Thursday, March 27, 2008

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.

12 comments:

vko said...

Thanks for the review- what a tasty looking grilled cheez with tempeh- I need to go get some rice cheez slices.

And as for My Little Pony- it is a cruel cruel world...

erica said...

I love that you tied up my little pony to the horse tether! When I lived in SE I had several visitors ask me what they were for :)

Lori- the Pleasantly Plump Vegan said...

yeah, that cheddar block doesn't melt but is still tasty.

Wheeler's Frozen Dessert said...

Hi again!
Just wanted to pass on this information ...

Boston Magazine recently published an article all about us this month - here is the link:

Oh Soy Tasty!

If you have a few minutes to spare, could do us a huge favor and read the article and comment at the bottom of the page? We're very excited about getting such great press, especially from a magazine of this caliber. If everyone drops by and leaves a quick comment, soon there will be no doubt in any publisher's mind: YES, readers absolutely do want to know about vegan happenings and developments. Please don't hesitate to repost the article on your blog and spread the world!

Thanks!
Emily @ Wheeler's Frozen Desserts

funwithyourfood said...

Fake cheese that melts? great! i hate when it doesn't

Teddy

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the My Little Pony picture. Jess if we were neighbors I would totally make up excuses to be at your house everyday for meal time!

Anonymous said...

I've tried the "Vegan" brand of Galaxy, and I must say, I was disappottned. It didn't melt, and it molded in a few days. I'm a huge fan of Vegan Rela because it does melt.

I noticed this new soy-free "Rice Vegan" though, I want to try it, but unfortunately it isn't sold in Canada yet. =(

jess (of Get Sconed!) said...

hey guys - it's not my pony, just in the neighborhood : )

Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...

They have Cheezly at Food Fight?! The mature cheddar in a grilled cheese was SO good when I made it in London in a friend's sandwich press. It kind of tatsed like it was filled with Mac & Cheese, as in the pasta & cheese together, haha!
It was only like $3 in the UK, I'll bet it's pricey here??

Anonymous said...

Here's a link about the horse project for all those interested:

http://www.horseproject.net/

Gotta love Portland :)

jess (of Get Sconed!) said...

Melissa - $3, wow! It's over $8 at food fight!


Chelsea - Thank you!! I didn't know the full extent. <3

Bianca said...

I'm not a big fan of the Galaxy Foods "cheeses". Definitely my least-fave. I like Follow Your Heart the best, but I've never tried Cheezly.

They stopped selling Tofutti slices at Wild Oats here...probably because of the hydrogenated oils.

But hey, I wouldn't complain if the faux cheese were free. Anything tastes good when it's free (well, except for meat...or real cheese...)