Chef Nancy Berkoff’s book Vegan Microwave Cookbook (published by The Vegetarian Resource Group) has over 165 recipes that are fast, easy, good-tasting, exciting, and comforting. Many of the recipes in this book will take under 10 minutes to prepare. Below are two recipes perfect for the summer from this cookbook.

Fresh Summer Squash Soup

(Serves 4-6)

This soup has a delicate flavor and a wonderful aroma.

1½ pounds fresh yellow squash or zucchini (about 4 cups), washed and ends trimmed off

2 cups vegetable broth or stock

¼ cup chopped onions

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

½ teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon white pepper

¼ cup chopped, cooked vegan fake meat such as Tofurky, veggie hot dogs or sausage, Field Roast, etc. (optional)

Cut squash into small cubes or chunks. In a 2-quart casserole or bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring to mix. Cover with vented plastic or lid and microwave on HIGH for 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir at least twice during cooking. Place 2 cups of the soup in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Return to remaining soup and stir to combine. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes or until hot.

Note: this soup works well with any soft-shelled squash, such as zucchini, crookneck, delicato, and patty pan. You can mix several squashes in one batch, if desired. Do not prepare this soup with frozen or canned squash, as the texture and flavor will be lacking.

Tri-Colored Herbed Peppers

(Makes 4 servings as a side dish or dip. If puréed, makes about 1½ cups sauce.)

Serve this dish as a side dish, sauce, or condiment.

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin slices (about ¾ cup)

1 medium orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin slices

1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin slices

1clove garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red sherry

1 Tablespoon fresh basil, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried sage

1 teaspoon black pepper

In a 2-quart bowl or casserole, toss oil and peppers and garlic. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes or until peppers are just tender. Add remaining ingredients, cover, and microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir to combine flavors and serve.

Notes: If a smooth sauce is desired, microwave the cooked peppers for an additional 1-1/2 minutes. Place in a food processor or blender and process until puréed. Serve warm over cooked vegetables or pasta, or as a sauce for baked tofu or a seitan “steak.” Serve cold as a dipping sauce for veggies, chips, or breadsticks, or use as a salad dressing.

In the USA only you can purchase this paperback book here: vrg.org/catalog/

The book is also available on Kindle here: Vegan Microwave Cookbook on Kindle

Mutt’s comic strip recently featured a storyline about a diner that went vegan. We were given permission to re-post the strip. They said “Thanks for caring about animals and for supporting them in a meaningful way.”

By Lucia Rivera, VRG Intern

Through selling vegan foods at festivals throughout the country, young cooks share and promote vegan eating. Two of these cooks are Anayeli Camacho and Thomas Woodruff, who, respectively, works at a vegan restaurant and started his own vegan pop-up business.

     “I would say the benefits of selling vegan food [in a festival setting] is you can reach more people. People who want to live a healthier lifestyle and people who want to help the planet,” Woodruff said.

     Additionally, for Camacho, selling at festivals like a VegFest is a great way to gain more exposure for the restaurant she works for, named Verdine. She also stressed the importance of marketing the restaurant visually at the festival.

     “[Selling food at festivals is] just about spreading your name and letting people know ‘Oh, we have a restaurant as well and you can come check us out anytime.’ That’s why it’s so important when we go to these events to make sure that the food is great because [customers are] going to taste it and say ‘Wow, this is good; where can we try more?’ Then they’re going to come to the restaurant. You’ve just gotta make sure your voice is heard and you’re getting customers,” Camacho said.

     In order to receive the benefits from selling food at festivals there are several factors that need to be executed well according to Camacho. In her experience, making a profit has been a central goal, in addition to speed, organization, and teamwork. Woodruff agreed that organization and teamwork were the “most important” factors, claiming that “everything is so fast paced and if everyone isn’t on the same page it isn’t going to be good.”

     “Especially for a festival, teamwork is a huge thing. [Also] understanding what everybody’s role is and understanding what everybody has to have done by the time we’re up and running [is important]. Like if at 11 it starts, then we need to make sure that at 11 everybody’s done what they’re supposed to be doing and we’re ready to go; we’re ready to serve customers.”

     There are also certain factors that are taken into account when groups choose what food to sell. This includes planning for the respective audience and what other groups will be selling at the festival. In the past, Anayeli has made and sold sushi rolls, tamales, philly cheesesteaks, and cupcakes with her team. Woodruff prefers selling desserts, and in the past has sold at the Front Street Food Festival in Texarkana, Arkansas.

     “I think the best items to sell at festivals are desserts. People are usually more open to trying a dessert and if they like the dessert they usually buy a plate of food,” Woodruff said.

     When Camacho has worked with a prep team at festivals her process has consisted of preparing the food beforehand, assembling her station, heating up the food, and then being ready for arriving customers. Contrastingly, at a restaurant, a team is not focused on producing large

amounts of one item. Necessary materials like water are also not always as on-hand as they would be in a restaurant kitchen.

     “The packaging of it is different because we’ve got to make sure that nobody at the restaurant gets the food meant for the festival. Of course we label it and everything but we’ve got to set aside that equipment and that food and that prepping,” Camacho said. “It’s about really working

with the other prep people because it can become chaotic. There’s people prepping for the restaurant and we’re trying to prep for the festival, so just making sure everybody’s on the same page, everybody knows what’s happening, [and] everybody knows what their role is.

For those that want to organize a veggie festival once the pandemic is over, this information may be helpful: https://www.vrg.org/blog/2011/09/07/putting-on-a-vegetarian-festival-vegetarian-festivals-galore/

You can find quantity recipes here: https://www.vrg.org/fsupdate/index.htm

Here are items that Thomas Woodruff has sold: https://www.txkvegan.com/

Vegetarian Journal has ran two articles on vegan grilling that you might enjoy:

Gourmet Grilling by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD includes grilling tips as well as recipes for Grilled Eggplant, Mediterranean Grilled Portobellos with Pine Nuts, Curried Barbecue Tempeh, Roasted Pepper and Eggplant Dip, Pineapple Peach Salsa, Japanese-Style Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Sweet Peaches, and Roasted Corn. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/2002issue3/2002_issue3_gourmet.php

Nancy also wrote another article titled Outdoor Feast and it includes vegan recipes for the grill including Tofu and Potatoes Kebobs, Vietnamese “Beef” Salad, Lime and Chili “Steaks,” and Grilled Pineapple. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue2/2015_issue2_outdoor_feasts.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, visit: https://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

The Vegetarian Resource Group is publisher of Conveniently Vegan, by Debra Wasserman. In this book you will find 150 recipes using convenience foods along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are two summer-friendly recipes from this book:

CARROT/DATE/PEACH SALAD

(Serves 5)

Enjoy this delicious blend of ingredients.

6-7 carrots (1 pound), peeled and grated

4 medium ripe peaches, pitted and finely chopped

5 ounces pitted dates, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup peach or orange juice

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Total calories per serving: 158     Fat: <1 gram    Total Fat as % of Daily Value: <1% Protein: 2 grams    Iron: 1 mg    Carbohydrates: 40 grams    Calcium: 39 mg    Dietary fiber: 6 grams    Sodium: 33 mg

FRUIT PIZZA

(Serves 4)

Here’s a beautiful looking dessert that both children and adults will enjoy. You can also substitute several small pita breads for the large pita bread.

1 large 12-inch wide pita bread

1 cup unsweetened apple butter

1 kiwi, peeled and sliced

6 large strawberries, sliced

1 apple or pear — peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Spread apple butter over pita bread.  Arrange slices of fruit on top of apple butter.  Sprinkle with cinnamon.  Serve as is or heat in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes and serve warm.

Total calories per serving: 269    Fat: 1 gram    Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 2% Protein: 4 grams    Iron: 1 mg    Carbohydrates: 48 grams    Calcium: 48 mg    Dietary fiber: 2 grams    Sodium: 162 mg

In the USA only you can purchase this paperback book here: https://www.vrg.org/bookstore/index.php

Are you looking for non-leather vegan dress shoes for men? Below are some online stores in the USA, Europe, Canada, and Australia offering a wide range of men’s dress shoes.

USA

Brave Gentle Men is an American company that caters to men. They offer stylish dress shoes.

The American company Call it Spring offers dress shoes for men.

American company MooShoes offers a variety of men’s dress shoes online and in the NY City storefront.

American company Tastemaker Supply offers a variety of men’s dress shoes.

Unicorn Goods is an American company offering men’s dress shoes and oxfords.

Vegan Chic is an American company offering men’s dress shoes in various colors.

American online company and storefront The Vegan Outfitter offers men’s dress shoes.

American Company The Vegetarian Site offers men’s dress shoes.

EUROPE

The German company Avesu offers a variety of men’s dress shoes in several colors.

Ethical Wares is a company in Wales that sells a variety of men’s dress shoes.

French company Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather offers dressy derby-style shoes for men.

Portuguese company Nae offers men’s dress shoes.

No Harm offers men’s dress shoes in the United Kingdom.

German online company and storefront Noah Shoes Boutique offers men’s dress shoes in various styles and colors.

Vegetarian Shoes in the United Kingdom offers a variety of men’s dress shoes.

Wills Vegan Shoes in the United Kingdom offers men’s dress shoes.

CANADA

Nice Shoes is a Canadian company that sells men’s dress shoes.

AUSTRALIA

Australian company Vegan Wares offers men’s dress shoes in a variety of styles.

Are you looking for new ways to prepare cauliflower? Dina Gharib’s article “The Versatile Vegan” offers recipes for Pineapple Cauliflower Fried “Rice,” Cauliflower Crust Pizza, and Creamy Cauliflower Soup. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue3/2015_issue3_versatile_vegan.php

Debra Daniels-Zeller’s previous Vegetarian Journal article “Peach Passion” features a wide range of vegan peach-based recipes. Enjoy Cinnamon-Peach Oatmeal with Toasted Walnuts; Creamy Peach Salad Dressing; Lime-Cilantro Peach Salsa; Coconut-Peach Soup; Tempeh Teriyaki with Peaches; Grilled Balsamic Peaches; Cardamom-Peach Upside-Down Cake; Peach Cashew Cream; and Lemon-Peach Jasmine Rice Pudding.

Read the entire article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2006issue2/2006_issue2_peach_passion.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see: https://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

Support vegan restaurants in Maryland during Vegan Restaurant Week which runs August 1^st through 9^th in 2020. Details to come.

See: https://www.mdveganeats.com/ 

https://facebook.com/events/s/maryland-vegan-restaurant-week/307528703959792/?ti=ia

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 coronavirus pandemic many are doing take-out and/or delivery now):

Café Organix, 420 E. Hospitality Ln., Ste. A10, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Aspiring to help evolve the expansion of veganism, Café Organix’s mission is to assist in ending food deserts in the Black and Brown communities. From breakfast sandwiches to burgers and tacos, Café Organix’s options will surely have your taste buds excited.

PB&J Bar, 554 Mill St., Danville, PA 17821

The PB&J Bar serves a variety of foods ranging from French toast and breakfast burritos to sandwiches and smoothies. Be sure to try their apple sweet potato pancakes for breakfast. These pancakes are topped with decadent sweetened apples. For lunch try the stuffed shells with mushroom, spinach, onion, and vegan cheese. To accompany your meal, try either the fresh pear citrus juice or tropical colada smoothie. The PB&J bar also serves many vegan treats like cupcakes and brownies. Be sure to ask about their weekly specials or check Facebook! Get ready for a delicious and satisfying vegan meal.

Plant Based Junkie, 1635½ E. 87th St., Chicago, IL 60617

Plant Based Junkie is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in tasty, meatless fast food. They offer a variety of vegan bar food options including nachos, burgers, brats, tacos, and fries- all made without any animals products! From vegan cheese to Impossible meat, Plant Based Junkie will be sure to satisfy your fast food cravings.

Rosita’s Yah, 203 Academy St., Jersey City, NJ 07306

Rosita’s Yah is a plant-based Smoothie & Juice Bar with a Latin influence inspired by the founder’s father’s bakery in Ecuador.  There is a variety of beverage options from an Iced Caramel Macchiato to Pitaya Smoothie to Carrot Juice.  In addition to serving fresh juices, smoothies, and coffee, Rosita’s Yah also serves up Latin cuisine.  Diners can choose from Soy Chorizo, Black Birth Seitan, or Soy Chicken to add to their burritos, tacos, and bowls.  Between the homemade Chia Seed Pudding and the BanaChoco Cupcake with Coffee Frosting, dessert should not be missed!

Shoals Sound & Service, 2614 Elm St. Dallas, TX 75226

Vegan Latin American street food paired with fresh crafted cocktails creates an excellent dining experience. From smoked jackfruit pineapple to mushroom picadillo to guava picadillo, their large selection of arepas and empanadas offers something for every palate. Don’t miss out on the cocktails, especially customer favorite Espresso Martini, vodka, kalhua, cold brew concentrate, and sea salt served up frothy. 

Taman, 1108 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10075

Nestled between East 77th and 78th street lies Taman, a restaurant that specializes in falafel. Taman features falafel, crispy eggplant (Sabich), and cauliflower shawarma. These can be served in a pita sandwich or platter. Another entrée option is a hummus bowl that is either served plain or with falafel, Sabich, or shawarma. This menu is simple, yet delicious and filled with mouthwatering spices. Be sure to order an extra side of falafel—trust me you will want one.

The King’s Feet, 1401 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702

Enjoy delicious vegan Italian dishes including many gluten-free options! To start, try the fried ravioli, a unique twist on pasta. The ravioli is stuffed with rosemary and cream cheese, then topped with marina sauce. Another fun appetizer is the calamari, consisting of mushrooms and banana blossoms in nori and shiitake seasoned panko. For your main dish, try the Cannolicchi Bolognese a vegan replacement to traditional Bolognese sauce. This pasta dish is made with beyond beef and features lots of vegetables and plant-based cheese. If pasta isn’t your favorite dish, try one of their delicious pizzas instead. The spicy sausage puttanesca pizza featuring olives, capers, red hot beyond sausage, and marina is highly recommended. The King’s Feet also features a build your own pizza option, allowing you to create the vegan pizza of your dreams! Be sure to save room for dessert. Order the tiramisu or New York cheesecake. Get ready for an Italian Vegan feast that will for sure be a treat!

Vegan Fresh, 24950 Redlands Blvd. K, Loma Linda, CA 92354

The Vegan Fresh is an entirely plant-based restaurant serving fresh and tasty food. A few favorite menu items include: the plantain platter and the sweet and sour tofu. The plantain plate features a delicious combination of fried plantains, black beans, rice, steamed kale, and fresh salsa. The sweet and sour tofu is a satisfying vegan take on the Chinese sweet and sour dish. Be sure to order a fresh juice or smoothie to go along with your meal. They also have an extensive catering menu that is perfect for any event. Get ready to eat delicious, healthy, and filling vegan food.

Vegan On The Go, 5552 NW 31st Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 and 1612 S. Cypress Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33060

Vegan On The Go offers delicious, hearty, and healthy options including nutrient packed smoothies, burgers, salads, and wraps. All of these meat-free items are perfect for a quick bite to eat and there are a variety of options to choose from, whether you are looking for a lighter snack or something with a few extra calories. Favorites include the Peaches & Cream smoothie and the Non Believer Burger, as well as the Impossible Tacos and the Vegan BLT. Check out this local vegan eatery that is sure to satisfy all of your taste buds!