Rhymes With Vegan

a SPECIAL thanksgiving episode

Untitled from rhymes with vegan on Vimeo.

'rhymes with vegan' episode 1/ tofu kabobs

Rhymes With Vegan - Episode 1 - Tofu Kabobs from rhymes with vegan on Vimeo.

premiere party

 

last night's wine reception was a huge hit, with at least a hundred people attending the rhymes with vegan premiere event. vegan appetizers included buffalo tofu skewers with ranch dressing, edamame, mini sloppy joes, marinated tofu basil tomato bites, and vegan dessert bars. everyone had a great time.

meagan's appearance on fox's channel 9 in the morning went very well. meagan made her grandpa earl's stuffing and rosemary gravy, an
talked with the host about vegan cooking. if you'd like to watch the spot, click here.

prep day

today is prep day for the big events happening tomorrow. lots of cooking and decorating and polishing silver (does anyone really still do that?) will be going on today. tomorrow, however, will begin with a spot on channel 9 news, and conclude with a wine reception to launch the pilot episode of rhymes with vegan.

at 8:45 a.m.tomorrow, on channel 9 news eden prairie, mn,  meagan will be preparing her grandpa earl's stuffing and rosemary gravy, and talking about her cooking show and the evening reception. this is exciting news for anyone who believes in the the vegan lifestyle, and would like to see more mainstream media attention for such an important cause.

then from 5-8 p.m., at 2615 east franklin ave., meagan will be promoting the pilot episode of rhymes with vegan, amid homemade vegan appetizers and chilled white wine. refreshments will include toasted sesame edamame, vegan mini joes, buffalo tofu with creamy vegan ranch dressing, kabobs of cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette-marinated tofu cubes, vegan dessert bars, and coffee provided by peace coffee.

come join us at the animal rights coalition storefront tomorrow night, have a glass of wine, sample some of meagan's vegan cooking, and check out the pilot episode of rhymes with vegan.

HEY KIDS!!! grilled peanut butter sandwiches with no-chicken noodle soup

 

cooking vegan recipes that kids like can be a challenge. 'no-chicken' noodle soup with grilled peanut butter sandwiches will hit the spot. just like mom made, but the vegan version, will make memories that they will take with them to adulthood. dip the grilled sandwich into the soup for a warm soupy bite of goodness.

no-chicken noodle soup

2 handfuls of fettucine noodles - broken into 1/4ths
2 32 oz. boxes no-chicken broth (Imagine brand)
4 cups vegetable and onion broth (made with bullion cubes)
5 carrots, peeled and sliced
5 ribs celery, sliced
1 pkg. extra firm tofu,(wildwood is great), diced
3 cloves garlic, diced
1 T. old bay seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste
2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped, wrapped in cheesecloth (bouquet garni)
1 bayleaf

bring a pot of water to boil, and cook carrots and celery for about 10 minutes, to al-dente. drain.

saute tofu in olive oil and garlic, salt and pepper, in a skillet until lightly browned. bring broth to boil in large stockpot, add vegetables and bouquet garni of thyme (bundled herbs and spices in cheesecloth). bring to boil, add noodles, boil for 10 minutes, or until al dente. remove bouquet garni and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. serve with grilled peanut butter sandwiches. (serves 8-10)

grilled PB sandwich

2 slices of your favorite bread slathered with Earth Balance on both sides

smear with your favorite creamy peanut butter

toss on a hot pan and grill til both sides are deep brown and the peanut butter is gooey

(don't forget to dip it right into your soup!)

fame

 Lights! Camera! Action!

Rhymes with Vegan creator and host, Meagan Holtgrewe, will be featured on Fox 9 News Live at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, November 21. During this five-minute segment, Meagan will do a vegan cooking demonstration and talk about her new online cooking show, Rhymes with Vegan! This segment promises to be fun, upbeat, and informative!!

Rhymes with Vegan will premiere online on November 22, 2008, and can be viewed at Rhymes with Vegan, or at Animal Rights Coalition.

Be sure to tune in on Friday and we hope to see you at the premiere!!!

juicy tomatoes

"I love this show because it has fun, professional looking editing and a cool not-too-crunchy soundtrack. Plus, Meagan has some pretty obvious knife skills and it’s always fun to watch vegans wielding weapons." Post Punk Kitchen, Jan.15, 2009

"The show itself is unique, utilizing ambient music, playful camera tricks and the artsy approach of scribbling the menu on pieces of cardboard beforehand. With her neighborly Minnesotan accent
and informal, personable style of dress and language, Holtgrewe’s animated on-screen presence
ranks high on the likeability scale."  The Bridge, Jan., 2009

" Good production values, great music and Holtgrewe's engaging manner combine to make this a local asset." Minneapolis Star Tribune, Dec. 24, 2008

"The pilot episode holds its own against any programming found on the Food Network, complete with veggie chopping scene cuts, explanations of potentially confusing ingredients artfully written on a brown bag, and the ever–popular party montage at the end." Minneapolis City Pages, Nov. 12, 2008

"Come celebrate the premiere of Rhymes with Vegan, a virtual vegan cooking show featuring Minneapolis native Meagan (rhymes with "vegan") Holtgrewe. Watch the pilot, have a glass of wine and sample Meagan's uber-nummy vegan appetizers." Minneapolis Metro Magazine, Nov. 15, 2008

" Delicious. Absolutely delicious. Meagan, lovin' that."Channel 9 host, Nov. 21, 2008

"With 'Rhymes With Vegan', Holtgrewe set out to do something that was grassroots and local, utilizing a Minneapolis-based film crew and musicians to help put the premiere episode together, The show has visual style, and a hip, edgy flair." Twin Cities Edge Life, Dec., 2008

"Meagan is very likable, and when watching her, she just reminds you of all the cool friends you have mixed into one - cooking great Vegan foods & making you drool on your keyboard. She shares a lot of information, and is a great mentor for those getting into Veganism. Great looking recipes on her blog, too." flippin vegan blog, Jan., 2009

"This recipe is fabulous and the first vegan recipe I have ever tried. This (no-chicken chili) was absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to try many more of your recipes in the near future. Thanks again!" Carly, Nov.12, 2008

"The recipe of Creamy Potato Leek Soup was awesome! I made it last Sunday and (am) still eating it , I am so glad about (the) large portion (it) make(s) : )))   It is so delcious!  Many thanks!   Holly, Nov. 18, 2008

"I was lucky enough to eat one of these (vegan chicken chimichanga) last night and YUM is that delicious!! Love the verde! " Erin, Oct. 24, 2008

"WOW! Amazing recipe. I made this dish for dinner. SO GOOD! I had left over potatoes, beans and tomato sauce so I added it to my tofu and soyrizo scramble the next morning... I can't even describe what a delicious breakfast it was. Thanks for the great meals!" Jade, Dec. 5, 2009

city pages review

'rhymes with vegan' pilot episode has just gotten its first great review. minneapolis' city pages has written that "the pilot episode holds its own against any programming found on the Food Network, complete with veggie chopping scene cuts, explanations of potentially confusing ingredients artfully written on a brown bag, and the ever–popular party montage at the end."

check out the entire article on the city pages blog here. and stop by the reception on november 21 anytime between 5 and 8, and watch this exciting pilot of 'rhymes with vegan'.

episode 2

 
this weekend was set aside for filming episode two of 'rhymes with vegan', which will be available for viewing along with the pilot on november 22, 2008. this show will feature a vegan thanksgiving menu, with traditional recipes that are ideal for taking to family holiday gatherings. familiar favorites such as green bean casserole, sausage stuffing, scalloped corn, and rosemary gravy, will be prepared and served up vegan style. stay tuned for the unveiling of this informing seasonal episode, as well as the complete recipes on this website and our youtube page. happy no-turkey day!