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Vegan Plant-Based Personal Chef

Melanie Daponte

  • Vegan Plant-Based Chef Melanie Daponte
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Tag: plant-based diet

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

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
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: 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

beans, hearty soups, plant strong, plant-based, plant-based diet, protein, Quick and easy, quick meals, slow cooker, Vegan, vegan soups, vegetarian, weight loss

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

beans, chef, Comfort food, food history, Personal chef, plant-based diet, 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

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

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
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

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

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

cancer prevention, chef, diet, healthy cooking, Heart Healthy, Obesity, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegetarian, weight loss
Vegan Plant Based Personal Chef Special Event

Celebrating Ten Years in Business!

Here’s a short day-in-the-life video I’m sharing to celebrate ten years cooking delicious vegan, plant-based food for satisfied clients throughout … More

chef, Personal chef, plant-based diet, Vegan, 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

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

Vegan Pecan Pie…Yes You Can!

Traditional pecan pie relies on the coagulation of eggs with sugar and butter to bake into a custard-like filling to … More

Comfort food, Food, holiday recipes, Personal chef, pie, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegan personal chef, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

animal rights, chef, Personal chef, plant-based diet, plant-based personal chef, 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

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

Recipe Test: Quinoa Pancakes

Here’s the thing about pancakes…I love the way they taste, but not so much how I feel afterward. All that … More

animal rights, chef, Cooking, dairy free, Food, Gluten-free, Oil-free, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan

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

chef, Personal chef, plant-based diet, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

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

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

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

chef, Comfort food, Cooking, Food, holiday, Personal chef, plant-based diet, recipes, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

Client Stories: Kate

Kate– “My husband wants home-cooked plant-based meals and I simply don’t have the time to spend menu planning, shopping, prepping … More

chef, plant-based diet, 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

Client Stories: Alex

Alex– “My daughter is vegan and when she comes to visit over school breaks I never knew what to feed … More

chef, plant-based diet, plant-based personal chef, Vegan, vegan personal chef, vegetarian

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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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