Peter– “I was having trouble gaining weight and with my strength training routine I was hungry all the time and … More
Tag: Personal chef
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
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
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
Client Stories: Jessica
Jessica– “At first, I was a super-picky eater with only a small list of veggies I actually liked. But, I … More
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
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 Chocolate Chip Cookies
This is one of those ‘I can’t believe it’s vegan’ recipes! Looking for ways to apply my new discovery, Maldon … More
Vegan Chocolate Mousse Terrine
Here is a rich, elegant, special occasion dessert that is pretty easy to assemble, believe it or not. Fudgy brownie … More
Client Stories: Michelle
Michelle– “I had to give up gluten, nuts, oil and coconut due to chronic health issues. It’s hard to figure … More
Vegan Thanksgiving Gravy
I’m sharing here my favorite vegan holiday gravy recipe from my first plant-based Thanksgiving dinner in 2012. That’s a home-baked … More
Alternative Plant-Based Holiday Menus
I have nothing against Tofurkey or Gardein or various seitan roasts. And of course there’s the “Festival of Sides” as … More
Vegan Pecan Pie…Yes You Can!
Leave it to the folks at America’s Test Kitchen to dig into the science on this special recipe challenge! Traditional … More
Sometimes Vegan Breakfast…
…looks like this. But more often, especially during the week, it looks like: Or… Now and then, weekend breakfast looks … More
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
Vegan Baked Ziti
This recipe is more about method than it is about the ingredients. You could simply layer sauce, pasta and … More
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
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
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
Easy Chocolate Ganache
A rich, creamy coating of chocolate ganache makes a grand impression on a special dessert! Here is a simple recipe … 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
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
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
Vegan Korean Barbecue (Bulgogi)
I’ve been exploring Korean cuisine this week. I am so pleasantly surprised to find recipe websites featuring vegan Korean food. … More
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
Chocolate Chip Muffins (Vegan, Whole-Grain, Oil-Free)
Muffins are a happy little baking project. Quick breads are meant to be simple, tasty and portable. These little gems … More
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
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
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
Vegan Sweet Rolls with Fruit Filling
Times like these, I am sure your family is thankful they live with someone who enjoys cooking. And it’s times … More
January 2020 Menu
Nutritious and nourishing to the body without depriving you of flavor or satisfaction, a plant-based diet supports the wellness of … 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
Working Lunch
The summer months are a time to rest and re-energize my mind as well as my body. A time to reflect, … More
About Melanie
Summer Tempeh Sammies
Okay, everyone knows tempeh is good for you. At first, I didn’t know what to do with it. I cut … More
April 2018 Menu!
I have moved to an all-in-one, meal-in-a-box format this Spring. It seems to be the best way to keep reheating … More
One Big Vegan Pancake
Sometimes I am in the mood for pancakes, but dread standing over the stove babysitting the griddle until all the … More
Top Ten Vegan Dessert Recipes
You asked for it and here it is! The Monster List of Vegan Desserts! Enjoy! Dark Chocolate Ganache … More
Melanie daPonte 
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