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Vegan Plant-Based Personal Chef

Melanie Daponte

  • Vegan Plant-Based Chef Melanie Daponte
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Tag: Cooking

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

animal activism, animal rights, Cooking, Food, meatless meals, Personal chef, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Tofu Scramble

Tofu scramble, when I reflect on my day to day cooking, is probably the recipe I cook most often at … More

animal rights, Cooking, healthy eating, plant-based diet, recipes, Tofu, Vegan, vegetarian

“Meaty” Grilled Tofu

Through much trial and error over the years– I have come to a great appreciation and respect for the humble … More

animal rights, chef, Cooking, meatless meals, plant-based, recipes, Tofu, Vegan, Vegan recipes, vegetarian

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

Asian, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, meatless meals, Noodles, Personal chef, plant strong, plant-based recipes, thai food, Tofu, Vegan, vegan asian food, Vegan comfort food, vegetarian

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

asian food, Cooking, meatless meals, plant-based diet, recipes, Tofu, Vegan, vegetarian

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

animal rights, Cooking, healthy eating, meatless meals, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Balsamic-Roasted Mushrooms

This dish makes a great appetizer or a light meal. Mushrooms have that satisfying umami flavor and a lovely “meaty” … More

chef, Cooking, meatless meals, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegan appetizers, vegetables, vegetarian

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

animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, lentils, meatless meals, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian
Plant-Based Chilil

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

Cooking, Food, meatless meals, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

White Bean Chili

This alternative to traditional chili is a thick and hearty stew of white beans, yellow squash, onions and yellow bell … More

Cooking, protein, recipes, soups, Vegan, vegetarian

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

animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Indian food, plant-based diet, protein, Vegan, vegetarian

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

animal activism, animal rights, chef, Cooking, Food, Indian, main dishes, Personal chef, peta, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

House Vinaigrette

Sometimes I just want a simple, yet tasty vinegar and oil dressing for my salad. This is the classic recipe we … More

Cooking, plant-based diet, recipes, Salad, Vegan, vegetables, vegetarian

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

beans, Cooking, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, meatless meals, Personal chef, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian, weight loss

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

cancer prevention, Cooking, Food, Health, healthy eating, meatless meals, Nutrition, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian, weight loss

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

animal rights, chef, Cooking, Food, mexican food, Personal chef, peta, plant-based diet, recipes, tomato sauce, Vegan, vegetarian

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

animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

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

Asian, chef, Cooking, Noodles, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

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

Comfort food, Cooking, Heart Healthy, Personal chef, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian, weight loss

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

chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Food, meatless meals, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian
Vegan Mushroom Soup

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

chef, Cooking, Heart Healthy, meatless meals, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

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

barbecue, Cooking, Food, jackfruit, meatless meals, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

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

chai, chef, Coffee, Cooking, Food, Indian, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

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

chef, Cooking, david lynch, Food, meatless meals, Movies, Personal chef, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian
Plant-Based Chilil

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

animal rights, cancer prevention, chef, Cooking, Food, heart healty, meal planning, meatless meals, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian, weight loss

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

animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Food, plant-based diet, plant-based personal chef, recipes, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

Vegan Plant-Based Creme Brûlée

  Yes, you read that right. Creme brûlée. Silky smooth and creamy sweet. And can I just mention, so easy … More

chef, Cooking, dairy free, desserts, egg-free, Food, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian

Vegan Pecan Bars

Oh, my gosh! Scrolling through my reader the other day I came across this delicious recipe from Kaitlyn at myconsciouskitchen.com … More

animal rights, Baking, chef, Cooking, dairy free, Food, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian

The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe For Plant-Based Diet

This is one of those ‘I can’t believe it’s vegan’ recipes! Looking for ways to apply my new discovery, Maldon … More

animal rights, Baking, chef, chocolate, cookies, Cooking, Personal chef, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Two-Ingredient Chocolate Sauce

Here’s a recipe I almost forgot I had in my collection. This one is from way back in my culinary … More

chocolate, Cooking, desserts, recipes, sauces, Vegan, vegetarian

Superfoods For Your Week

We don’t need to spend a lot of money to eat well. In a market saturated with prepared food ‘products’ … More

chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Heart Healthy, meal prep, Personal chef, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Vegetable Potstickers

These lovely little dumplings are a favorite at our local Japanese restaurant. Served with a simple dipping sauce, they make a tasty appetizer … More

asian food, Comfort food, Cooking, Food, Japanese, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Vegan Pumpkin (or Sweet Potato) Pie

This is hands-down the best pumpkin pie recipe out there! The sweet, creamy filling is firm without being dry, and … More

chef, Cooking, dairy free, desserts, Food, holiday, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian

Client Stories: Warren

Warren– “When my doctor recommended a plant-based diet due to my high blood pressure and pre-diabetes I didn’t know where … More

Cooking, Food, meatless meals, Personal chef, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

“Is It Vegan?”: The Pleasures and Perils of Plant-Based Junk Food

I’m sure I’m not the only one noticing how fresh fruit and vegetable sections at the local grocery are shrinking … More

animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Consumer advocacy, Cooking, Food, Grocery, healthy eating, Heart Healthy, meatless meals, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian, Wellness

Artisan Vegan Frankfurters

What can I say? I grew up like most American kids. Hot dogs were most definitely on the menu. Nowadays, … More

animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Food, meatless meals, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Mixed Indian Dal with Savory Aromatics

I have an abiding admiration for and a bit of an obsession with Indian cuisine. I find the complexity of … More

Comfort food, Cooking, indian cooking, meatless meals, Personal chef, plant-based, Vegan, vegetarian

What Makes a Plant-Based Recipe “Good”?

What makes a good recipe? Here’s what I look for when I scan the page: Reasonable number of ingredients. Reading … More

animal rights, chef, cookbooks, Cooking, Food, meatless meals, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian

Cornmeal-Molasses Waffles

I was in the mood for waffles today. But not the usual sweet, refined version most of us are used … More

animal rights, brunch, chef, Cooking, dairy free, food history, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Client Stories: Michael

“I recently returned from a 30 day health retreat where I learned about proper nutrition and the best way to … More

chef, Cooking, Food, meatless meals, Nutrition, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

Original Ginger (O.G) Refresher

I am inspired once again by True Food Kitchen. This gingery, bubbly, slightly sweet and sour elixir  has become my … More

brunch, Cooking, Drinks, Food, meatless meals, Personal chef, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, Wellness

Buffalo Chickpea Tenders

Okay, I’ve really done it this time! I know there are vegan variations on chicken wings and I’ve tried them … More

chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Party Food, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Vegan Carrot Cake with Cashew Cream Frosting

    This easy to prepare cake is full of carrots, pineapple, raisins and walnuts. It is super low-fat, yet … More

animal rights, Cooking, dairy free, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian

Carrot-Coconut Soup with Fresh Ginger Root

  Summer is coming down fast and I find myself seeking light, refreshing meals. Here’s a quick soup that is … More

animal rights, Cooking, Food, healthy food, raw vegan, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Chik’n Noodle Soup

There’s nothing quite like the distinctive experience of a steaming bowl of fragrant broth brimming with fresh simmered vegetables with … More

animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Personal chef, peta, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Homestyle Oat Bars

I really like those tasty, chewy individually packaged oat bars I find at Whole Foods Market. But I don’t like … More

chef, Comfort food, Cooking, granola, oatmeal, recipes, snacks, Vegan, vegan snacks, vegetarian

Cauliflower-Kale Soup

A tasty way to get your greens! This  creamy, satisfying soup is a client AND family favorite and only takes about … More

animal activism, animal rights, Comfort food, Cooking, healthy, Vegan, vegetarian

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

chef, Cooking, culinary arts, Food, food business, Personal chef, personal narrative, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

When Life Gives You Bananas…

Is it just me? Or does the sight of those last couple speckled bananas languishing on the countertop trigger an … More

animal rights, Baking, Comfort food, Cooking, Forks Over Knives, healthy, Heart Healthy, recipes, t. colin campbell, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

Easy Indian Curry Rice with Peas

Sometimes cooking is the most enjoyable when I really don’t have to cook, but I just want to. Certain dishes … More

chef, Cooking, diet, Food, healthy eating, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian, weight loss

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  • Vegan Crab Cakes with Tomato-Caper Remoulade
  • Tofu Scramble
  • “Meaty” Grilled Tofu
  • Tofu Vindaloo
  • Sesame Grilled Tofu with Sichuan Vegetables

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  • Soup/Stews (21)
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Top Posts & Pages

  • Original Ginger (O.G) Refresher
    Original Ginger (O.G) Refresher
  • Vegan Crab Cakes with Tomato-Caper Remoulade
    Vegan Crab Cakes with Tomato-Caper Remoulade
  • Vegan Plant-Based Personal Chef Melanie Daponte
    Vegan Plant-Based Personal Chef Melanie Daponte
  • Soup Magic:  Spicy Black Bean
    Soup Magic: Spicy Black Bean
  • Melanie's Blog
    Melanie's Blog
  • The New American Plate
    The New American Plate
  • Tofu Vindaloo
    Tofu Vindaloo
  • Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies
    Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies
  • Chocolate Raspberry Ganache Cake (gluten and soy free)
    Chocolate Raspberry Ganache Cake (gluten and soy free)
  • Depression-Era Chocolate Cake with Cocoa Buttercream
    Depression-Era Chocolate Cake with Cocoa Buttercream
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