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Vegan Plant-Based Personal Chef

Melanie Daponte

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

“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

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Farro (soy free, gluten-free option)

This is a fun, easy, delicious whole foods meal–elegant enough for guests, but simple enough to whip up on a … More

plant strong, plant-based, 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

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

Soup Magic: Homestyle Split Pea

Put something warm and nourishing in your belly with this super-easy soup recipe. When I think of split pea soup, … More

crockpot, hearty soups, legumes, plant strong, plant-based, quick meals, slow cooker, soups, split pea, Vegan, vegetarian

Thai Red Lentil Chili

This is my new favorite stew! Imagine spicy smoky chili flavor mingled with sweet creamy coconut milk, hearty kidney beans, … More

Gluten-free, plant strong, plant-based, Thai vegan recipes, vegan chili, Vegan comfort food, Vegan stew

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

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

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 Frangipane-Raspberry Strudel

I got to thinking about frangipane and how I hadn’t enjoyed it since way back in my culinary school days. I … More

animal activism, brunch, Comfort food, dairy free, desserts, frangipane, pastry, plant-based, Vegan, vegan baking, Vegan Desserts, vegetarian

Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies

These are the best gingerbread cookies I have ever baked, vegan or not! The flavor and spices are perfectly balanced, … More

animal rights, Baking, cookies, holiday, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

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

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

Hearty Vegan Lasagna: Step by Step

If you break it down, lasagna is a really simple, yet really impressive dish. This recipe combines everything I love … More

dairy free, meat-free, plant-based, 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

Cajun Potato Cake with Horseradish Cream

Doesn’t this look delish? It’s really simple to make. CAJUN POTATO CAKES 1 CUP LEFTOVER MASHED POTATOES ¼ CUP FLOUR, … More

Cooking, Food, plant-based, Potatoes, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Tempeh Picatta

Tangy lemon and capers in a savory butter garlic sauce over pan-seared tempeh. A very easy, enlightened version of the … More

dinner, Food, Food photography, picatta, plant strong, plant-based, recipes, tempeh, tempeh picatta, Vegan, Vegan cooking, Vegan recipes, vegan restaurant classics, vegetarian, vegetarian recipes

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

Two Bean and Bulgar Chili

I came across this recipe, while sifting through a kitchen junk drawer. It was a page torn from one of … More

Comfort food, Creativity, dinner, Food, Food photography, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Low-fat vegan, plant strong, plant-based, recipes, Simple recipes, Vegan, vegan chili, Vegan cooking, Vegan recipes, vegetarian, vegetarian recipes

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

Raw Lasagna Rolls

Tasty, easy and healthy—these rolls are an exciting twist on a classic Italian dish. I admit I was skeptical at … More

animal activism, animal rights, gluten-free vegan, healthy eating, Heart Healthy, plant strong, plant-based, raw, raw food diet, raw vegan, recipes, soy free vegan, Vegan, vegan italian, 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

Roasted Pumpkin Mousse

  Here’s a little something special to spice up your next vegan feast! Roasted Pumpkin Mousse 15 ounces PUMPKIN PUREE … More

animal rights, Cooking, desserts, holiday, meatless, plant-based, pumpkin, recipes, 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

Vegan Apple Crisp

I remember when I first became aware there was such a thing called apple crisp. And it wasn’t at home. … More

Comfort food, Cooking, dairy free, desserts, Food, plant-based, Vegan, vegan baking, Vegan Desserts, vegetarian

Vegan French Toast

As a lifelong  pancake girl, I never thought I’d get around to writing this post. But my husband’s a French … More

animal activism, animal rights, brunch, Cooking, dairy free, Food, plant-based, Vegan, vegetarian

French Onion Soup

They said it couldn’t be done…but here it is, a veganized version of the classic French onion soup! This recipe … More

Comfort food, french onion, plant strong, plant-based, Vegan, Vegan cooking, Vegan recipes, vegan soups, veganized recipes

Rosemary Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a super-simple yet super- impressive side dish that practically cooks itself–leaving the stovetop free for the rest of your … More

basic recipes, easy recipes, meat-free, plant-based, Potatoes, roasted vegetables, side dishes, sweet potatoes, 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

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

Deli Style Tuna Salad (Fish-Free)

Having gone plant-based about eight years ago, I had actually forgotten about fish as food. But, when I read about … More

animal activism, animal rights, chef, Cooking, Food, meatless, peta, plant-based, recipes, Sandwiches, Vegan, vegetarian

Vegan Eats: Orlando

Our first trip since Spring Break 2020, we ventured north for Steve’s birthday weekend to Orlando Wetlands and Circle B … More

animal activism, animal rights, Baking, Cooking, dairy free, Food, Gig, orlando, peta, plant-based, recipes, Sourdough, travel, Vegan, vegan travel, vegetarian

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

animal activism, animal rights, Baking, Comfort food, Cooking, dairy-free, egg-free, Food, Oil-free, Personal chef, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegan personal chef, whole-grain

Key Lime Icebox Pie with Mango-Ginger Coulis

Here’s a little something different for you, dear readers. A delicious creamy, no-bake dessert that is sweet, but not overly … More

Cooking, dairy free, desserts, Food, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Depression-Era Chocolate Cake with Cocoa Buttercream

During the Great Depression, a time of severe worldwide economic struggle–which took place in the 1930’s and lasted almost a … More

Baking, Comfort food, Cooking, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Banana Oat Pancakes

This recipe from our fellow blogger Spencer, has so much going for it! #1 Whole Foods #2 No oil or … More

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

The Music of The Mundane

I am thankful to all of you who take the time to share what you are creating or thinking or … More

blogging, Cooking, Food, food photography vegan, plant-based, 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

What I Ate Wednesday (Vegan)

Wednesday usually hits hard at work. As the tension increases, I seek immediate relief in my food choices. Dopamine now! … More

animal activism, animal rights, Cooking, Food, meal prep, meatless meals, plant-based, Vegan, vegetarian

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

animal activism, animal rights, Baking, Breads, brunch, chef, Cooking, dairy free, egg-free, Food, Personal chef, peta, plant-based, recipes, Vegan

Vegan Baking Powder Biscuits

Fresh-baked biscuits are a rare treat at my house. They remind me of breakfasts at Nana’s. I sometimes do half … More

animal rights, Baking, chef, Food, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

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

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

Thai Curry in a Hurry

I just love when a dinner idea sparks my imagination and I happen to have everything on hand to create … More

animal rights, Cooking, Food, meatless meals, plant strong, plant-based, recipes, thai food, Vegan, vegetarian

15 Minute Farro

When it comes to choosing a whole grain foundation for plant-based meals, I like to mix it up for variety’s … More

Comfort food, Cooking, farro, Food, meatless meals, plant-based, recipes, Vegan, whole grains

Top Ten Vegan Dessert Recipes

  You asked for it and here it is! The Monster List of Vegan Desserts! Enjoy!     Dark Chocolate Ganache … More

chocolate, dairy free, Personal chef, plant-based, Vegan, vegan baking, Vegan Desserts, vegetarian

Recent Posts

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

Recipe Box

  • Breakfast/Brunch (32)
  • Chef Biz (6)
  • Client Stories (10)
  • Desserts (34)
  • Diet and Lifestyle (14)
  • Mains (81)
  • Sauces/dressings (18)
  • Sides (12)
  • Soup/Stews (21)
  • Uncategorized (19)

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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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