My Vegetarian Quest

KittenKrazy

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Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

That sounds like a good idea. I'll try that. Plus it will add some extra flavour to the burgers and it's low sodium too.

Another thing I was thinking is to steam them instead of baking them openly in the oven. Steaming would cook them and keep the moisture.

I also just thought about adding a bit of cheddar. I can't have a lot of cheese because I'm lactose intolerant, but maybe even a 1/4 cup to the recipe would help with the moisture problem, and also help to bind it too.
Linda, I asked my husband and he agreed with jcat about the tomato paste, and also had the suggestion of making a "packet" of aluminum foil and baking them like that instead of the dry oven. I love the sound of the recipe though, think I may have to try it myself!
 
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natalie_ca

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Originally Posted by KittenKrazy

Linda, I asked my husband and he agreed with jcat about the tomato paste, and also had the suggestion of making a "packet" of aluminum foil and baking them like that instead of the dry oven. I love the sound of the recipe though, think I may have to try it myself!
The foil idea sounds great! I'll give that a try.
 

fwan

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I found that link pretty interesting.

I have to agree with the dairy products, I am going to cut out cheese again and see how i go. But cheese...
 

littleraven7726

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I also eat mostly vegetarian all week. This last weekend we were out most of the time and I ate more meat than normal. I think it really upset my stomach.
I've been feeling pretty poorly since yesterday.

One of my favorite vegetarian premade products are Morninstar Farms Corn Dogs.
They are SO good. Even my hubby loves them, and he loves regular hot dogs. Morningstar Farms Chik'n Nuggets are really good too. Silk Light is my favorite soy milk. If something calls for ground beef I substitute Boca Ground or Morningstar Farms crumbles instead.

I started going mostly vegetarian for the environmental and humane reasons. Then more recently it's been a lot cheaper than buying meat. I usually make or order something with meat a couple times a week, and that keeps my hubby happy.
 
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natalie_ca

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Originally Posted by littleraven7726

it's been a lot cheaper than buying meat.
It sure is! The last time I looked a package of 7 boneless/skinless chicken breasts were almost $24! The steak I bought for Chynna last month cost me $2 more than it did last fall.

When I was buying meat a typical buy would be the following:

8 chicken breasts
1 package of stewing beef
2 salmon filets (which I cut into 2 pieces to get 4 servings)
1 package of beef stir fry
1 pound of frozen shrimp
2 pounds of ground beef
1 pound ground turkey
1 top sirloin steak
1 pound bacon

That was over $100.00.

I estimate that not buying meat has shaved about $100 off my monthly grocery bill.
 

zissou'smom

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I think with veggie patties they're always better if you cook them in a little butter on the skillet. That way the outside gets a little crunchier and keeps the inside moist, instead of baking them to death in the oven. I know you're concerned about cholesterol, but comparing the amount of butter it takes to coat a pan (and you could really use Pam just as easily) to the amount in any of the meat things you are still eating, you're still way less than that unless you use like a pound of butter.

I don't know if the Subway you go to has this, but mine has a Veggie Max sandwich that has a patty on it that is pretty good. It's not just the veggie sub, it's good!
 

rockcat

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Originally Posted by littleraven7726

I also eat mostly vegetarian all week. This last weekend we were out most of the time and I ate more meat than normal. I think it really upset my stomach.
I've been feeling pretty poorly since yesterday.

One of my favorite vegetarian premade products are Morninstar Farms Corn Dogs.
They are SO good. Even my hubby loves them, and he loves regular hot dogs. Morningstar Farms Chik'n Nuggets are really good too. Silk Light is my favorite soy milk. If something calls for ground beef I substitute Boca Ground or Morningstar Farms crumbles instead.

I started going mostly vegetarian for the environmental and humane reasons. Then more recently it's been a lot cheaper than buying meat. I usually make or order something with meat a couple times a week, and that keeps my hubby happy.
I think that Morningstar Farms products are some of the tastiest veggie foods out there. I haven't had the corn dogs, but the regular dogs (I forget what they named them) are great. I like them served as a hot dog would be and also sauteed with peppers and onion.

The sausage patties are really good and I use the crumbles for any recipe where ground beef is used. I add 2 "grillers" (crumbled) if 16 oz is required.

I haven't tried the Boca burgers in years. I didn't care for them so much.

Gardenburger makes an excellent portabella burger.
 

cdubbie

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Where do you find Boco ground or Morningstar crumbles in the food store?
I would like to try that stuff for sure!

I add milk (along with egg) to my turkey burgers and turkey meatloaf.
My mum adds ketchup to the turkey burgers.
Both ways they seem to be moister.


Maybe you are just losing your taste for meat or enjoying experimenting with new flavors. Went I went veg. I started eating more 'live' food and interesting food - which I prolly wouldnt have done staying a meat eater.

I dont like to cook meat at home because I think it is gross, but will order chicken and fish in restuarants.(btw, veg no m ore, poultry and fish due to my soy allergy)
 

rockcat

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Originally Posted by CDubbie

Where do you find Boco ground or Morningstar crumbles in the food store?
I would like to try that stuff for sure!
In the frozen food section. Sometimes they are with the breakfast items.
 

cococat

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Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

I don't know if the Subway you go to has this, but mine has a Veggie Max sandwich that has a patty on it that is pretty good. It's not just the veggie sub, it's good!
I did not know this, thanks
 

laureen227

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Originally Posted by littleraven7726

Morningstar Farms Chik'n Nuggets are really good too.
oooh, i like those, too! i'm allergic to chicken, but since these are 'chicken free' i can have them!
 

butzie

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I am not a vegetarian (and would never be a vegan) but I always cook healthy. Years ago, I started serving one veggie dish per week. I have lots of great recipes.

Whereas I still like meat, I am finding that I am liking beef less and less. I eat smaller portions of beef. I would rather have chicken or fish at a restaurant. So, I do understand how you might be losing some of your taste for meat.

That being said, I have a story for you about our daughter's, and our, favorite nanny, Holly. Holly became like a daughter to us and a sister to Jen. Holly was a vegetarian. She is also Mormon and she went on her Mission to Hong Kong. Her host family served meat and she ate it because she was in their house with their customs. After she returned, she never really went back to being a vegetarian which is a good thing because she married a nice guy whose middle name should be beef!
 

zissou'smom

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Originally Posted by CDubbie

Where do you find Boco ground or Morningstar crumbles in the food store?
I would like to try that stuff for sure!
In addition to the breakfast section, they're sometimes with the respective item, like the hot dogs with the meat hot dogs, etc. That's a strange way to do it, to me, but I have seen it before. Usually they're all together in the frozen foods, sometimes the breakfast stuff (bacon, sausage) is with breakfast and the rest is by the microwave dinners.

Wherever it is, it's frozen. If you can't find it, just ask someone. Every time I move it seems to be in a different place in the new grocery.

And I recommend the Morningstar a lot more highly.
 
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