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Vegan Plant-Based Personal Chef

Melanie Daponte

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Tag: meatless meals

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

“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

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

Asian, meatless meals, spicy, Tofu, Vegan, 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

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

animal rights, asian food, chef, meatless meals, Personal chef, Tofu, Vegan, 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

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

budget-friendly recipes, cheap eats, crockpot, legumes, lentils, meatless meals, one-dish meals, protein, Quick and easy, soups, Vegan, vegetarian, weight loss

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

beans, Comfort food, Indian recipes, meatless meals, plant-based, Vegan, 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

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

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

cajun, gluten-free vegan, meatless meals, Quick and easy, Spicy food, Tofu, 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

Tofu Curry

This recipe is a client favorite! It’s a north Indian style curry, filled with aromatic spices and baked tofu. The … More

Indian food, Indian recipes, meatless meals, plant-based, Tofu, Vegan, vegan indian food, 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

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

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

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

Client Stories: Peter

Peter– “I was having trouble gaining weight and with my strength training routine I was hungry all the time and … More

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

Client Stories: Leanne

Leanne– “As busy college professors we just didn’t have time to cook the healthy meals we wanted. Hiring a personal … More

chef, Comfort food, meatless meals, Personal chef, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

Falafel Burgers with Tahini Sauce

Here’s a light, yet filling–substantial, yet easy meal idea: Falafel Burgers (from Isa Chandra Moskowitz) (4 servings) ½ cup Chickpeas, … More

chef, Comfort food, meatless meals, plant-based, Vegan, vegetarian

Vegan Brunch, From Start to Finish

I love to cook big breakfast on the weekend! Here’s a fairly easy menu I pulled off this morning in … More

animal rights, chef, Cooking, Food, meatless meals, sunday brunch, Vegan, vegetarian

Sometimes Vegan Breakfast…

…looks like this. But more often, especially during the week, it looks like: Or… Now and then, weekend breakfast looks … More

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

Client Stories: Mark and Rachel

Rachel– “Chef Melanie is a life saver! She made a week’s worth of delicious vegan meals for us when we … More

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

Kidney Bean-Quinoa Burgers with Easy Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Okay, so I didn’t think about posting this recipe until I was plating it up for service. This was our … More

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

Basil-Spinach Pesto

Yes, of course vegans can enjoy pesto!! I think it tastes even better without the cheese usually present in most … More

Comfort food, Cooking, dairy-free baking, meatless meals, pasta, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Vegan Baked Ziti

  This recipe is more about method than it is about the ingredients. You could simply layer sauce, pasta and … More

animal rights, Cooking, dairy free, meatless meals, pasta, Personal chef, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

Soup and Bread

It occurs to me that there are two foods I can simply never do without–soup and bread.  I will never … More

Baking, Breads, Comfort food, Food photography, meatless meals, soups, stews, Vegan, vegan baking, vegetarian

Easy Mozzarella Cheeze Sauce

So, you reach a point when you stop trying to replace cheese with processed substitutes like Daiya or Follow Your … More

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

Chana Masala

There will always be Indian food in my weekly meal rotation. Why? Because it’s delicious and nutritious, and need not … More

animal rights, chef, chickpeas, Comfort food, Cooking, Food, Heart Healthy, Indian recipes, meatless meals, plant-based, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian, weight loss

Crispy Marinated Tofu with Braised Kale

I can’t emphasize enough how tasty, simple and quick this recipe is. So much flavor, from so few ingredients! Crispy … More

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

Simple Italian Sausage

Going vegan doesn’t mean giving up comfort foods, oh no! No way. Although I have tried various vegan sausage brands … More

chef, Cooking, meatless meals, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Plant-Based Mushroom Stroganoff (Vegan)

Another super simple recipe!  I’ve made this recipe for my family, not all of whom are vegan and I’ve made … More

animal activism, animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, dairy free, dinner, easy recipes, healthy food, meatless meals, mushrooms, Vegan, vegetarian

Tempeh Sausage Crumbles

These tasty sausage crumbles are versatile, lending a satisfying umami flavor and a chewy  bite to gravy, sauces, rice or other … More

animal rights, chef, Cooking, meatless meals, plant-based diet, recipes, tempeh, Vegan, vegetables, vegetarian

Peanut Dragon Sauce

It’s been a super busy week! When I crave a quick comforting meal, soba noodles are often my go-to food. … More

animal activism, animal rights, brunch, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, dinner, easy recipes, healthy food, meatless meals, Personal chef, Vegan, vegan asian food, Vegan Lunch, vegetarian

Restaurant-Style Marinara

The secret for marinara sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day? Tomato paste. The savory-sweet intensity adds depth … More

animal activism, animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Food, meatless meals, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

The Vegan Reuben Project

I enjoy a personal culinary challenge now and then. Especially one that results in good eats! I set out to create … More

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

Vegan Gumbo with Homemade Andouille, A Passion Project

Every once in awhile I find myself overwhelmed by the urge to make something I know will be complicated. And … More

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

Vegan Andouille Sausage

Here’s just the companion to my gumbo recipe, a tasty, spicy sausage to enhance the dish or slice up and … More

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

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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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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)
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    Depression-Era Chocolate Cake with Cocoa Buttercream
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