Cheezy

On the mean streets of SE Portland....


Things are going to get cheezy at Get Sconed!
Not just my writing style either.

Grilled Rice Cheddar and a side salad

Well, what was in the box on my previous post?
A box of samples from Galaxy Nutritional Foods!

I haven't tried any of their products besides the vegan cheddar block when I first went vegan, so call me intrigued. I am here to report back on what I think, and what I've done with them - I shared some with Veganshizzle as well.

I know it's a readily available brand of vegan 'cheese' across the U.S., and it'll be interesting to see where it stands against the likes of Tofutti, Follow Your Heart, Sheese, and Teese (just delivered!!) Cheezly is now available at Food Fight! as well, so I'm sure I'll splurge on that in time, but I am currently saving up for a vacation - Thomas and I will be New York the end of May to see my sister graduate college.

I also know that I don't here much buzz about Galaxy vegan cheeze these days, and I'm out to taste why or why not.

This is the company that also makes the Veggie Singles (not vegan) that you see even at the most random supermarkets.

I received Vegan blocks, Vegan slices, Rice slices and two type of organic hummus. Thanks for the opportunity to try all these, Galaxy.

I was most excited about the Rice cheeze slices - not only are they soy and dairy free, but the recent ad in VegNews appealed to me.

The verdict? Pretty darn good for a fake cheeze slice! I've only tried the rice cheddar so far, and it's comparable to the edible Tofutti American slices, but less buttery. I couldn't see myself eating these on a regular basis, but it wasn't bad, and it wasn't just so-so - I ate my whole sandwich.

In my recipe booklet that came with the samples, there were tips on how to improve melting and the general meal - ie. add spice to the vegan quesadilla by adding salsa and fresh herbs, and try leaving the cover on a bit during melting. The covering tip worked for me with my grilled cheez.

It's so melty! And doesn't gross out my mouth! Score.

I made it as 'normal' grilled cheeses are made - lightly earth balanced the outsides of the bread, placed a slice in, and for my sake, added some previously cooked tempeh bacon.

So far, I'm not dissapointed. I'm not in love, but I was pleasantly content with the Rice Cheddar singles.

On the other hand, I couldn't get the Vegan block Cheddar to melt. Hmm. We were dissapointed in this, because the flavor was alright. I plan on trying it in a mac and cheeze casserole next.

Nachos with cheddar, avocado, black beans and Trader Joe's 3 pepper salsa

Stay tuned for more.