ⓋLT Science

I’ve been vigorously trying to construct the perfect ‘blt’ever since finding Sweet Earth ‘Bacon’ in early December for the first time. It is a great product and will continue to purchase it. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that any ⓋLT is not perfect unless I have made my own Vegan bacon or Seican. I have a recipe map already made up, just need to pull that trigger and kill some plants! I truly hate plants and hope that they all die.

thumb_IMG_3135_1024

A ⓋLT (Vegan BLT) is common sense and easy to make and configure. I did make Vegan Island Dressing.

thumb_IMG_3232_1024

Vegan Island Dressing ingredients:

  • Vegenaise, mmmm (64) @ $9.98 = $0.16 per serving
  • Cucumber, deseeded & diced (4.5) @ $0.70 = $0.16 per serving
  • Radish, diced (7.5) @$1.19 = $0.16 per serving
  • Celery seed = $0.05 per serving (probably less)
  • Seasonings: GarlicP/OnionP/Paprika/Salt/Pepper/Sugar = $0.05 per serving
  • Shallot, diced (4.5) @ $0.72 = $0.16 per serving
  • Sriracha (96) @ $2.97 = $0.04 per serving
  • Balsamic Vinegar (32) @ $2.97 = $0.10 per serving

Prep, Mix & Spread. For roughly 88 cents per serving and for the number of servings you can have, the punch in the mouth of flavor compared to cost is unreal. Making a Vegan BLT with Vegan Island and pairing with a nice (local) IPA hits the spot so hard.

thumb_IMG_3264_1024

The only things that I can recommend for awesome VLTs are:

  • Use fresh Veggies
  • Use good Bread
  • Toast the Bread
  • And prep your own Veggies
  • Use your imagination 🙂

CAUTION:

ⓋLT pictures and adaptations to follow…

thumb_IMG_3146_1024thumb_IMG_3474_1024thumb_IMG_3170_1024thumb_IMG_3465_1024thumb_IMG_3708_1024thumb_IMG_3792_1024thumb_IMG_4461_1024thumb_IMG_3706_1024thumb_IMG_4037_1024thumb_HQUS6724_1024thumb_IMG_3744_1024

I’ve also found it better to use the Vegan ‘bacon’ right out of the package. I hope everyone takes pride in the Quality of their pictures as much as I do. QUALITYoverQUANTITY. Have fun & be healthy! Happy SUNDAY!

LBⓋ 11/10 Roasted Potatoes

LBⓋ = Low Budget Ⓥegan

thumb_IMG_4261_1024

MERRY CHRISTMAS, y’all!

thumb_CZLT5224_1024

Good food, good beer, a bit of time on my CROSSMAS bike (2014 TREK CrossRip aka HULKRIP) and not to mention quality family time is the perfect balance of greatness for I to strive this holiday season.

thumb_IMG_4245_1024

My sisters were mentioning that I need to write a cook book. I failed to mention all of you wonderful people that I annoy and torture with my deafening words and blinding pictures on WordPress. I will, however, take it into consideration.

thumb_IMG_4249_1024

It is oftenly easy to get ahead of yourself (myself) and experiment with food. Which is great, but not the best thing to do with family as your test bunnies unless you do not like them. There is nothing wrong with keeping things simple. I made Roasted Potatoes and a mastered experimental dish that I’ll get into another time. I will seriously not be climbing into the casserole dish with all of that glorious food consuming space waiting to be embraced inside of my tummy. Apologies for any misleads. I have an idea for bread, but decided to hold off and do that concept as a project just for myself. Crafting your (my) Ⓥ experiments before sharing is ideal. And it pans out. Happiness and joy to follow. Nothing is more satisfying (to me) than showing off a successful experimental dish you (I) constructed.

thumb_IMG_4250_1024

LBⓋ 11/10 Roasted Potatoes ingredients:

  • Red Potato (15) @ $2.49 = $0.17 per serving
  • Sriracha (96) @ $2.97 = $0.04 per serving
  • Balsamic Vinegar (32) = $0.10 per serving
  • Seasonings: Salt/Pepper/Oil/Rosemary/Basil = $0.08 per serving

Potato Process:)

  • Chop potatoes and from a decent distance, throw into large mixing bowl;)
  • Add everything except Basil and mix.
  • I put on baking sheet and wrapped with foil.
  • I baked for 60-75 minutes before removing foil and broiling slightly to finish.
  • Garnish with Basil and transfer to be made presentable.
  • At a whopping $0.39 per serving, this is a simple no-brainer for a side dish.

thumb_IMG_4265_1024

Happy Crossmas!

LBⓋ 10/10 CHILI

My mother, the wonderful angel she is, made Vegan Chili for me the other night. It was nothing spectacular other than her kindness and simplistically comforting Chili flavor. I decided to try out block Daiya for the first time and prepare Chili ‘Cheese’ ‘Steak’ Fries. I also included a Chili recipe within my Low Budget Ⓥegan concept.

Last night I purchased a used, but basically new FAT BIKE as most components were not used except for wheels and frame. It has been nicknamed Arrogant Bastard.

thumb_IMG_3190_1024

I often come across things on Netflix that are popular and OK, but not very good in my opinion. I sometimes continue to watch them because hunting for something you feel like watching is the entirety of the battle. And then I came across this and the war has been victorious!

Real Rob

thumb_IMG_3227_1024

Low Budget Ⓥegan Chili 10/10 ingredients:

  • Celery, diced (13) @ $0.39 = $0.03 per serving
  • Onion, diced (5) @ $0.80 = $0.16 per serving
  • Carrot, diced (12) @ $0.84 = $0.07 per serving
  • Sweet peppers, diced (2.75) @ $2.50 = $0.91 per serving
  • Stewed Tomatoes (6) @ $2.19 = $0.37 per serving
  • Tomato Paste (5) @ $0.58 = $0.12 per serving
  • Broth (4) @ $1.98 = $0.50 per serving
  • Dry Pinto Beans (13) @ $1.12 = $0.09 per serving
  • Dry Kidney beans (13) @ $1.16 = $0.10 per serving
  • Dry Black Eyed Peas (13) @ $1.52 = $0.12 per serving
  • Corn, canned (3.5) @ $0.50 = $0.15 per serving
  • Seasonings: GarlicP/OnionP/Paprika/Salt/Pepper/ BrownSugar/Cayenne = $0.06 per serving
  • Saltines (30) @ $1.78 = $0.06 per serving

thumb_IMG_3179_1024

Approach: 

  • I decided to cut out the use of any Oil for this Recipe.
  • I pre cooked Beans together for 60-75 minutes.
  • I chopped all Veggies and strained Beans and Corn.
  • Add Tomatoes and Paste. Fill Paste cans with Veggie Broth and add all ingredients with remaining Broth.
  • Add Pasty Broth and Season
  • Bring to boil, cover, simmer and periodically stir
  • GO FOR A FAT BIKE RIDE IN THE WET AND COLD AND COME BACK AND ENJOY!

thumb_IMG_3226_1024

It may be a bit deceiving at a whopping $2.74 per serving for this Chili, but the amount of serving are plentiful.

thumb_IMG_3177_1024

The block Daiya ‘cheddar cheese’ did not melt as I thought it would, but was extremely tasty!

thumb_IMG_3231_1024

Chili ‘Cheese’ ‘Steak’ Fries ingredients:

  • Potatoes, sliced and grilled (20) @ $2.99 = $0.15 per serving
  • Vegenaise, mmmm (64) @$9.98 = $0.16 per serving
  • Spinach, sliced (12) @$2.99 = $0.25 per serving
  • Chili, mmmm = $2.74 per serving unless MOM makes it for you 🙂
  • Daiya ‘cheese’ (7) @$5.95 = $0.85 per serving

Barrel Rolls:

  • Grill Potatoes
  • Slice Spinach and Daiya from block
  • Place Potatoes on plate and bake with heated Chili and Daiya.
  • Add Daiya and Vegenaise 🙂

thumb_PJDY3699_1024

LBⓋ 9/10 Simplistic Toast

This one is so simple that I feel out of line for sharing it. The taste is so good and it always puts an enormous smile on my face. AND this Ⓥegan plant-based butter is by far superior to any dairy animal torment butter. Earth Balance, you are my hero!

thumb_IMG_3097_1024

Low Budget Ⓥegan Simplistic TOAST ingredients:

  • Rye Bread, grilled (16) @ $2.89 = $0.19 per serving
  • Earth Balance ‘butter’ (30) @ $4.99 = $0.17

At 36 cents per serving, the taste compared to price, this combination is a no-brainer. Even for those carnivores, this is a win-win combination.

IMG_9988-0

Gonna take another stab at cellaring good Beers.

thumb_IMG_3099_1024

Rye Bread and Rye BEER…. RYE NOT!

HappyThursday!

LBV 8/10 BBⓋ Eggplant

I am so impressed with this BBⓋ Eggplant concept that I will be redesigning it with a few upgrades at a later date. These two sandwiches were amazingly delicious. They were also cheap and easy like the hooker I’ve always dreamed of….   😐

In all seriousness…

   
   
  
Low Budget Ⓥegan 8/10 BBⓋ Eggplant ingredients:

  • Eggplant, grilled and chopped (8) @ $1.78 = &0.23 per serving
  • Brown Sugar (227) @ $1.50 = $0.01 per serving
  • Ketchup (47) @ $2.24 = $0.05 per serving
  • Salsa (22) @ $2.48 = $0.12 per serving
  • Seasonings: Salt/Pepper/GarlicP/OnionP = $0.05 per serving
  • Rye Bread, grilled (16) @ $2.89 = $0.19 per serving
  • Liquid Smoke (8) @$1.48 = $0.19 per serving

For the taste and cost, this is a no-brainer easy lunch or snack inside the Vegan lifestyle. It calculates to $0.84 per serving.

  
Cross Country Ski Trek:

  • I used an awesome pan that is non-stick. I heated that pan and threw the chopped Eggplant in and tossed ’em around a bit.
  • I seasoned with Salt/Pepper and then Liquid Smoke.
  • After obtaining a bit more color, I added the Salsa, Ketchup, Brown Sugar & Seasonings and reduced heat.
  • After a few minutes, turn off heat and letlive.
  • Put on bread and I now recommend cutting in half.

  

    CHEERS to the 50 followers I have as of today! Feel free for any input or suggestions or dares. It keeps me going (because I’m hungry), but to influence others with ideas and to have an audience is the best motivation. I wish people would survive off of their own cooked meals and I wish fast food would deplete and Cows Wouldn’t Fart So Much.

      
    They deserve to fart, just not be raised just for slaughter and farts. Murder is bad. Meat is Murder.

    LBⓋ 7/10 POTATOES

    More of just a side, these are absolutely an economical and delicious way to eat ⓋEGAN.

      

    Low Budget ⓋEGAN 7/10 POTATOES ingredients:

    • Potatoes (20) @ $2.99 = $0.15 per serving
    • Salt/Pepper = $0.05 per serving
    • Sriracha (96) @ $2.97 = $0.04 per serving
    • Balsamic Vinegar (32) @ $2.97 = $0.10 per serving
    • Oil (128) @ $5.49 = $0.05 per serving

    These potatoes are super cheap at $0.39 per serving. And an outstanding side or snack.

      
    The most complicated thing to figure out is cutting. Either slice one way or slice both ways for a nice french fry style baked potato. These are also  good without any ingredients.

       
     

    • Slice potatoes and bake for 1.5 hours.
    • Mix ingredients and spread over top of Potatoes.
    • Broil for 10-15 minutes and serve.

      

      BREAKⓋAST

      There are most likely numerous things I do miss about a carnivorous and non-Vegan lifestyle, but, for some reason, I miss that sickening full feeling the most. And the subconscious connection between comfort-food and that sickly full atmospheric pressure is in the back of my brain as I’m still attaining to retain that damn sensation.

      Einstein_Bicycle-600x400

      The conclusion was creating  an awesome ongoing process of constructing Ⓥegan food that is extremely good for you that will never provide a sick-full ambience, like chasing a water-like mirage for 100 kms in a sand-boiling-into-glass desert. After months and months of scientifically creating food ideas like Einstein with an apron on and like Einstein riding a bicycle, there IS NOT a way to be engulfed by that death euphoria without torturing, murdering and consuming animal flesh or animal dairy products.

      thumb_IMG_3092_1024

      I will never in my life eat animal flesh ever again. So, it is settled. I do still enjoy creating and consuming Ⓥ “comfort-food”, but I will never experience that deathly ill susceptibility. I will only have an energetic, healthy and LIFEFUL consciousness and how is that a bad thing.

      Albert-Einstein-Nothing-will-benefit-human

      One fact that bothers me is Albert Einstein, the brilliant scientist, believed in vegetarianism his whole life, yet only practiced a vegetarian lifestyle at the conclusion of his life. For someone so smart, why did it take him so long..? I’d truly enjoy asking him that question.

      thumb_IMG_3056_1024

      I’ve recently noticed a trend of mothers posting cute pictures of their children and calling them “hams” on various social media platforms. I am biased being Vegan and haven’t stuck a fork in ham for well over three years, but I find it disturbing. All that I can think of is the torture and murder involved in preparing that “cute” dead animal flesh for the holiday. Why is that becoming a fad? I hope for the sake of quality of life that I am not the only one that has noticed and been bothered by this. Maybe I am overthinking this, but felt an urge to shed some light on this. If anyone can explain the reasoning behind this, I’d greatly appreciate it. I can only think of ignorance.

      Penguins Kill Polar Bears

      thumb_IMG_3068_1024

      A newly found artist, Penguins Kill Polar Bears, are a post-rock scottish foursome that are talented and loud.

      CHECK ‘EM OUT

      PenguinsKillPolarBears

      thumb_IMG_3088_1024

      I am also gonna, from now on, keep track of prices most of the prices in relation to their serving sizes. LBV is still not finished, also. (Low Budget Vegan)

      thumb_IMG_3045_1024

      BREAKⓋAST ingredients:

      • Tofu, extra firm (6) @ $2.98 = $0.50 per serving
      • Eggplant, chopped (8) @ $1.78 = $0.23 per serving
      • Spinach, sliced (3.5) @ $2.98 = $0.86 per serving
      • Shallot, sliced (6) @$0.72 = $0.12 per serving
      • Portabellini, sliced (3.5) @ $3.99 = $1.14 per serving
      • SEASONING: SeaSalt/Pepper/FennelSeed/ DillWeed/Oil = $0.07
      • Lightlife ‘sausage’, crumbled (7) @ $4.99 = $0.72 per serving
      • Lightlife ‘beef’, crumbled (7) @ $4.99 = $0.72 per serving
      • Rye Bread, grilled (16) @ $2.89 = $0.19 per serving
      • Earth Balance (30) @ $4.99 = $0.17 per serving
      • Tortilla, warm – for burrito (8) @ $1.25 = $0.16 per serving
      • Potato, diced (20) @ $2.99 = $0.15 per serving
      • Garlic, minced (27) @ $2.99 = $0.12 per serving

      This is definitely not the cheapest meal, at $4.43 per serving, it is well worth it for health and general life benefits. And depending on quality of vegetables, it can cost more. The spinach and Mushrooms are ridiculously expensive for the servings. Not 100% sure those were the serving sizes, but still way more than I normally want to spend.

      thumb_IMG_3046_1024

      I do not feel like going into much detail on how I made this. It’s pretty simple. I think I broke my toe last night and I’m going to attempt to ride tonight! I, also, am going to buy a Fat Bike tonight!!!

      thumb_IMG_2965_1024

      It’s been quite a few months since I rolled a FATTY!

      thumb_IMG_2918_1024

      Happy THURSDAY! Enjoy a good BEER

      thumb_IMG_2645_1024

       

      EZ Chinesey II

      In the past, before my Veganism, before my Vegetarianism, I was somehow convinced there was an unwritten rule that only certain foods were acceptable to eat in the morning. I tell ya what…. Chinese food at 0930 is the freaking way to start a day.

      IMG_2699

      A theory I’ve been toying around with for a while is that my tastebuds are still and have already evolved. Brussels Sprouts, Thanksgiving and I have a fairly new, yet repetitive, history. In 2011 on Thanksgiving, I attempted consumption of Brussels Sprouts and was completely disgusted and quickly forced the vegetable out of my mouth.

      IMG_2739

      In January 2013, I became a full-on Vegetarian and my life has never and will never be the same. I’ve toyed around with Vegetarianism before 2013, but finally pulled the trigger after viewing VEGUCATED on Netflix. Which to this day, is still on Netflix. And, honestly, Vegucated influenced my push to have a Vegan lifestyle.

      Vegucated Trailer

      On Thanksgiving 2014, I prepared two dishes of brussels sprouts. The one was carnivorous and the other was herbivorous. I did not eat any of the dish with pig flesh. The meatless dish did involve dairy, but gave me a new love for Brussels Sprouts. I now love various different vegetables that I used to despise, ultimately proving my theory of palate evolution.

      IMG_2741

      It is in my subconscious to need Brussels Sprouts in me around Thanksgiving time.

      LBⓋ 6/10

      IMG_2738

      Low Budget Ⓥegan EZ Chinesey II:

      • Ramen Noodles (non-Ⓥegan seasoning packet discarded) (24) @ $2.18 = $0.10 per serving
      • Brussels Sprouts, oven-roasted face down (9) @ $2.68 = $0.30 per serving
      • Salt/Pepper/OnionP/GarlicP = $0.05 per serving
      • Sesame Oil (10) @ $3.48 = $0.35 per serving
      • Balsamic Vinegar (32) @ $2.97 = $0.10 per serving
      • Sriracha (96) @ $2.97 = $0.04 per serving
      • Soy Sauce (30) @ $1.88 = $0.07 per serving

      IMG_2613

      Roast the brussels sprouts. In the meantime, slightly undercook Noodles and strain. Wipe out any remaining water in the pan. Put on low heat and Add Sesame Oil, Sriracha, Balsamic and Noodles. Add Seasonings and Brussels Sprouts. Add Soy Sauce and stir generously. At $1.01 per serving, this is extremely affordable and even more extremely delicious.

      IMG_2707

      My sister asked me to make Brussels Sprouts for this years Thanksgiving. It will be an epic Jurassic battle between the Herbivorous and carnivorous Brussels Sprouts as I’ll be preparing both unless I just go with the delicious Ⓥ Brussels Sprouts all together. 🙂

      Also, I’m digging this new WordPress app for OS X.

        

      LBⓋ 3/10

      Low Budget Ⓥegan 3/10

        
      Chicago-style Vegan Hot Dogs could be a bit cheaper depending on the quality of your Veggies. Any time I’m eating raw Veggies, I tend to be pickier on quality. These are super quick and easy to make and even easier to devour.

        

      Chicago-style Vegan Hot Dog ingredients:

      • Smart Dogs, grilled or boiled
      • Smart Dog Buns, regular buns
      • Mustard, mmmmm
      • Tomato, I had leftover grape Toms-sliced longways
      • English Cucumber, diced
      • Celery Salt
      • Onion, diced
      • Tortilla Chips, on the side or choose other side

      No instructions needed (I’d hope)     🙂

        
      Chicago-style Vegan Hot Dog Cost Science:

      • Smart Dogs (8) = $3.99 @ $0.50 per serving
      • Buns (8) = $1.25 @ $0.16 per serving
      • Mustard (136) = $1.75 @ $0.02 per serving
      • Tomato (10) = $3.98 @ $0.40 per serving
      • English Cucumber (10) = $1.99 @ $0.20 per serving
      • Celery Salt (794?) = $1.00 @less than $0.01 per serving
      • Onion (7) = $1.17 @ $0.17 per serving
      • Tortilla Chips (13) = $2.00 @ $0.16 per serving

      These are extremely comforting Vegan Dawgs and at $1.62 per serving, they are most worth it on a regular basis. Lightlife does an outstanding job with their Plant Powered Protein and if anyone ever gets a chance, TRY one of their many products. They even blew my mind having JUMBO Smart Dogs.

      Lightlife

      To all of you getting some snow, be safe & have FUN!

      LBⓋ 2/10

      Low Budget Ⓥegan 2/10

        

      EZ Chinesey ingredients:

      • Ramen, just noodles not seasoning packet
      • Veggies, I chose Oriental (Frozen)
      • Balsamic Vinegar
      • Sesame Oil
      • Sriracha
      • Soy Sauce
      • Minced Onion, dry
      • GarlicP/OnionP/Salt/Pepper

        

      EZ Chinesey Cost Science:

      • Ramen, seasoning packet discarded (24) = $2.18 & $0.10 per serving
      • Oriental Veggies, frozen (13) = $5.98 & $0.46 per serving
      • Balsamic Vinegar (32) = $2.97 & $0.10 per serving
      • Sesame Oil (10) = $3.48 & $0.35 per serving
      • Sriracha (96) = $2.97 & $0.04 per serving
      • Soy Sauce (30) = $1.88 & $0.07 per serving
      • Seasonings @ roughly $0.05 per serving

      Bring water to a boil and add Seasonings and Veggies for a minute. Then  add Ramen Noodles without their non-Vegan seasonings. Turn off heat and stir for 1-2 minutes. Strain. With Noodles and Veggies still in strainer, in the same pan/pot put Sesame Oil/Balsamic Vinegar/Sriracha and Soy Sauce and heat. Add Noodles and Veggies and stir. Done.

        
      At $1.17 per serving this EZ Chinesey is more on the expensive side, BUT ideal for date night and 2+ servings. HAPPY FRIDAY