The Harsh Reality (and REGRETS) of going VEGAN

In this episode I tell all the harsh realities and my biggest regret going vegan. We make the most insane ' chicken ' caesar salad, fresh dairy free parmesan, the most ridiculously delicious caesar dressing (can be oil free, gluten free and healthy), Banging sourdough croutons AND we celebrate Miss America's 4th birthday. Thanks for joining in.

The MOST DELICIOUS CHICKEN' CAESAR SATAY

The BEST (Dairy Free) PARMESAN
2 cups Hulled Hemp Seeds
2 cups Ground almonds / Almond Flour
½ cup pine nuts
2 cups nutritional yeast
4 tablespoon garlic, granulated
2 teaspoons white pepper
1 tablespoon, FLAKE salt

On medium heat, in large sauté pan, toast the hemp, almond flour and pine nuts. Be careful not to burn. Add in Nutritional yeast and seasonings, mix well, remove from heat, allow to cool completely before storing in airtight container.

PAINTED POTATOES:
Medium size potatoes, washed, cut in half.
Dijon Mustard
Olive oil
Salt & Pepper

Preheat oven to 200c / 400f
Add the half-cut potatoes to a medium sauce pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, drain.
Coat a baking sheet with a fair amount of olive oil, salt the pan, place the half cut potatoes face down, paint the top of the potatoes with Dijon. Roast for 20 minutes until done.

CAESAR SALAD DRESSING (vegan, dairy free)
3 tablespoons Tahini
1 or 2 Nori sheets, toasted
¼ Olive oil to drizzle in to thicken as needed
3 -4 tablespoon nutritional yeast or parmesan seasoning as shown in video
1 tablespoon Capers
1 teaspoon black peppercorns, ground
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Chickpea water from one can
3-4 tablespoons water or enough to thin to desired consistency

Optional to make creamier: Vegan mayo or vegan Greek yogurt

SOY CHUNKS ‘Vegan Chicken flavored’
1 -2 teaspoons Vegan Bouillon powder
Boiling water to rehydrate
Chicken flavor seasoning – I used pork sage and onion
Teaspoon Garlic, granulated
pinch of chili flakes
Olive oil

Optional: add extra butter (vegan), add fresh sage, rosemary or thyme sprigs for next level

SOURDOUGH CROUTONS

1 sourdough baguette, diced
Bbq seasoning
Garlic granulated
Chili flakes
Black pepper
Olive oil

Coat and season well, bake for 12 minutes on 200c / 400f (fan/convection) until toasted crunchy

SEARED ROMAINE
1 large romaine head, cut in half then wedges
Sear on hot pan.

Serve with the above. The condiments used in the video:
Diced tomato, shaved red onion, toasted Nori, lemon wedge, black pepper, chicken’ flavored soy chunks, croutons, vegan parm

[SauceStache]

AAAAHHH Derek!! Im so stoked you tried soy chunks and liked them!! They're good right?? hahah
And thanks for the link and shout! I appreciate you man!

[Julieveg]

I have been vegan for 40 years and I have never been so inspired by anyone’s recipes until I stumbled on your channel. Thank you for sharing and caring so much about animals. 💜

[Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

I finally went vegan at 49. It was instant. I looked at my dog one day and made the connection and never looked back.
She passed not long after but what a gift she gave me ❤
Happy birthday Frankie! ❤❤🎉🎉

[asexualatheist]

Aww, happy birthday, Frankie. I am 65 and have been vegan for eight months.

[goblingan]

Derek is my favorite vegan "influencer" because he actually discusses veganism in his videos. Almost every other "vegan" influencer sharing plant based recipes never brings up the animals.

[JaniceSkidmore]

I JUST DID THIS!!!! I no longer want to work for just any company to pay bills etc. I'm older so am supposed to be focused on retirement.. I was afraid to even THINK about it with all the "what ifs" and worries running through my mind. But my love for animals inspired me to leave fear behind and open a new business focused on vegan/vegetarian/no animal harm/plant based companies and it feels AMAZING! . I'm attending my first Vegan event this weekend as a vendor and I'm still creating my website! I don't have my own brand done! LOL! However, I don't care about perfection right now. I just want to help save animals from torture and murder. I want a job with purpose and real meaning. Thanks for another great video, Derek! OH and Happy Birthday, Frankie!

[mykneeshurt]

It took me twenty years to change from a meat only to plant based diet. I dislike vegitables and all fruit. It was a conscious effort that I struggled with weekly. Plants became my food source and it still amazes me. I cook, create and eat far more amazing meals than when I ate meat. Blows my mind, daily.

[Legume-eqsb]

Went vegan at 70. Five years later and after many failed attempts at making good tasting food I think I’m finally there! Thanks for all the tips! I love your food, your story and your pup. Happy birthday Frankie from Bodie, Zuma and Timmy❤

[MJibco]

I’m 13 years Vegan and was vegetarian since 1971.

[TisHotMessHistory]

This is so beautiful. I wish that all people could see animals as beings who want to live too.

[beagoodhuman]

I was a vegetarian for 23 years before I realized the harmful impacts from the dairy industry. I naively thought if I wasn't eating animal flesh the animals were alive and well...ugh the guilt. Almost 8 years ago on my 40th birthday I gave up all animal products and haven't looked back. I'm at peace knowing I am doing what I can to save lives and the environment.
I'm grateful I stumbled upon your challenge Derek. Thank you for the new skills I'm acquiring by learning from you. Much peace and many thanks.

[silvsilvsilv]

I feel like that "I wish I became vegan sooner" is universal amongst us all. But like they say: the best day to become vegan was 20+ years ago. The second best day to become vegan is today.

[kevinobrien]

The "hardest" part about trying to be WFPB is just convenience. I think your channel has made it much easier on me and my journey along with so many other wonderful content creators. I've been on a dietary journey since about 2016, got a stent in 2017 (at age 44) and have been on a path of better choices/better living ever since. I'm 53 now and I'm just learning how to cook thanks to YOU and so many others. Now I'm in LOVE with cooking, finding new options and feeling better about what I'm digesting.

Thank you Derek... love you man. I appreciate you.

HAPPY BIRTHDY MRS. AMERICA!!! You're beautiful!!!

[michaelolsen]

When I met my wife, my only interaction with veganism was secondhand derision at the idea of not eating "the main portion" of a meal. I made a friend at work who was vegetarian and they introduced me to eating a wider variety of veggies than just the mix bag from the frozen aisle. When I met my wife, she'd been vegan for 10 years. It changed how I viewed veganism and it pushed me to learn more about it. After getting married, I went to culinary school. Le Cordon Bleu is steeped in "tradition" which meant I didn't really learn alternative cooking but the good thing to come from school is methodology and technique.
In the years since I learned to cook, I've cooked in dozens of kitchens across the world. My relationship with plant based cooking has changed dramatically and now most of my meals are vegan/vegetarian depending on what we feel like that day. I don't think I'll ever be fully vegan but I am definitely flexitarian. Your videos have helped to elevate our vegan cooking (and even my non-vegan cooking) with greater flavor and better options. There's something fundamental that you provide that I don't know if it's intentional or not, but the mindset of applying the techniques learned in the industry to plant based ingredients has really opened up my eyes to how simple it can be to make the switch when planning meals. Thank you!

[jeanmorris]

Like you my biggest regret is that I didn’t become vegan sooner. 9 years almost now and will never change. I love cooking, it’s when I really chill out creating nice, nutritious food to eat, all grown never born, and never any secretions from abused animals either. 💚🌱

[summercameron]

I was a vegetarian from early age and when I became fully vegan a few years ago, my biggest surprise was how much more I enjoyed all phases of prepping, cooking, and being creative in the kitchen. Also, just in case anyone floats by here hoping to enhance their life, and the lives of others: my memory became sharper, my skin cleared up, and I have super woman-like energy now. I think the trick is that cooking, and eating had to become an integral part of my everyday routine for optimal health and well-bieng. Food and meals can no longer be an afterthought of my busy schedule. A lovely side effect of this change is that I go out less, save a ton of money, and look and feel my best. God bless Bodhisatva Sarno and all the beautiful animals! 💓 - Summer

[globaljobber]

I've been vegan for years, haven't eaten meat in 20 years. My family are vegan. We all live healthy lives, and our food is yummy. Don't miss out on anything re flavours, textures, etc. It's a myth you need to eat meat for enjoyment, health, whatever. Yawn. I am 60 now, and just rode 2000km on an ultra bike race - hmmm, how can that be? Where does he get his protein lol. We eat Indian, Italian, Chinese, whatever, and it's not difficult at all. Easy, peasy. End of.

[SherieRodrigues]

This is my putting 2 and 2 together my dear. I have a packet in the cupboard, tonight’s dinner. I’m 74, 8 years ago had the big “c”, so I changed my eating habits, never looked back and very happy I don’t feel the need to eat gorgeous animals that can’t speak for themselves. Thanks to you and others like you, it’s very easy, and impressive. Love you young man and Frankie of course. Hugs from Australia ❤❤

[gazzamuso]

I'm 14 years vegan this month. I love any time you speak passionately about the animals, you often make me cry ❤ it's great to have so many amazing vegan chefs available to watch now, and in particular seeing men choose to embrace that compassion and vulnerability. Thank you for sharing so much of your heart and soul with us all!

[FullyRawKristina]

Just here to say you're awesome and keep up the great work! Hope to have you and Chad visit Hawaii at some point! Would be so fun!