Vegan

Cheesy beefy bagel glory

by

Is there a more pleasing bread product than a bagel? You can’t go wrong with something chewy, doughy and simple that can be held in one hand.

During my first visit to New York City many years ago, I was staggered by the huge range of bagels on offer. No matter the neighbourhood, there were stores and bakeries everywhere I turned baking and selling bagels. Unfortunately for FGV me, many establishments weren’t forward about their ingredients and I wasn’t familiar with bagels enough to know what was vegan or why they might not be animal-product free. Growing up in suburban Australia meant I existed in a bagel-free zone during my formative years. My bagel-curious nature is only now being satisfied thanks to a fabulous company here in the UK.

Read more

The winds blow all of my dreams away

by

When I stepped out my front door inappropriately-wearing canvas shoes and landed in a few inches of slushy snow, I should have turned back and climbed into bed. Instead, I forged on into the dark depths of a hideous northern town called Wakefield.

The Albion Inn... a Samuel Smith pub in Wakefield

Simon and I thought it would be a fun adventure to check out the bars and pubs of Wakefield. This Yorkshire city is located roughly 8km/12 miles from Leeds and is easily reached by car or public transport. Whether people should attempt to reach it is another matter. The town centre is littered with closed stores and bankrupted businesses. Unemployment is higher than the national average and there doesn’t seem to be much of anything happening. Disillusioned with the grim first impression of the town, we decided to brace ourselves and delve a little deeper. Of course when prospects look down, I always head for vegan cider. This time I wish I hadn’t.

Read more

That’s the way I like it

by

Hungry but can’t be bothered to cook? This dilemma visits the Haus of FGV often and forces me to enjoy uncomplicated meals from time to time.

Redwood Fish Style Steaks

A few evenings ago, Josh and I were prettying ourselves for a fabulous night out in London. Plans were afoot for an evening of hilarity with singer/comedian/actor Sandra Bernhard at the Leicester Square Theatre followed by camp shenanigans as ex-Dead or Alive front person Pete Burns turned out a midnight PA at The Eagle in Vauxhall. It was going to be a big one so we were in need of sustenance before our wild night. With not much time to spare and even less enthusiasm for food preparation, we opted for a fishless sandwich.  It was fast, tasty and animal-friendly.

Read more

Simply cider

by

Forget about same-sex marriage. I’m on a one person mission to legalise unions between fat, gay vegans and Samuel Smith cider.

Old Rosie vegan scrumpy cider

As I traverse the length and skinny breadth of this land, I am doing all I can to convince people that cider is my favourite beverage. If I don’t have a pint of the golden drop in my hand, I surely must be carrying a few bottles home from the supermarket. It is a one-sided affair in which cider keeps giving and I take in abundance.

This week saw my obsession intensify with two new-for-me cider varieties arriving in my life. First up was the student classic and low-budget scrumpy called Old Rosie. Rosie is

Read more

I’m out of this world and I’m never comin’ back

by

Have you got a favourite retail outlet when it comes to vegan groceries? Somewhere that never lets you down and always ensures your basket is well-stocked? Me too.

Out Of This World health foods in Leeds

Out Of This World is a small, comprehensive grocery store located in Leeds city centre. This ethically-minded outlet dedicates shelf upon shelf to products free of non-human animals as well as vegetarian specialties and organic, fair trade goods. If you want a few slices of pig-free bacon or a couple of vegan cupcakes to see you through a chilly northern afternoon, Out Of This World is the place to shop. You can snap up vitamins, shampoo, vegan fudge, cider, organic wine and so much more.

Read more

You’ve got the hips for it

by

A fat, gay vegan needs to put in the hard yards in order to be worthy of the name and sugar is one of my top secrets when it comes to keeping my voluptuous figure.

Sweet Vegan strawberry marshmallows

Marshmallows are a fabulous foodstuff full of sugar turned fluffy. On the very rare occasion I see vegan marshmallows for sale, I like to stock up. There isn’t an abundance of cruelty-free marshmallow manufacturers in the world as it is a product traditionally associated with crushed bone. A few years ago I enjoyed a salacious affair with the glorious products of Sweet and Sara, but since then I have been in a marshmallow wilderness. Thankfully, Sweet Vegan has now come into my life.

Read more

Leave the chilli on the table and nobody gets hurts

by

Want to enjoy a delicious bean chilli but time is limited? Co-operative supermarket has got you sorted.

Co-operative chilli cook in sauce

I have always been strangely intrigued by chilli as a meal but have not encountered it often. Growing up in Australia, my closest encounter with this dish was the oft-repeated episode of the Simpsons in which Homer trips after eating a super-hot pepper. The whole concept of a cook-off filled me with wonder. As Homer strutted from stall to stall with his special chilli spoon, my fascination with the bean-filled, savoury goodness expanded. Sadly, chilli has only passed my lips a few times since I first saw that TV show but that could all change with the discovery of a chilli cook in sauce from Co-operative supermarkets.

Co-operative supermarkets have a fantastic track record of ethical policy, including a commitment to

Read more

Would you like Fry’s with that?

by

This is going to be controversial but it needs to be announced… Fry’s Vegetarian products are the ultimate faux-meats available on the global market. I can’t take them fighting words back.

Chicken-less bagel made using Fry's Vegetarian Chicken Style Strips

Fry Food Group is a company owned and operated by Debbie and Wally Fry. They create a huge range of meat-free foods and in my opinion are unmatched for quality, range and taste. The company operates an eco-friendly production facility in South Africa where they promote best environmental practice such as employing people who walk to work and the installation of a water treatment system. Debbie and Wally are committed vegetarians and all of their scrumptious products are certified vegan. Cue the food. You know you want to.

Read more

We all scream for vegan ice cream wars

by

The vegan ice cream wars detailed throughout my blog have been pleasing a lot of readers and keeping me on the plump side of hefty.

Juicy Raspberry by Swedish Glace

This latest edition to the ranks is set to keep the trend alive. Juicy Raspberry is one of the premium flavours produced by vegan ice cream manufacturer Swedish Glace. The texture is fluffy and creamy while the juicy in its name is well justified. Huge deposits of sweet raspberry flavouring are scattered throughout the tub. This variety is a fine addition to the Swedish Glace family and it enjoys a well-deserved place within my wide range of food addictions.

Short and sweet

by

No messing about here with witty remarks. When it comes to vegan sweets, there is no time for being verbose. It gets in the way of eating.

Vegan candy from Sainsbury's

Sainsbury’s is a leading UK grocery retailer that is ever-increasing its range of vegan items. Two of the latest additions to their cruelty-free repertoire are exactly the sort of foodstuffs that keep me worthy of my name. Strawberry Lances and Strawberry Pencils are sugar delights that will do nothing for your health but plenty to satisfy cravings. I was especially  smitten with the lances. These sweet and sour straps are my new favourite candy and will definitely become a staple product in the Haus of FGV pantry.

Grab a bag (or 3) today.