Monday, October 22, 2007

Everything's Better with (FYH) Cheddar

Or at least it makes you feel a little better.... This was my first experience with vegan Follow Your Heart cheddar-style cheese. When eaten alone, I wasn't too crazy about it, but when paired with two dishes where cheddar cheese isn't the star, but makes an expected appearance, it works quite well. Take this seven layer dip, recipe from Cozy Inside (my first try from this one, can't wait to make more!). From the bottom up: vegetarian refried black beans, TVP taco meat, pico de gallo, guacamole, vegan sour cream (Tofutti brand), and FYH cheddar. This dish pleased even my most carnivorous Texan friends....

And also as a topping on this southwestern casserole, a recipe from Houston's Society of PEACE president, Kristen. The recipe is listed below, with my additions in orange.
Santa Fe Green Chile Casserole

1 T olive oil
1/2 c. chopped green onion
1/2 diced yellow bell pepper
1 diced medium zucchini
12 oz. veggie crumbles (I used Boca crumbles, only 8 oz)
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed tomato soup
1 can (4 oz) sliced black olives (I omitted this)
1/2 can black beans
1 c. water (I just used a little more tomato soup)
2 t. chili powder or 1 pkg. taco seasoning (I used the first and added cumin)
1 1/2 c. elbow noodles (I used whole wheat)
1/2 c. grated FYH cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350. In large skillet, heat oil. Add green onion, bell pepper, and zucchini and saute till tender. Add veggie crumbles and cook until thawed, then add green chiles and continue to warm. Stir in tomato soup, water, and chile seasoning. Simmer while stirring until mixture bubbles, then set aside and stir in olives and/or black beans. Meanwhile, cook elbow noodles in boiling waer for approximately 6 minutes and drain. Pour cooked noodles and veggie sauce mixture into baking dish and stir to blend. Top with cheese. Bake approximately 25 minutes until hot and bubbly (may need to cover if you are low on moisture, I wasn't though). Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh green onion and enjoy!

14 comments:

aTxVegn said...

You were a good Texan for leaving out the olives in your casserole. And I've been wondering how to best make the 7 layer dip. This one sounds great and it makes a great photo!

Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...

YUM! They both look SO good.

Ashasarala said...

All of that looks so delicious. Most people complain about vegan cheese, but I love it!

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

This looks absolutely amazing! only thing I am not sure about are the crumbles, what are they?

I have added you to my list of
favourite veggie sites on my blog.

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

FYH cheddar (as well as the other flavors - the mozzarella, especially!) is INCREDIBLE; and my omnivore parents love it as well, and use it voluntarily (i.e. not just Family Dinner Night occasions)!!

Wow, this 7-layer dip is quite impressive - love the colors!! :0) and wow, the Sante Fe Green Chile recipe looks scrumptious as well - great for the colder weather we're having now (at least, where I live - it's freezing now!!)

Veggie Cookster said...

Wow, those looks AMAZING! I feel a southwestern night coming on! ;)

Sheree' said...

Hi Amanda, I am finally back online. Yeepee! How is married life. Brandie and Micah are so enjoying themselves. I am hoping to have pictures soon. There were some problems with the quality and Brandie is making some calls. Aside from that the casserole is my kind of food. I agree with you and FYH cheeses. I don't care for them alone, but I used it on pizza once and enjoyed it. Brandie loves it all ways. I don't miss cheese at all, but that could be because I am hooked on yeasty sauces. :o) I am going to pass this recipe on to Brandie I think even her omni hubby will enjoy it.

Sheree' said...

PS. what soup did you use? all the ones I looked at had milk or cream in them.

bazu said...

Oooooh, both things look so good. It's been ages since I tried FYH- and I've only tried the pepper jack, not the cheddar. You have convinced me!

Lori- the Pleasantly Plump Vegan said...

holy moly! these dishes look so amazing!!!

Anna said...

Wow, those two dishes look good! Can't wait for FYH products to get to Australia--if they ever do. In the meantime, I will drool over your blog. Please excuse me. :)

jess (of Get Sconed!) said...

whoa!
I've never eaten traditional versions of those dishes, but yours sure are tempting.

Anonymous said...

Great photo of the Casserole!

Would you consider posting the recipe for syndication? An example of a recipe widget that you can customize is here.

Pink Theory said...

Both of these dishes are right up my alley because I love refried beans, guac, and chili style things. It looks great. I will have to try something from the Cozy Inside blog soon b/c I have been hearing great things about it.