We don’t need to spend a lot of money to eat well. In a market saturated with prepared food ‘products’ … More
Author: Melanie daPonte, Plant-Based Vegan Personal Chef
So You Want To Be a Personal Chef…
I love cooking plant-based and couldn’t imagine anything else I would rather do for a job. Becoming a personal chef … More
Plant-Based: On The Cheap
“I would try the plant-based diet, but I can’t afford it!” A phrase I have heard often. But, it’s a … More
Client Stories: Peter
Peter– “I was having trouble gaining weight and with my strength training routine I was hungry all the time and … More
Client Stories: Michael
“I recently returned from a 30 day health retreat where I learned about proper nutrition and the best way to … More
Client Stories: Ryan
Ryan– “I travel alot with work and when I come home it’s great to have healthy, custom vegan meals waiting … More
Vegan Crab Cakes with Tomato-Caper Remoulade
This recipe is hands-down the menu item my clients request most often! Light, but filling these vegetable cakes are actually … More
Tofu Scramble
Tofu scramble, when I reflect on my day to day cooking, is probably the recipe I cook most often at … More
“Meaty” Grilled Tofu
Through much trial and error over the years– I have come to a great appreciation and respect for the humble … More
Tofu Vindaloo
This is a spicy Indian dish I decided to prepare without any added oil. It turned out tasty and well … More
Sesame Grilled Tofu with Sichuan Vegetables
Here’s a quick and easy weeknight treat! I do not own a wok and still refuse to buy one. However, … More
Tofu Pad Thai with Rice Noodles
One of my favorite noodles dishes made vegan and oh so much healthier than take-out! This recipe is super-easy and … More
Korean Gochujang Barbecue Bowl
You may have noticed a condiment called gochujang popping up in your neighborhood grocery recently. It’s basically a spicy Korean … More
General Tso’s Tofu with Green Tea Soba
I am always looking to veganize recipes. Any recipe. Some of them traditionally feature meat. That doesn’t stop me from … More
Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Low-fat gravy?? How could that be? How about no-fat gravy? This gravy is so smooth and savory, but also light, … More
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Farro (soy free, gluten-free option)
This is a fun, easy, delicious whole foods meal–elegant enough for guests, but simple enough to whip up on a … More
Mushroom Bourguignon
Well, isn’t this fancy? A classical French dish turned vegan! Warm, savory and satisfying– this rich stew is filled with vegetables, … More
Balsamic-Roasted Mushrooms
This dish makes a great appetizer or a light meal. Mushrooms have that satisfying umami flavor and a lovely “meaty” … More
Thai Peanut Curry with Vegetables and Tofu
This is one of my very favorite dishes! Creamy, sweet and spicy–with lots of tender-crisp vegetables and protein-rich tofu! My … More
Indian Lentil Salad with Curry Vinaigrette
Where I am getting my lean, mean protein lately? Why lentils, of course! These friendly little legumes pack 18 grams … More
How To Make Lentils Taste Good
If you hate lentils, chances are you have eaten them from a can. The first time I tried them was long … More
Party Enchiladas (gluten and soy free)
Now, I’m not gonna lie, enchiladas are neither quick or easy to make, but they are great for entertaining. These … More
John Legend’s Chili, Plant-Based Version
I came across this recipe for chili in Chrissy Teigen’s cookbook, “Cravings”. I decided to follow the recipe exactly (with … More
Soup Magic: Spicy Black Bean
This soup doesn’t even require any vegetable chopping! Can it get any easier? I fired up the crockpot and added … More
Soup Magic: Homestyle Split Pea
Put something warm and nourishing in your belly with this super-easy soup recipe. When I think of split pea soup, … More
Soup Magic: Hearty Lentil
Lentil is one of my favorite high-protein meal soups. It’s simple and low maintenance, and comes together in just a … More
Pasta Fagioli
Pasta fagioli is a classic Italian soup combining hearty white beans and pasta in a savory tomato broth with fresh thyme and … More
Thai Red Lentil Chili
This is my new favorite stew! Imagine spicy smoky chili flavor mingled with sweet creamy coconut milk, hearty kidney beans, … More
Senate Bean Soup
U.S. Senate Bean Soup is traditionally made with navy beans, ham hocks and onions. It is served in the dining room … More
White Bean Chili
This alternative to traditional chili is a thick and hearty stew of white beans, yellow squash, onions and yellow bell … More
Golden Indian Dal Soup
Dal is my go-to comfort food. A warm, savory, nourishing meal, filled with creamy, protein-rich lentils and healing turmeric–tempered with cumin … More
Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry
This quick and simple but intensely flavorful bowl is my current lunch favorite. And the recipe welcomes substitution for whatever … More
Rajma Masala (Red Kidney Bean Curry)
I couldn’t wait to try this recipe I stumbled upon at SpiceyAndSugaryBites. I’ve never made an Indian curry with kidney beans … More
House Vinaigrette
Sometimes I just want a simple, yet tasty vinegar and oil dressing for my salad. This is the classic recipe we … More
Easy Vegan Plant-Based Black Bean Fajita Bowl
Beans can play a major role in a whole food, plant-based vegan diet. They are economical, filling, super-easy to cook … More
The Truth About Plant-Based Meat
Choosing a vegan burger, hot dog or plant-based meat breakfast sausage doesn’t make burgers, sausage or hot dogs healthy. It … More
Easy Enchilada Sauce
In my experience, you can stuff a burrito with just about anything. But the sauce…now, the sauce can make it … More
Plant-Based Vegan Taco ‘Beef’ Crumbles
This easy recipe from my home kitchen collection is always a big hit, whether featured in burritos, tacos, nachos, salads…the list … More
Mushroom-Sesame Soba With Edamame
I love noodles, especially soba. Here’s a quick and easy dish that works for a weeknight meal, but translates just … More
Vegan Lentil-Tempeh Sloppy Joes
Here’s a new enlightened version of an old classic that is just perfect served in the traditional buns or over a … More
Lentil-Walnut Loaf with Sweet Tomato Glaze
This is a client favorite and a recipe I swear by, having grown up eating traditional meatloaf. This version has … More
Easy Vegan Mushroom White Bean Soup
A Quick and Easy Plant-Based, Nutritious Vegan Lunch or Dinner Idea! This mushroom white bean soup will keep you warm … More
Smoky Pulled Jackfruit
When I first heard that jackfruit can imitate the texture of shredded meat classically prepared as barbecue, I could hardly believe it. … More
Spicy Red Bean and Tofu Jambalaya
This dish can be put together in 30 minutes or less but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. My … More
Dirty Chai
A shot of fresh-brewed espresso poured into a cup of spicy, rich chai tea. The best of two worlds? I just had … More
David Lynch’s Quinoa: An Incidentally Vegan, Plant-Based Recipe
David Lynch’s short film, Quinoa, is included as a special feature on his Inland Empire DVD. Filmed in black and white, … More
Top Picks: Viewing Recommendations For New Vegan Plant-Based Diet
If your focus in the new year is on improving your personal health, and breaking the cycle of disease stemming … More
Never Bored: Easy Vegan Plant-Based Meals For Your Week
“What’s For Dinner?” A vegan plant-based diet is anything but restrictive when you have a collection of easy, tasty recipes … More
Best. Hummus. Ever.
What makes this hummus recipe so special? It’s simplicity. So, I’m not going to ramble on about the history of … More
The New American Plate
What Can a Plant-Based Diet Do For You? According to the latest report, over 40% of adults in the USA … More
You must be logged in to post a comment.