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Melanie daPonte

Plant-Based Personal Chef

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Tag: meatless meals

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: 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

Never Bored: My Plant-Based Dinner Rotation

It’s no easier for me, as a chef, than for anybody else– to decide what to make for dinner at … More

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

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

Friend or Faux: What You Need to Know About Fake Meats

If you want to improve your health, reclaim your naturally balanced weight, increase energy and focus…all of this is possible … More

Cooking, Food, Health, healthy eating, meatless meals, Nutrition, plant-based diet, Vegan, 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

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

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

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

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

The Best Plant-Based Cookbook is Waiting For You, And It’s Free!

  “Do you cook a lot?” asks the librarian behind the counter. It’s after work, I’m in my chef jacket, … More

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

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

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

Black Bean Fajita Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Chimichurri

I had an opportunity recently to work with a local vegan restaurant, helping them come up with new dishes to … More

beans, chef, Cooking, Gluten-free, 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

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

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

Fancy Potatoes

Okay, we’ve established potatoes are cheap plant-based eats. They are also whole and perfect in their natural state. Although I … More

animal activism, animal rights, meatless meals, plant-based diet, Potatoes, Vegan, vegetarian

Coconut Chana Saag

Here I am turning out a lovely pot full of Indian goodness called Coconut Chana Saag. Super simple when you … More

animal rights, Gluten-free, Indian food, meatless meals, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian

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

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

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

animal rights, chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Food, healthy food, Heart Healthy, meatless meals, Nutrition, Personal chef, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian, Weightloss

“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

Tempeh Meatloaf, Vegan, GF, Oil-Free

I don’t hear much talk of tempeh these days–but lest it be forgotten, tempeh is a wonderful source of protein … More

Gluten-free, meatless meals, plant-based diet, tempeh, Vegan, 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

Vegan Barbecue Ribz

Fire up the grill this weekend and prepare your favorite barbecue sauce for these super-easy and super-tasty seitan ribz! This … More

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

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

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

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

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

Hearts of Palm 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

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

Quinoa With Broccoli, By David Lynch

I found myself inspired the other night by David Lynch’s short film, Quinoa, included as a special feature on his Inland … More

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

Vegan Patty Melt

The key to a successful patty melt is in the assembly. You want a juicy, messy, melty experience, but you … More

animal rights, chef, Cooking, dinner, Food, meatless meals, plant-based diet, Vegan, Vegan comfort food, vegetarian

What I Ate Tuesday (Vegan)

Breakfast is a little late getting off the ground because I decide  to soak for awhile and watch my backyard … More

animal activism, animal rights, Cooking, Food, healthy cooking, heart health, meatless meals, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, Vegan recipes, vegetarian

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Recent Posts

  • Client Stories: Peter
  • Vegan Carrot Cake with Cashew Cream Frosting
  • Carrot-Coconut Soup with Fresh Ginger Root
  • Client Stories: Warren
  • Tofu Scramble

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  • Sauces/dressings (18)
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Top Posts & Pages

  • Vegan Apple Crisp
    Vegan Apple Crisp
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    Plant-Based: On The Cheap
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    "Meaty" Grilled Tofu
  • Maple-Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Shallots
    Maple-Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Shallots
  • Vegan Carrot Cake with Cashew Cream Frosting
    Vegan Carrot Cake with Cashew Cream Frosting
  • Tofu Curry
    Tofu Curry
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    Vegan Creme Brûlée
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    Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
  • Spicy Red Bean and Tofu Jambalaya
    Spicy Red Bean and Tofu Jambalaya
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