Vegan Style Cooking First Up BURGERS!

I decided to start a food blog after my students suggested that I keep track of the meals I create. Recently I started experimenting with vegetarianism and even a total vegan diet. At first I thought "wow this is going to be gross". In fact just the opposite, this new endeavor has been quite tasty so much so I am going vegan. This blog will be a testament to my trials in cooking VEGAN style.

I started out at a restaurant that I called hippies and moon beams as I could never remember the name only what it made me thing of, I have since been advised it is called Dream Cafe. Now please understand hippies and moon beams is something that makes me smile so not a slam at all. One of the dishes they have on the menu is called "Your so VEGAN" and I decided to try it. I LOVED IT!

This dish started me out on my journey, only to be fueled by my company that started a vegan study to see the health benefits of a vegan diet. Since my visit to Dream Cafe I have visited local grocery stores as well as speciality stores and found tremendous support for my vegan ways. This blog is intended to document my endeavors I hope you enjoy it as much as I hope to enjoy the journey.

Today I made a Porta Bella Mushroom burger.

I went to Kroger and bought a package of Porta Bella Mushrooms, when I came home I put together a marinade and basting liquid comprised of Balsamic vinegar, EVOO, and Italian herbs. Then I brushed the inside of the mushrooms and let them sit for about 15 min. While they sat I fired up the grill once ready I placed the shroons on the grill smooth side UP. I grilled these for about 10 min on this side basting with the marinade. When i flipped them I allowed another 10 min of grilling smooth side down.

Once done I placed some VEGAN cheese I bought from Kroger pepper jack flavored on the inside of the shroon and allowed to melt. Meanwhile I had some bread that I also got at Kroger that is 35 cal per slice and placed some VEGAN butter on it with some fresh chopped garlic and let this toast on the grill along with some onions. Once done I simply started building the burger. Lettuce, onions, I do not care for tomatoes so I skipped these, I did add bell pepper and mustard and Viola! Bella Burger and the best burger I have ever had! I am hooked!