vegan mofo :: overdue reviews and contest

Apple Pie Coco-Roons, an absolutely scrumptious raw inclusion in the Healthy Surprise sample box I received.

I admit it, I've been procrastinating on putting up a few reviews. Vegan MoFo is the perfect time to catch up. You know me, I tell it like it is. I love some stuff, but other stuff – meh! Read on...

Healthy Surprise

Healthy Surprise is a snack subscription service. You can sign up to receive a box of vegan, hand-picked whole-food snacks each month, and options range from $33, to feed 1-3 people, to $99, to feed 3-9  people. It's a fun idea – the plant-based, culinary version of Birchbox. 

Some of the stuff was orgasmically good, and to be frank, just a few of the "healthier" options were just so awful that I had to spit them out. But still, I'd say the good-to-bad ratio was about 85%/15%.

Here's what was in my box and what I thought:

• 2 flavors of Gone Nuts flavored nuts, Teriyaki and Garlic – I enjoyed these. They're the kind of fancy. flavored nut you'd want to put out in a dish at a party. Would I buy them? Nope.
• Giddy Up and  Go Granola – Tasty! Crunchy! Healthy! 
• Apple Pie Coco-Roons – Raw macaroons, Apple Pie Flavor. These were my favorite treat in the bunch and I must confess, after tasting them, I bought them at Whole Foods once as a splurge.
• Bobo's Oat Bars in Chocolate Almond and Maple Pecan. Tasty energy bars. I preferred the Maple.
• Cayenne Cocoa Dough Ball – Orgasmically rich and good.
• Gluten-Free Sesame Bumble Bar – Liked these a lot. Light snacks. Perfect for lunchboxes.
• Kale Chips – These were delicious – one of the few savory options, and I practically inhaled them.
• Spirulina Energy Bars – Maybe I am not evolved or sophisticated enough, but I spit these out. I never spit things out. Well, I guess I can't say "never" anymore.
• Cashew-Cocoa Biscotti – Both of these were gone in an hour. Fabulous.
• Banana-Bread Flax Bar – I didn't spit it out, but I only ate one bite. It was like cardboard.
• Live Granola Bar – Ditto.
• Stretch Island Fruit Co, Fruit Strips – Good. Your average fruit jerky.
• Bare Fruit Cherries – Good dried cherries for salads and snacking.

My verdict? Well, I am a bit of a control freak and don't like surprises. So I probably would not subscribe. But if you like surprises, raw-vegan chow, and like to be among the first to try cool, trendy foods, this box is for you!

Vega Shake and Go Smoothies

Vega Energizing Smoothies

The nice folks at Vega sent me a full spectrum of energizing smoothies to try. I was especially interested in sampling these because, at the time, I was running 50 miles a week, and when you participate in endurance spots at this level of intensity, you practically need a constant drip-infusion of protein. I usually refuel with a smoothie made with protein powder. Each Vega packet contains about 10 grams of protein. Add soy milk or a nut butter, and you are adding even more protein. Besides a protein shot, they aso contain flax seed, a green blend, and a digestive blend.

The directions say to add to water, juice or a non-dairy beverage, or add to your own smoothie. I was intrigued by the water option, so I tried it with the chocolate, and once again, I spit it out [Am I becoming a fussy eater?]. 

But the good news is that these are pretty tasty when you mix them with soy milk, flax milk or just add them to a smoothie for a protein boost. Tropical Tango was my favorite flavor – odd for me, since I usually go for berry and vanilla. Would I buy these? Yes, definitely during race-training season.

Vegetarian Plus Entrees

Vegetarian Plus entrees – cheaper and tastier than fast food

When I received these entrees from Vegetarian Plus, it was like a godsend. I was working 40 hours per week at a freelance advertising gig, running 50 miles per week, and working on my pie cookbook. I had zero time to cook. And eating salads for dinner every night got old real fast.

They actually sent me 2 Citrus Spareribs and one Pepper Steak, but as you can see, I was so tired at the time, I took a photo of 2 Spareribs entrees. Both flavors were insanely good and satisfying. I ate them as is, but they would be nice over rice or with a side.  Each box is said to serve 4, but little ol' me, I ate the entire box for dinner.  These were, quite simply, delicious. Such a treat after putting in a full day. 

Contest!

What would Vegan MoFo be without a contest [or two]? If you'd like to try the Vega shakes, I am giving away packet of each flavor, 5 total, plus a signed copy of my last cookbook, Celebrate VeganJust leave a clever comment, and make sure there's a way I can reach you [email or blog]. To double your winning chances, follow me on Twitter: theurbanvegan. Sorry kids, but contest is only open to US and Canadian readers. I'll announce the randomly chosen winner early next week.

Good luck and happy MoFo-ing! 

Signing off to watch the VP candidates go at it. Go Joe!