By Angela Weber, VRG Intern

As a student in Baltimore, I have loved getting to try a variety of local restaurants in the area that serve amazing food, and it has been something I have missed throughout the coronavirus pandemic. As some restrictions have started to lift again, I decided to treat myself to a nice vegan takeout meal to spice up my routine, and Wicked Sisters did not disappoint. Wicked Sisters is located in the Hampden section of Baltimore, Maryland, and although they are not a vegetarian restaurant, they do offer a few delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. Furthermore, they have a safe and efficient takeout process, and are following all social distancing guidelines inside their restaurant.

     I decided to try the Tufudan Dan Noodles entrée. Wicked Sisters confirmed over the phone this is vegan. The dish was packed with flavor and came in a nice, big portion that was great for leftovers (or for sharing). I am a big fan of lo mein and sesame noodles, and this meal was a fun, fiery twist on these classics. This is definitely a meal spicy food enthusiasts will enjoy. The “fiery sesame sauce,” as they call it, was creamy and savory in every bite. I loved the noodles, and they were complemented well by the “spiced crumbled” tofu and the assortment of vegetables (there was a healthy helping of mushrooms, tomatoes, shredded carrots, shallots, edamame, and snap peas).

     I would definitely recommend this dish and Wicked Sisters in general, as I have always enjoyed what I have gotten from this restaurant. To learn more about Wicked Sisters, you can visit their website here: https://www.wickedsistershampden.com/#home-section/, and for more information about other restaurants that serve vegetarian and vegan food in the USA and Canada, check out the Vegetarian Resource Group’s Restaurant Guide here: https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php.

Glen Thompson, a Republican from Pennsylvania and Antonio Delgado, a Democrat from New York, introduced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2021 that would allow flavored and unflavored whole milk into school cafeterias.

A Pennsylvania Farm Bureau spokesperson said, “Think about how much our tastes are shaped when we’re kids, and then those habits carry through to adulthood. So we’re basically losing a generation of milk drinkers if kids are not enjoying the milk that they’re getting in school.

See story at: tribdem.com/news/thompson-introduces-bill-to-allow-whole-milk-in-schools/article_d393ec4e-839c-11eb-aa1e-2ffe46430c7b.html

According to a YouGov poll commissioned this year by The Vegetarian Resource Group, 23% of 8- to 17-year-olds during the week usually consume plant-based milks. The poll results will be posted soon at vrg.org/nutshell/faq.htm#poll

The latest issue of Vegetarian Journal features a recipe piece by Leslie Gray Streeter titled “Flat Out Flavor – Sheet Pan Meals.” The recipes were conceived for minimum effort but maximum flavor, with lots of veggies and a variety of plant-based add-ins. Enjoy Hash Brown Sheet Pan Brunch Casserole with Cashew Cream; Black Bean Taco Bake; Chickpea Lasagna; Sesame Sriracha Tofu; and Oatmeal Apple Dessert Bake.

Find the article here: Vegan Sheet Pan Meals

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal, visit: http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

Please book mark and use this link. Eligible shopping will support our vegan education and activism. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1279034

About Amazon Smile: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/chpf/about/ref=smi_se_rspo_laas_aas

A previous issue of Vegetarian Journal included a recipe piece on fresh peas! Debra Daniels-Zeller provides information on selecting and preparing fresh pea dishes including Braised Pea Shoots, Pea Shoots and Quinoa, Minted Sugar Snap Peas and Leeks, English Pea Guacamole, Sesame-Ginger Snow Peas, Snow Pea Slaw with Red Peppers, Mac and Peas, and Penne Pasta, Sugar Snap Peas, and Tomatoes. Enjoy!

The entire article can be read here: A Passion for Peas

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal, visit: http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

Recent topics brought up include:

– One person posted: “I have a five year old grandson who makes mostly healthy dishes for family eating, with just modest adult supervision. As some of you know, I write a monthly food blog about healthy eating (not for profit.) This month I am planning to feature children under thirteen who cook, like my grandson. If you are close to a young cook, and want to share a bit about them, please email me.”

– A shared article written by two VRG interns on their experience of starting a veggie club in High School.

– Family friendly veggie events in various states.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids/ is intended to be a group that offers support for families raising children on vegan diets and for vegan kids around the world. We envision it as a place to get advice about a wide-variety of topics: pregnancy, birthday parties, school lunches, Halloween, non-leather apparel, cruelty-free products, summer camps, and more. Please use it as a place to share your wisdom, seek advice, or just find a sympathetic ear. The goal is to offer support.

Consequently, any profane, defamatory, offensive, or violent language will be removed. Feel free to disagree, but do so respectfully. Hateful or discriminatory comments regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or political beliefs will not be tolerated. We expect that posts should relate to vegan diets and lifestyles. The Vegetarian Resource Group reserves the right to monitor all content and ban any user who posts in violation of the above rules, any law or regulation, SPAM, or anything otherwise off topic.

Please share this information with any veggie families that you know! Thanks.

By Rissa Miller, Vegetarian Journal Senior Editor

(Makes 20 balls or eggs)

1 packed cup pitted dates (about 14-15 dates)

1 cup smooth peanut butter

2-6 Tablespoons coconut flour

One 10-ounce bag vegan chocolate chips

Soak dates in water for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Make sure all date stems and pits are removed. Drain dates and add to a food processor or high-powered blender and let run until the dates are a smooth paste with no chunks remaining. Add the peanut butter and combine with dates in the food processor. The resulting candy filling should be somewhat stiff. If it is not, add coconut flour by the tablespoon until the filling is the texture of new Play-Doh or like clay from a potter’s wheel. A lot of this step will depend on how moist the dates and peanut butter are. Sometimes two tablespoons of coconut flour is enough; other times, more is needed. The filling should be moldable when you grab a chunk, and hold its form.

     When done mixing, turn the candy filling out onto parchment or wax paper-lined cookie sheet and roll into 20 small balls or egg shapes as desired. Chill for 4 to 8 hours; overnight is fine.

     After the candy filling has chilled, melt the chocolate next. Microwave on low heat and cook at 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even melting.

     Dip each egg into melted chocolate and place on the lined cookie sheet. When all eggs are dipped in chocolate, place in a cool place for chocolate to harden. It will take about an hour, depending on how cool the area is. They are also delicious frozen!

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide (Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many are doing take-out and/or delivery now):

Brothers Meatballs, 6268 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

On LA’s Sunset Blvd. you can find an array of fully plant-based Italian dishes at Brothers Meatballs, from giardiniera to chocolate panna cotta to eggplant parm’. Of course, as the name indicates, vegan meatballs are also offered!

Casa del Vegano, 333 West Jefferson Ave., Dallas, TX 75208

Casa del Vegano in Oak Cliff, Dallas offers the various options of a taco bar, all fully vegan! One can order online through their website to try tortilla soup, Boris enchiladas, black bean taquitos, chimichangas, chiles rellenos, and more!

CLTRE. vgn joint, 1309 Fordham Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Located near the KempsRiver Crossing shopping mall, CLTRE. vgn joint calls itself a ‘neo-soul’ café. It’s a coffee shop that also serves light breakfast and brunch dishes like smoothies, toasts, and sandwiches. The menu includes eclectic waffles, from traditional sweet flavors like cinnamon raisin, cinnamon apple, and chocolate to savory flavors like pizza and taco. Gluten-free options are available. Espresso-based drinks and smoothies can be made with your choice of mylks: almond, coconut, oat, and hemp.

Early Bird Vegan, 1712 E. Broadway Rd. #3, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Located in south Phoenix, Early Bird Vegan is a healthy-lifestyle eatery serving breakfast and lunch. Breakfast includes a selection of house-made pastries such as a Sweet Potato Bar, Almond Croissant, and an assortment of Pan Dulces. Lunch includes sandwiches and salads such as the Chikn’ Salad Sandwich and Tunah Sandwich. A wide selection of fresh smoothies and health shots are also available.

Green Bus Café, Denver, CO (location varies)

Green Bus Café gives you all the cool vibes you need to relax and get some cozy vegan food. They are a mobile café and make everything from superfood lattes and vegan breakfast sandwiches to banana oatmeal cookies. The overall experience is so unique when getting your vegan pick-me-up from a bright green bus!

Screamin’ Vegan, 2715 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke, VA 24017

Screamin’ Vegan offers an array of veganized comfort food to diners. Popular choices include the Fish & Chips, Chili Cheese Fries, and Hot Dogs. Follow their Instagram (@screamin.vegan) to stay updated on their specials!

Spotless Burgers, 1398 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland, CA 91786

Spotless Burgers provides an entirely vegan drive-thru experience to the Upland area! Try fun dishes such as the Truffle Shuffle (Impossible Patty with Follow your Heart American Cheese) or the Alpha Chick’lits (Alpha Chick’n on a Hawaiian Slider Buns). The eatery even offers a veganized version of a classic breakfast sandwich with the Imposter (Just Egg and Follow Your Heart Pepper Jack Cheese on a bun).

Vegan Grill, 1201 Castle Hill Ave., Bronx, NY 10462

Vegan Grill is a corner deli offering a wide array of plant-based foods! Popular dishes include the Taco Nacho Platter, Crispy Chick’n Sandwich, and Beyond Chopped Cheese Sandwich. The eatery also serves a large selection of breakfast items, cold cut sandwiches, and fresh pressed juices.

By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS

The VRG highlights several recent (2015 to the present) scientific reports that reveal the relationships between dietary choices and our climate crisis. See https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/02/24/vegan-and-vegetarian-diets-and-our-climate-emergency-scientific-updates-2015-2021/

Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD, serves up several vegan tempeh recipes in an article that appeared in a previous issue of Vegetarian Journal, published by The Vegetarian Resource Group. Try preparing Breakfast Tempeh, Tempeh Sausage, Tempeh Noodle Soup, Grilled Tempeh Salad with Peas and Pineapple, Tempeh in a Roll, and Tempeh on Toast.

The complete article can be read here: Cooking with Tempeh
To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal visit: http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K