Myth-Busting & Mouth-Watering: Your Ultimate Vegan Update

Vegans, foodies, and the plant-curious, get ready for a feast of fantastic news! Dallas is transforming into a vegan hotspot this week with an array of mouthwatering events. From the enchanting Moonlight Dining's 5-course extravaganza to the game-changing Reducetarian Summit at the Fairmont, your calendar's about to get deliciously full.

Meanwhile, celebrity powerhouse Pamela Anderson is spicing up the cookbook scene, and American Airlines is taking oat milk to new heights (literally!). While we bid farewell to Costco's accidentally-vegan apple pie, there's innovation brewing across the pond with the UK's new vegan milk powder revolution.

We're also busting myths faster than you can say "protein deficiency" - from budget-friendly bean choices to wine-making secrets. And if that's not enough to satisfy your cravings, our heavenly apple turnover recipe might just make you forget traditional pastries ever existed!

Events for the upcoming week

• On Thursday, October 24 · 6 - 9pm CDT ,Moonlight Dining Presents: A 5-Course Vegan Dinner By Chef Leo & Chef Frank at 516 South Hampton Road Dallas, TX 75208. Tickets can be bought here.

• Reducetarian summit takes place at the from Fairmont hotel in Dallas from 25th to 27th October. It will be showcasing delicious plant based foods. If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so here.

• The Zend presents 5 course Moonlight dining by Chef Leo on the 26th October at 6pm in Justin TX. Details can be found here.

• Dallas Soul Food Festival takes place on Sunday, October 27 · 12 - 6pm CDT at Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery Street Dallas, TX 75215. Get your tickets here.

Myths and misconceptions about Veganism

There are several common misconceptions about veganism that often misrepresent the lifestyle and its principles. Here are some of the most prevalent ones:

Nutritional Myths

• Vegan Diets Lack Nutrients: There is widespread belief that vegan diets are inherently deficient in essential nutrients, particularly protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. While it's true that we need to be mindful about our nutrient intake, a well-planned vegan diet can provide all necessary nutrients. Many plant-based foods like beans and lentils are rich in protein, and supplements can address the B12 deficiency issue.

• All Vegans Are Unhealthy: Some assume that all vegans suffer from health issues due to their diet. However, most of us lead healthy lives by consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Health problems can arise from poor dietary choices regardless of whether one follows a vegan or omnivorous diet.

Ethical Misunderstandings

• Vegans Don't Care About Animal Welfare: Some believe that vegans are overly dogmatic or don't care about animals beyond their dietary choices. In reality, many vegans adopt this lifestyle out of deep compassion for animals and a desire to reduce suffering across all contexts, including clothing and entertainment.

Practical Misconceptions

• Veganism is Expensive: Many people think that adopting a vegan lifestyle is cost-prohibitive. In fact, staples like beans, rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables can be quite affordable. The perception often arises from the cost of specialized vegan products like extra charge for non dairy milk at your favorite coffee place.

• Vegans Can't Enjoy Food: There's a stereotype that vegans miss out on delicious food or have limited options. However, the variety of plant-based recipes available today showcases the creativity and diversity of vegan cuisine, allowing for flavorful and satisfying meals.
  

Weekly News

• Pamela Anderson a well known celebrity and activist has released her own plant based recipe book. It is not cheap but is loaded with a lot of recipes and beautiful pictures. check it out here.

• Our hometown airline is adding oat milk creamer as an option for your next in flight coffee fix. It is good to see non dairy options going main stream. Thank you AA.

• I didn’t know apple pie at Costco were vegan, well it looks like they changed the recipe and it is not vegan anymore. As they say, you win some you loose some.

• In this crowded marketplace of Vegan dairy alternative milks, a company in UK has come out with vegan milk powder. Interesting product, What do you think?

• Did you know some wines are not vegan due to the process of making wine? This article from decanter explains.

Recipe of the week

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Apple Turnover- A wonderful breakfast or dessert that you can eat guilt free.

Ingredients (makes at least 6-8 turnovers)
4 apples
1 can chickpeas (plus the chickpea liquid)
6 medjool dates
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup peanut butter powder
Pinch of salt
Water as needed
Rice paper

Toppings:
Maple syrup
Cinnamon

1. Chop apples into bite sized pieces.
2. Blend the chickpeas, with the aquafaba, dates, vanilla, peanut butter powder, salt and approx 1/4 cup water until smooth.
3. Add caramel and apples to a pan and heat over medium until the apples have softened. Add more water as needed.
4. Wet your rice paper and put 3 tbsp of apple mixture in the middle. Fold over. Pop into another rice paper and fold again. Now air fry or oven for 5-10 mins or until crispy. Smother in maple & cinnamon & enjoy!