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?

Vegan While Out: Chipotle Got Dat Tofu, Yo!

"Vegans & carnivores unite!" is the slogan Chipotle is using to promote their tofu sofritas.

I finally tried the sofritas bowl yesterday! I haven't been to Chipotle in months, so I didn't realize they started offering it outside of Cali (I remember when they were testing it out there several months ago).

I actually found out about it because my cousin in-law (who isn't a vegan) mentioned he lost weight on the what he calls the "sofritas & Subway diet." lol

Chipotle is using shredded organic tofu, then braising it with chipotle chilis, roasted poblanos and a blend of spices. This is an amazing meat substitute for families dabbling into meat-less life.

The texture is perfect! It's firm and has a serious bite like chicken. In fact, my boys said it reminded them of chicken. It's spicy and delicious!

Before sofritas, Chipotle was already very veg-friendly. My usual order is a bowl with black beans, fajitas, crack rice (you know that rice is crack! lol), guac, mild salsa and lettuce - so ordering sofritas was a nice change from that.

Will I order it again? Probably not. I loved the flavor and I'm sooo glad it's on the menu, but I don't like that Chipotle charges $2 for guac when you order sofritas. I'm used to guac being standard in my veggie bowl, so I refuse to pay extra for it. *Ye Shrug*

Anywho, I LOVE that tofu and vegan options as a whole are becoming more and more mainstream. :-)

See if sofritas are available in your area!

Have you had a chance to try it yet?

What We Tried Today: Gimme Lean "Ground Beef" Style Burgers

Finished burger with ketchup and Vegenaise

My youngest son asked for a "regular burger" a few weeks ago, so I knew eating our favorite vegan burger was out of the question. He was looking for something with a bite and similar texture to ground beef. I picked up a pack of Gimme Lean ground beef style veggie protein and went home to experiment.

What I liked:

*I was able to prep and cook the burgers within 30 minutes

*Great source of protein and zero fat and cholesterol

*The flavor was pretty good and reminded me of char-broiled burgers

*It has a similar texture to regular ground beef and has a great bite

What we/I didn't like:

*Way too sticky to handle-one of my Youtube viewers mentioned it isn't as sticky when handling with wet hands

*Pricey-about $6 for 4 hamburger patties

Will I buy it again? Even though the kids liked it, I probably wouldn't buy it again because it caused my stomach to hurt. :-(  Fortunately, the boys didn't have any problems.

Watch my full review here. :-)

Have you tried this Gimme Lean product or any of their other products?

What We Tried Today: So Delicious Mocha Almond Fudge Minis

What was the first thing Theo asked for when we went to the grocery store yesterday? Ice cream!

We headed to the frozen section for our usual vanilla So Delicious but I reached for their Mocha Almond Fudge Minis instead. 

Since junk food rarely last more than 24 hours in our house, we opened the box as soon as we got home.

*Dairy Free

*Soy Free

Non-GMO certified

The dark chocolate coating is crunchy with almonds & coconut-delicious!

I can't say the same for the actual ice cream.  I'm not a fan of coffee and the "mocha almond fudge" tasted too much like it to me.  

My kids loved the bars though-so majority rules in this ice cream war. :-)

Would I buy it again? If the kids request it.  

I did see some other So Delicious Minis flavors at the store, so I plan to try those too.

Have you tried this ice cream or any of the other So Delicious products?

What We Tried Today: Field Roast Vegan Sausage

A few people told me Field Roast's meatless sausage are tastier than Tofurky, so I decided to pick up a pack the last time I went to the grocery store.  I cooked the sausage with red & green bell peppers and rice.

Likes:

*The whole family enjoyed the sausage

*It was a little spicier than I expected but not enough to turn anyone off (including kids)

*Good ingredient list that includes potatoes, dried apples, and spices (Smoked Apple Sage version)

*Makes for a quick meal with sauteed vegetables or tofu scramble

Overall:

I think Field Roast sausages are a perfect introduction to vegan meat alternatives.  Also, the variety I purchased didn't have soybeans or soy byproducts; which I know can be a plus for some.

Don't expect these to taste exactly like traditional beef sausage (pretty close though).  Field Roast offers a delicious way to transition from conventional sausage.

Have you tried Field Roast sausage?