Original: 10/6/18
Edited: 12/28/22

Quick
Vegetarian

I’m teaching my students how to write narratives, so I’ve been doing a lot of model writing for them.  A good narrative has a hook that makes the reader want to read your story.  This is a skill that I struggle with when I’m writing my blog posts.

However, it is important for a writer to have a hook to get the reader to read what you have written.

Like a writer needs a hook, sometimes you need a beef taco.  Since I’m a vegetarian, I don’t have the typical beef taco.

I’ve tried TVP, which is textured vegetable protein but usually turns into a brown soupy mess.  Yuck!  Not appetizing.

Then I tried the Beefless Ground Beef along with their soy chorizo.  It’s just the right texture.

“Beef” tacos get into my belly.

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What you need:

• a third of a package of Trader Joe’s “beefless” ground beef
• a third of a package of Trader Joe’s soy chorizo
• a third of a jar of Trader Joe’s enchilada sauce

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“Beef” Tacos

Stars of the recipe:

• 1/3 of a package of Trader Joe’s “beefless” ground beef
• 1/3 of a package of Trader Joe’s soy chorizo; make sure to take off the casing
• 1/3 of a jar of Trader Joe’s enchilada sauce (You may need a little more than the third.)
• Tortillas (hard or soft)
• Your favorite toppings

Steps:

1. Combine the “beetles” ground beef, soy chorizo, and enchilada sauce in a saucepan.
2. Cook on medium heat until heated through. Add more sauce if it’s not coated enough.)
3. Enjoy on a tortilla with your favorite toppings.

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This recipe is vegan before you add your toppings.

Happy vegetarian eating,
Traci

Original: 10/7/ 18
Edited: 12/28/22

Vegetarian
Gluten-free
Easy
Meal Prep
Quick
Kid Friendly

While I was sick with my gallstones last year,  I had one food that did not bother my stomach. Okay, it did bother me if it was greasy, but if it was cooked with no oil or grease, I had little to no problems.

Potatoes were my friend during those 4 months. I would spiralize potatoes and then cook up like hash browns on the stove.

That is until I started to cook the home fries in my oven. We love a roasted potato in the household, so this made things much easier.

Hubby might debate if these potatoes are better than the ones we get at a local breakfast place called Butter Cafe. He adores their home fries.

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What you need:

• 2 red potatoes or 4 to 5 baby red potatoes
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• olive oil
• garlic powder or your favorite seasoning

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Better than Restaurant Oven Home Fries

Stars of the recipe:

• 2 red potatoes, cubed or 4 to 5 baby red potatoes, quartered, or even cut into eighths
• 1/2 to 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1/2 to 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 Tbsp. Extra olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder or your favorite seasoning

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Place the potatoes, bell pepper, and onion on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the veggies. Using clean hands or a spatula, ensure the veggies are covered with the oil.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning over the veggies.
5. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 425 degrees.
6. Enjoy!

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I enjoy using the onion salt from Trader Joe’s on my potatoes.

We love to use sriracha ketchup from Red Gold on our fries and roasted potatoes.

This recipe is not only vegetarian but also vegan. Score!

Happy vegetarian eating,
Traci