Subway's new vegetarian falafel sandwich

Having lived in both Chicago and San Francisco, I can't really complain about lack of vegan food options, though having gone vegetarian over two decades ago, I can say that I've seen a lot of changes. But not everyone lives in the big city, and even for those that do, options can be limited while traveling. However we may feel about large corporations versus small independent businesses, there's no doubt that large chain restaurants have a lot of bargaining power.

First there was the Burger King Veggie Burger. Then KFC Canada introduced the vegetarian chicken sandwich. Now, Subway in Canada (BC and Alberta only, for now) is offering a vegan falafel option. How great is that? The vegan falafel has long been on the menu in Chicago, and is specifically marketed towards vegetarians.

I've long dreamt of the day that Subway offers vegan mayonnaise and soy cheese (really, how hard can it be?), so maybe that dream is just a little bit closer to reality today. And all I have to do is move to Canada.

Canadians (or travelers!), have you tried the vegan falafel patty at Subway? What do you think? Ask them to send us Yanks some, will ya?

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Bulk bin bargains

Shop the bulk bins of your local natural food store for some healthy bargains. Forego the temptation to purchase expensive nuts and candies from the bulk bins, and stock up on staples such as whole grains, beans, spices and mixes. Need another reason to shop the bulk bins? There's zero packaging if you bring your own recycled or reused bags. The bulk bins are an environmentalist's dream! Here are my favorite foods to buy in bulk.

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Vegan Oatmeal Apple Crumble

Make a reduced fat vegan oatmeal and apple crumble for a simple vegan breakfast, brunch, or healthy dessert. With just a bit of sugar and vegan margarine for a sweet streusel topping, this is a quick and easy vegan apple crumble or apple crisp made with heart-healthy oatmeal.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples, peeled and chopped
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 - 4 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup melted margarine

Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a baking or casserole pan.

In a large skillet, cook the apples with 3 tablespoons of sugar and the maple syrup and water over medium heat for a few minutes until the water is gone. Sprinkle with lemon zest and set aside.

Combine the 1/3 cup of sugar, oatmeal, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Add the the melted margarine and stir to combine. Spread half of the oatmeal mixture to form a layer in the bottom of the baking pan. Add the cooked apples, then add the rest of the oatmeal mixture on top.

Bake for 35 minutes.

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Homemade tomato soup recipes

Judging from each week's most popular resources here on about.com, lots of people like vegetarian soups! Whether it's raw food soups, or bean soups, there's plenty of options if you're looking for something soothing to slurp.

Last week, I added a new option to the list - tomato soup, collecting all of my favorite tomato soup recipes in one place right here. When fresh and homemade, tomato soup is a great way to make sure you're getting your 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

Tomato Soup, 7 Healthy Ways

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Award-winning sweet potato veggie burgers

Check out these beautiful sweet potato veggie burgers! When the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission hosted a recipe contest, vegan blogger Nikki Haney stepped up to the task to create the winning entry - a vegan sweet potato veggie burger. Genius!

Even Oprah's people loved these burgers. Guest judge Kate Rockwood, Senior Editor at O Magazine, said, "This veggie burger rocked because it had a nice crust and firm texture. The sweet potato and kale layered sweet and bitter beautifully, and the onion topping was spot-on. This will be my go-to burger for spring." Congrats, Nikki!

I bet these would be delicious with a bit of barbecue sauce instead of ketchup. My mouth is watering.

Recipe link: Vegan sweet potato veggie burgers

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Viva el Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is a great excuse to whip up a batch of margaritas, chow down on some sizzling vegetarian fajitas (pictured at right), break out the sombreros and celebrate! Pop open a cerveza and try some of these vegetarian Cinco de Mayo party recipes. Or, if you're looking for a full Mexican meal instead of just party foods, scroll through a complete collection of vegetarian and vegan Mexican food recipes. The tantalizing spices are so flavorful that you won't even miss the meat, and, not to mention, many traditional Mexican foods are naturally meat-free. As a native Californian, Mexican food will always be my favorite comfort food, so you know I'll be indulging this Cinco de Mayo! Viva la!

Pictured above, right: Vegetarian "steak" substitute fajitas
Pictured left: Fresh lime margaritas, by Chelsie K., Mexican food guide

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Cinco de Mayo Party Recipes

What's a Cinco de Mayo party without some fabulous food? Being vegetarian doesn't mean giving up on some great appetizers, drinks and dishes to celebrate this Mexican holiday. Read on for some great dips, and even a Mexican-inspired dessert!

Make vegetarian fajitas with just a few simple ingredients and a few Mexican spices. Serve wrapped in a flour tortilla and topped with a spoonful of sour cream. Try making vegetarian fajtias with seitan (pictured) or try these easy mushroom fajitas.

No Cinco de Mayo party would be complete without some homemade guacamole. Try a black bean guacamole or a fiery guacamole with jalapeno peppers (pictured). Whichever guacamole recipe you try, be sure you are using a good quality avocado, because guacamole is all about the flavor of the avocado. Serve in a bowl next to your chili "cheese" dip and chips!

Fried plantains are a popular snack or breakfast treat in many parts of the world, but especially in Mexico and Latin America, so add them to your Cinco de Mayo party menu! Or, try this recipe for plantain chips from About.com's Guide to Mexican Food, Chelsie. These light and crispy chips can be used much like tortilla chips and are a sweet and slightly salty alternative to regular chips. Make sure to plan a dip for your plantain chips!

With just two pre-made ingredients, this recipe is super easy and super yummy, which are two of my favorite qualities in a recipe! Serve with in bowl with a plateful of corn tortilla chips for a quick, though not exactly authentic, appetizer. See also: Easy Cheesy Crock Pot Bean Dip

With just a few store-bought ingredients, you can whip up tehse little homemade vegetarian green chile and cheese flautas in no time at all. Perfect for a Cinco de Mayo appetizer or even as an entree. This recipe and photo comes from About.com's resident Mexican food expert, Chelsie.

What's a Cinco de Mayo party without margartias? Here's a few twists to the traditional mixes, which vegans in particular might enjoy:

• Coconut mango margaritas
• Avocado Margaritas (pictured)
• Low-carb, sugar-free margaritas
• Pomeganite passion fruit margaritas

Inspired by Mexican Hot Chocolate, made famous by the movie "Chocolat", this vegan recipe uses both cinnamon and cayenne to get a spicy chocolate flavor. Yum!

What's a party without drinks? This non-alcoholic agua fresca (fruuit water) recipe is light and refreshing - perfect for an afternoon spritzer or for the kids and teens at your party.

Not finding exactly what you're looking for? Check out lots more vegetarian and vegan Mexican food recipes here.

If your party needs a little something extra that you're not finding here on this list of vegetarian Cinco de Mayo foods, try scrolling through this collection of dozens of vegetarian and vegan appetizers, hors d' oeuvres and party food ideas, from a greasy vegetarian hot wings recipe to a more elegant balsamic and basil bruschetta and everything in between.

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