, jellies, salsas, chutneys, spreads, and sauces. I love the versatility of condiments, and your loved ones will too. You can eat them on plain crackers or chips or use them as ingredients in your own creations. The following would made great additions to any gift basket.

Organic Dalmatia Spreads - A jar of quince, fig, olive, sour cherry, red pepper, or plum spread with a wedge of creamy cheese (try d'affinois, brie, st. andre, or your favorite goat) makes a thoughtful and delicious gift. Their original and orange fig spreads are two of my favorites. You can find them in many supermarkets such as Whole Foods and Wegmans, and in specialty food stores. Their online shop is coming soon. 

Stonewall Kitchen - I admit, I might be slightly obsessed with this company! Choose from spreads, dips, sauces, syrups, dressings, and baking mixes to mix and match in your own gift basket, or try one of their beautifully packaged pre-arranged gift sets. Check out the Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) line of dessert mixes and toppings. I've seen their products in upscale grocery stores, specialty food shops, and Williams Sonoma. Right now they are having an online sale on many holiday themed condiment sets!

Sarabeth's Kitchen - Try their delicious line of award-winning jams, spreadable fruits, jellies, and baking mixes. The apricot-orange marmalade is one of my favorites, great on toast or crackers, mixed with cream cheese, or even as a sauce-starter for a chicken or pork dish. Sarabeth's website is full of gift ideas, including many sampler sets.

Earth and Vine Provisions - Once again I must rave about these lovely products - they are one of my all time favorites. Earth and Vine offers everything from jams, jellies, and fruit butters to olive oils, dressings, mustards, and chutneys. Check out their gift sets with themes like Mustard Lovers, California Sunshine Citrus, and Holiday Condiments. The beautiful packaging is sure to please anyone on your holiday list.

Cheese and Crackers

A unique cheese and a box of elegant crackers makes a great addition to any gift basket. The following cheese and cracker combos would also pair nicely with the condiments listed above.

Creamy 

d'Affinois - This brie-like cow's milk cheese has a rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet aftertaste. A sure crowd pleaser.
Robiola Due Latte - Creamy cheese made from a blend of cow and sheep's milk with a slightly nutty, mushroomy flavor. 
Champignon German Brie with Mushrooms - A creamy, mild cow's cheese with pieces of handpicked champignon mushrooms embedded inside.

Goat

Cypress Grove Farms Chevre - This company offers a variety of delicious, responsibly farmed goat cheeses. Their Midnight Moon, Humboldt Fog, and Truffle Tremor are some of my favorite goat cheeses not just by Cypress Grove but by any company!
eRolling Stone Chevre - Their Chevre with dried cranberries and walnuts is available from October to January and is a festive goat cheese for the holidays. Also try their unique chevre with anise and lavender for those with more adventurous palates!

Stronger-Flavored 

Rogue Creamery - Rogue offers bold blue cheeses like the Caveman Blue, a complex cheese which is at the same time sweet and pungent with slight vanilla notes; some describe is as a bit grassy. They also make a delicious Gorgonzola-style cheese.
Point Reyes Blue Cheese - A great, socially-conscious company featuring sustainable, handmade cheeses. The Original Blue is my favorite, tangy and flavorful without the ammonia aftertaste of some strong Blue's. The cheeses are quite pricey on their website, but you can find them in any upscale market or grocery store for less.
Gorgonzola Dolce - Creamy and soft cow's milk cheese has a nice, spreadable texture which is lovely on a cracker drizzled with truffle honey. I like to stuff it inside soft dates and press a candied pecan on top - try bringing a tin of these appetizers to your holiday dinner parties.
English Stilton Cheeses - Stilton's are popular blue cheeses with rich yet mellow flavors and a hint of tang. They are available with a variety of additives such as apricot, ginger, mango, and cranberry.

Huntsman - Alternating layers of cheddar and blue cheeses make for a bold flavor combination. Delicious with fruit or red wine.

Sottocenere with Truffles - An Italian cow's milk cheese with flakes of truffle. Aromatic, salty, yet mellow. I like to grate it over scrambled eggs or quiche, but it's interesting flavor shines best on its own. 

*Here's a helpful site for any stricter vegetarians on your gift list: Vegetarian Cheeses.
Each is made with vegetable rennet (enzymes from plants, fungis, or molds) instead of animal rennet (which is most often taken from calf stomachs)*

Crackers

There are so many different crackers on the market these days. Here are a few that pair especially well with the upscale cheeses and condiments above - treat yourself or your loved ones for the holidays! 

Rosemary flavored crackers like Whole Foods brand Sea Salt and Rosemary Crostini and The Fine Cheese Co. Rosemary Crackers are particularly delicious with creamier cheeses and condiments such as fig jam or quince paste. Also try them with my Fig and Kalamata Olive Jam.

The Kitchen Table Bakers, personal acquaintances of mine, make delicious (and gluten-free) crackers crafted purely from cheese. Delicious on their own, but the flavor comes out best when topped with a sweet jam or fresh fruit. Check their website to find a vendor near you.

Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps - Ethically made, artisan crackers chock full of dried fruits and nuts. Try the Rosemary Raisin Pecan crisps with almost any cheese!

Daelia's Biscuits for Cheese - Similar to the Raincoast Crisps, these all-natural crackers are crunchy with the perfect touch of sweet fruit. Made specifically to compliment upscale cheese, these can be found in Whole Foods across the country.

Ines Rosales Sweet Olive Tortas - Almost a cookie, almost a cracker, these thin, crispy rounds are available in three varieties: plain, rosemary, and sesame-sea salt. They are delicious and unusual, I've never found anything quite like it. A hit on any appetizer tray! 

John Macy's Cheese Sticks- Always a favorite! These are lovely on their own or dipped into mustard, fondue, or jam. You can even wrap them in prosciutto for a quick appetizer. Watch out - they are addictive. Melyssa recently ate an entire box in one night!

*I found all these crackers and cheeses at my local Whole Foods market, but they are widely available at quality supermarkets or specialty food stores. Murray's Cheese is a great website for purchasing or just learning about interesting, upscale cheeses. If you live in the New York metro area, it's worth a visit to one of their physical stores, one on Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village and the other in Grand Central terminal.

Out and About - My Picks from the Philadelphia Food and Wine "Taste" Festival

Last weekend I attended the 2010 Philadelphia Food and Wine Festival, "Taste" where I sampled dozens of gourmet food products and wines - ranging from mediocre to excellent.

Here are a few of my favorites this year:

Crazy Steve's Pickles and Salsa - These "Condiments on a mission" started from a surplus of homegrown cucumbers in Steve Zielinski's family garden. Using his grandmother's recipe for Chow Chow (a condiment made with corn and pickle relish) as inspiration, Steve went on to create new "crazy" innovative pickle recipes. Steve's line includes an array of salsas such as Black Bean and Corn and Mango Raspberry, and all sorts of pickles from sour barrel to Cajuns cukes. Biting into Steve's fresh, crisp pickles brought back memories of the pickles I grew up eating from Gus's in New York's Lower East Side. Crazy Steve's products can be found in several stores or online - where there is also a search function allowing you to search the nearest carrier near you.

Tillie's Gourmet - This company offers gourmet dressings and their original one-of-a-kind Blue Crab Salsas. Tillie Logan, a Bucks County woman who began crafting condiments back in the 1960's serves as the inspiration for these delicious dressings and salsas. I sampled the unique Blue Crab salsas - chock full of fresh crab balanced by a slightly smokey tomato flavor. Tillie's products are available online and in stores throughout PA and NJ.

A Taste of Olive - Gourmet, artisan extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, specialty seasons and spreads. I tasted a multitude of oils and vinegars - my favorite being the fig vinegar. You can even order their products with personalized labels for a unique gift or party favor!

There were over a hundred wines to try, but these two vineyards stood out among the rest:

Bodegas Paso Robles - Delicious, bold Spanish and Portuguese style wines with beautiful labels from California.

Cupcake Vineyards - Their Chardonnay was delightfully creamy with apple and tropical fruit flavors and a nice balance of vanilla and spice. I also loved the Sauvignon Blanc - nicely balanced and smooth with lemon and lime flavors. Red Velvet 2009 is a lovely blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon with full-bodied blackberry, mocha, and chocolate flavors. Head winemaker Adam Richardson travels far and wide to gain knowledge and inspiration from wineries around the world.

A little taste of this; A little sip of that

A little taste of this

Stonewall Kitchen, one of my favorite brands, launched many new products this summer, including jams, sauces, baking mixes, and cheese ball mixes. Two of my favorite recent releases are the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Sauce and the Dark Chocolate Toffee Sauce. Yum - so good you'll want to eat it right out of the jar! Heat 20 seconds in the microwave before serving over vanilla ice cream, fruit, or cake.Or coat a corner of a Walker Shortbread cookie in one of the sauces and let it harden. For easy treats you can make at home, try Stonewall's new Chocolate Gingerbread and Chocolate Peppermint Krinkle cookie mixes!

I have to take the time to rave about a specialty bakery that opened last year in Spring Lake, NJ. The Scone Pony (whose name is a take off of The Stone Pony, a bar in Asbury Park NJ where Bruce Springsteen got his start) offers the best scones, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other assorted baked goods that I've had in a long time. The Scone Pony is owned by sisters Debra Bruchian and Tara Conaton - with a lot of help from their mother, Marry Ann, who honed her recipes for 25 years at a bakery she ran in Cliffside Park, NJ. I personally tasted a delicious red velvet whoopie pie, a warm, flaky croissant, and a piece of incredible coconut cake, a German chocolate cupcake, and the best peanut butter cookie I've ever eaten - dense, yet crumbly and reminiscent of the old GirlScout cookie "The Gaucho" from years ago (only this one was 100x better, and I don't usually care much for peanut butter cookies!). I also had a bite of a wonderful Italian Sfogliatelle. Needless to say, after this I experienced a little bit of sugar shock, but it was worth it! If you're in the Spring Lake/Jersey Shore area, don't pass this place up: 305 Washington Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 732-280-8887. It's right around the corner from Tom Bailey's, whose outdoor grille is now open.

A little sip of that

Beaulieu Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc California Coastal Estates 2009. Delicious apple, pear, and peach flavors. Pairs well with light proteins like chicken, fish, or lobster. Vegetarians should try it with a corn chowder or squash dish. Under $10, too!

This next one is a little splurge, but worth it: 2008 Domaine Alary Cairanne Font D' Estevanas Blanc. The Alary Family have been growing wine grapes in the Rhone valley for over 11 generations! This pick is crisp, flowery, and minerally with nectarine and grapefruit notes. It's in the $18-24 range, so treat yourself.

Interesting Food Fact

According to the recent NASFT newsletter, a study of retail consumers by MarketForce showed that 53% of consumers eat chicken more than 4 times a week. Let's hope these people are buying all natural and organic!

Melyssa's rant: let's try to get that number down! Replace some of those chicken with Quorn or seitan, you'll be surprised how little you miss the real thing.

Kudos to healthier eating - sales of packaged whole wheat bread surpasses those of packaged white bread over the last year. Hopefully the trend towards whole grain will continue!

NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show Review

Last week I attended the 56th Summer Fancy Food show at the Jacob Javitts Center in New York City. "The three-day event is the largest marketplace for specialty food in North America" with over 2,400 American and International exhibitors representing over 80 countries. Basically, I tasted my way into oblivion.

Executive Chef Dan Barber of Blue Hill restaurant delivered the keynote address, focusing his speech on the importance of "connecting consumers with the story behind their food." "Pleasure is affected by more than the food's taste," said Barber, "when you connect people to where their food comes from, it tastes better." I say amen to that!

Three cheers for this news - the most common words seen on products at this Fancy Food Show were "organic" "vegan" "fair-trade" "anti-oxidant" and "gluten-free."

The SOFI (speciality outstanding food innovation) awards honor excellence in specialty foods. Some of the SOFI Gold winners which were also my personal favorites included:

-Stonehouse 27 - Cashews and Cream Indian Cooking Sauce

-Soy Vay - Veri Veri Teriyaki Sauce 

 (A great product I always keep in my refrigerator)

-Food Should Taste Good - All Natural Chips

-The Ginger People - Chocolate Covered Ginger Cookies, Ginger Chews (great for a tummy ache) and Ginger Sodas

-Nielsen Massey - Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste 

-Sticky Toffee Pudding Co. - Sticky Toffee Pudding

-Antonio Mozzarella Factory - Hand Ladled Ricotta

(The ricotta is great with some truffle honey. Pictured below is their Mozzarella)

-Cypress Grove Farm - Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese

(This is one of my favorite goat cheeses ever. I also love their Truffle Tremor)

 

-Bellwether Farms - Vanilla Sheep's Milk Yogurt

-Sabatino Tartufi - Truffle Honey and Summer Truffle Carpacio

-Knipschildt Chocolate Co. - Burnt Caramels with Hawaiian Sea Salt

-Amy E's Bakery - Almond Toffee

-Tate's Bake Shop - Whole Wheat Dark Chocolate Cookies

(I've mentioned Tate's in previous entries as the best packaged cookie I've found)

-Effies Homemade - Oat Cakes 

-Ciao Bella Gelato Co. - Key Lime Graham Gelato Squares

and last but not least, my friends at  

-The Kitchen Table Bakers won for their Rosemary Parmesan Crisps 

(low-carb, gluten-free, and delicious)

I also really enjoyed products from the following companies:

-Stonewall Kitchen - Delicious and all-natural products with lovely packaging. They also feature a line of products by Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa).

 

-The French Farm - Imported gourmet condiments from Europe. All natural and beautifully presented mustards, nut oils, jams, honeys, and assorted sauces.

-Bella Cucina - Gourmet Italian pestos, pastas, oils, spreads, desserts, and more.

-Robert Rothschild - Assorted dips, jams, sauces, and other condiments. Please note that not all of their products are all natural, so check the labels.

-King's Cupboard - Specialty desserts and sweet condiments. Their organic hot fudge and caramel sauces are to die for!

Some more sights from the show:

Fancy Food Show Product Reviews for Meatless Monday

Hey food lovers! I'm still in New York City, so tonight (for Meatless Monday), Melyssa will talk about her favorite vegetarian and vegan offerings from the 2010 Fancy Food Show.

Crepini Cafe Gourmet Low-Fat Filled Crepes

I tried two types (Spinach Feta and Portobella Parmigiano) of these pre-filled and pre-rolled savory crepes and both were delicious! The texture of the crepe itself was fluffier than many I've gotten in restaurants.

Lucini Italia Cinque e' Cinque (Tuscan Chickpea Frittata)

I've never had anything like this before, but this frittata (which reminded me a bit of polenta) would make a great side or main course topped with marinara, parmigiana, and olive oil. Because its made of chickpea, its high in protein and fiber and low in fat. Plus it's vegan and gluten-free!

Hello Organic Ready to Eat Chana Masala 

This was nicely spiced and much more flavorful than most prepared Indian dishes I've tried. The chickpeas were whole and perfectly - not mushy or broken like I've found with some other brands (I'm talking about you, Trader Joes!)

Danielle Crispy Fruit and Veggie Chips

While there are 11 different chips to choose from, my favorite were the pumpkin and okra - two veggies I didn't even know were available in chip form.

Wing-Time Garlic Buffalo Wing Sauce

Sure, many people may use this on chicken, but I personally can't wait to try it on fried seitan strips! Hot and garlicy but not overpowering. A touch of Parmesan adds a perfect tangy finish.

Tasty Brand Organic Vegan "Superfruit" Fruit Snacks

It's near impossible to find gummies that aren't made with gelatin - let alone decent ones - but these are the best I've found so far! With no animal products, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup, they're much healthier than your average fruit snack, and though the "gumminess" is just slightly different from that of conventional versions, the flavor itself is fantastic - plus the Superfruit gummies are boosted with beneficial Acai berries.

Aloos Organic Pomegranate Aloe Juice

I've seen drinks like this before, but until today I'd only ever used aloe on skin burns. This juice was surprisingly delicious and so refreshing. Plus it's all-natural and contains no high fructose corn syrup so it's not too sweet. I was worried the aloe gel would be lumpy or feel strange to drink, but it went down easy and I kept re-filling my cup with more.

Rooibee Red Tea

In addition to the aloe juice, this was the one of the tastiest drinks I tried. The unsweetened version isn't too strong and has a subtle citrus finish, while the watermelon mint is the perfect cooling summer beverage. Once I find out where to buy these, I'll never touch Snapple again!

Stay tuned for many more of our favorites from the show, including the tastiest sauces, dips, marinades, cheeses, and ready-to-eat meals.

Meatless Monday Special - Melyssa's Guide to Meat Substitutes

As a vegetarian, I don't really miss meat. But I do miss the sauces and toppings that come with it! Marsala, Parmesan, Picatta, Alfredo, Teriyaki, Stroganoff, Curry - these delicious dishes are always associated with meat, but they don't have to be. Tofu is always a great choice, but there are plenty of other meat alternatives with fairly accurate flavors and textures that hold up well during cooking and allow you to recreate your favorite dishes in a way that's better for your body and the planet. Here you'll find my take on some popular vegetarian/vegan brands and products so you can choose the perfect option for your own meatless meals.

Gardein - A fairly new addition to the fake-meat family. As far as nutrition goes, it's one of the healthiest meat substitutes - simple ingredients, low fat, and packed with protein. Plus it's vegan, so if you're looking to go eggless and dairy-free, it's a decent option. The downside is its rubbery texture, which makes it not only less realistic, but less enjoyable. The chewiness would be easy to overlook, but, unfortunately, the flavor also seems little off; honestly, I couldn't get through an entire Santa Fe Good Stuff chik'n cutlet thanks to its odd aftertaste.

Quorn - My absolute favorite as far as taste, texture, and versatility. I've been impressed with every product I've tried, from the Chik'n Nuggets to the Meatless Meatballs to the Turk'y Roast (which renders Tofurky obsolete on my Thanksgiving menu). You can use Quorn Naked Cutlets or Chik'n Tenders in just about any recipe and they hold up about as well as the real thing. I've even fooled meat eaters with their surprisingly realistic Chik'n Nuggets. Quorn products are also soy and gluten-free, for those chefs with those allergies. This may sound too good to be true, but there's a strange controversy behind one of the ingredients. Quorn has come under fire for its deceptive marketing - implying that their products are mushroom-based, when really they are made of "mycoprotein" which is, in simple terms, derived from fermenting some sort of fungus in a big vat. It's easy to understand why their PR department decided to play the mushroom card instead - but it isn't completely honest. As far as anyone knows, mycoprotein is totally safe to eat, and its production has much less of an impact on the environment than meat or even soy. I consume it in large amounts and would encourage others to do the same!

LightLife - With so many products to choose from, LightLife has a meatless substitution for almost any recipe you can dream up. And most of them are super tasty. I'm a huge fan of their Italian Style Smart Sausages, which make a great addition to pasta dishes or even crumbled on top of a pizza. Their Chick'n and Steak Style strips are among LightLife's weaker offerings, as they can break apart and stick to your pan while cooking. Quorn holds up much better in those situations - but LightLife strips are vegan while Quorn contains egg. The Smart Bacon is decent, but lacks the distinct smokey flavor that makes some other fake bacons great. As far as deli meat alternatives, the turkey style is the least accurate and least appealing, while the ham and bologna are great sandwich stuffers. Smart Ground protein crumbles are extremely versatile and a staple in my fridge, great for Bolognese, veggie shepherds pie, or adding to plain old mac and cheese).  And now, the darker side of Light: LightLife itself seems a responsible company, using their website to portray a "green" image, but they are owned by ConAgra Foods, a company with questionable ethics and practices.

Yves - While some health food brands are divisions of larger companies with unfortunate business practices, Yves is owned by Hain-Celestial Canada, a company dealing only in healthy, natural, organic, and specialty products. If you're looking for a more socially and environmentally responsible company, Yves is for you. Plus their fake-meats are tasty - and lots of them are vegan. Most of their products, such as the deli slices and Meatless Ground are comparable to LightLife's, and their veggie dogs are plump and delicious. I like to throw their Meatless Pepperoni slices onto store bought pizzas for an added kick, though they're a bit flimsy and don't taste too realistic. Yves Herb Chicken Skewers suffer from the same rubbery texture as Gardein's, but to a lesser extent.

Tofurky - Perhaps one of the most recognized names in fake meat, their product list extends far beyond their vegetarian Thanksgiving turkey substitutes. In fact, the Tofurky itself is probably this brand's weakest offering. I particularly enjoy their plump Franks and slightly spicy Kielbasa sausages, and I hear the Beer Brats are delicious. Their deli slices are great in sandwiches - as long as you load up on condiments - and they're vegan to boot. Tofurky is owned by Turtle Island Foods, a generally good and responsible company which strives to be environmentally friendly. They use organic ingredients whenever possible and oppose GMO's.

Morningstar Farms - With their frozen Chik'n Patties, burgers, and breakfast "meats" found in most grocery stores across the country, Morningstar is often one of the first brands a newly converted vegetarian reaches for in their quest for satisfying meat substitutes. But despite their fresh, healthy image, Morningstar products are really anything but. Most of their products, while tasty, contain artificial flavors and additives that healthy vegetarians ought to avoid. Though I admit their fake bacon is delicious (it even has imitation white marbling to mimic the look of the real thing), I rarely buy it because it doesn't suit a healthy, all-natural lifestyle. Considering all of the great alternatives listed above, I encourage chefs to avoid Morningstar.

- Melyssa Ahlborn

Naturally Gourmet's Foodie News and Views

Foodie Facts

According to Ron Tanner, VP of the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), and Mintel Research:

• Total sales of specialty foods in 2009 were $63.09 billion. 
• Cheese and cheese alternatives are the largest specialty food category, followed by condiments. 
• Yogurt and Kefir are the fastest growing specialty food categories
• Mediterranean, Latin, and Indian are the three trendiest cuisines

According to a study by the Organic Trade Association, despite the depressed economy, natural food consumption is on the rise, and the amount of money families spent on healthier cuisine rose 16% between 2009-2010 . More families are cooking at home and frequently using coupons and they continue to stay committed to healthy and natural eating.

Specialty Food Trends for 2010

Products that combine eclectic ingredients, especially those that blend sweet and heat. Also popular are jams, sauces, and marinades that contain wine, spirits, beer, and fruits. Coconut is also emerging as a star flavor. (Specialty Food Magazine).

Hot flavors and products for the summer grilling season feature cilantro, lime, ponzu (a citrus-based Asian sauce), blueberry, lemongrass, tamarind, chipotle, and artisanal honey.

Products containing super-fruits like açaí, goji berry, and pomegranate remain popular. 

Leslie's Picks

These products are the best of the best when it comes to this summer's hot flavors. 

• Earth and Vine Provisions - Chili Ponzu Marinade & Dip and Papaya Orange Habanero Preserve. I love everything from this company! Natural and organic products with outstanding flavors in beautiful packaging. 
• A Perfect Pear from Nappa Valley - Pear Chipotle Grill Sauce.
• Stonewall Kitchen - Pineapple Ginger Sauce. This is another one of my favorite companies. They are also the distributors of Barefoot Contessa products by Ina Garten. 
• Frontera Kitchen - Cilantro Lime Ceviche and Cocktail Sauce. All of Rick Bayless' products are authentic and delicious.
• Honey Ridge Farm - Ginger Lime Honey Glaze.
• Fischer and Weiser - Raspberry Chipotle Grilling Sauce and Raspberry Chipotle Vinaigrette. 

 
More picks to come!